What is Biotechnology?
To major in biotechnology is to major in both biology and engineering. Students who choose biotechnology learn how to engineer organisms and living matter. Biotechnology students study growth hormones in agriculture, fruit flies in outer space, and vaccines for children. Biotechnology is putting the life sciences to practical use. Biotechnology can be a 4-year degree, 2-year degree, or certificate program.
Is Biotechnology a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you really, really love science? Do you like to spend hours looking through a microscope? Do you enjoy critical thinking? Are you a problem solver? Do you like to design things? Do you enjoy research? If you’ve answered yes to some of these questions, then a degree in biotechnology might be for you!
High School Classes Needed for a Biotechnology Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 4 Math Credits
- 4 Lab Science Credits
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers any of the following courses, take advantage!
- AP Computer Science
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Physics
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Calculus
- AP Statistics
- If your high school offers any of the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage!
- Summer Research Internships
- Debate Team
Common Biotechnology Courses in College:
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology and the Environment
- Biotechnology in Agriculture
- Business of Biotechnology
- Calculus I & II
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Data Analysis
- Ecology and Evolution
- Ethics of Biotechnology
- Genetics and Development
- Intro to Biotechnology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Organic Chemistry
- Organisms
- Physics
- Statistics
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Biology: the study of living organisms
- Biochemistry: the study of the chemical processes occurring in organisms
- Bioengineering / Biomedical Engineering: the study of how to use engineering to solve health and medical problems
- Chemical Engineering: the study of math and science as it applies to production
- Environmental Engineering: a major that teaches students to design, create, and implement practical solutions to environmental problems
- Mathematics: the study of the measurement and properties of and the relationships between quantities and sets
- Marine Biology: the study of the plants and animals that live in or near the ocean
- Microbiology: the study of microorganisms
- Pharmacy: the science of preparing, dispensing, and utilizing medical drugs
- Premed: a course of study that is not a major in and of itself, but prepares students to go on to medical school
- Statistics: the study of the collection, organization, and interpretation of numerical data
- Zoology: the scientific study of animals
Biotechnology Careers:
People who have studied biotechnology have gone on to work as:
- Biomedical Researchers
- Biotechnology Engineers
- Biotechnology Lab Technicians
- Biotechnology Researchers
- Environmental Safety Specialists
- Forensic Scientists
- Pharmaceutical Researchers
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