What Will I Learn in a Biotechnology Degree Program?

If you're torn between an interest in the latest computer and software technology and a love of biology, this degree program offers studies that are a pairing of the two. Biotechnology is used in such diverse fields as textile manufacturing and forensic science, and people who study it will find that there are numerous ways to customize their education to their long term career goals. Although there are some undergraduate programs in biotechnology, it is very often a graduate degree program completed after a student has studied chemistry, biology or computer science. Students can expect to learn about the latest breakthroughs in the field and not only study existing projects and research, but conduct their own in a laboratory setting.

MS in Biotechnology

What Can I Do With a Biotechnology Degree?

Uses for a biotechnology degree will be limited by the level of education a student has completed. Some certification and associate's programs are available, which will help grads find work in laboratories as assistants, performing basic testing and preparation for research. Ideally, students will earn master's or doctoral degrees in the field as it is at this level that they will find the greatest number of positions available to them. Students can stay in academia and work as professors and researchers or branch out into the business world. There are opportunities to apply biotechnology to a wide range of fields, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, genetics, materials science and criminal justice.

What Is the Career Outlook for Biotechnology Degree Students?

The field of biotechnology is expected to expand rapidly over the coming decade as businesses look for new ways to make products last longer, be more durable and provide additional nutrition. Careers in business and industry will offer the most opportunities, but work in academia, government research and investigation will prove promising as well. Earnings for biotechnology experts will differ depending on specialization and level of education. For example, geneticists, who work largely for the federal government and private testing facilities and generally need doctoral degrees, can expect to make an average of $49,000 a year. Those working in agricultural research—who also often have doctoral degrees—can make more, averaging $52,000.