Biotechnology - B.S. Download to print

The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology provides a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and chemistry, practical training in the various biotechnologies and a solid understanding of their application in industry and biomedicine. The science of biotechnology extends across many areas of biology and chemistry and provides cutting-edge technology tools for modern biology and biomedical research. The curriculum includes a research experience at Kent State and/or an internship at a biotechnology company. Biotechnology graduates have employment opportunities in biomedical research and in the rapidly growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Students completing a Bachelor of Science degree in biotechnology may be employed in a variety of settings or they may go on to advanced study in a number of different disciplines. Biotechnology graduates may work in basic research and development exploring fundamental mechanisms and answering questions about biological systems. Others may work in an applied research setting in which researchers set out to solve specific problems in agriculture, environmental or medical fields. Others may work in biomanufacturing in which biological products are produced for human use, often in large-scale production facilities.

The United States biotechnology industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting biotechnology research and experimental development. Biotechnology research and experimental development involves the study of the use of microorganisms and cellular and biomolecular processes to develop or alter living or non-living materials. This research and development in biotechnology may result in new processes or in prototypes of new or genetically-altered products that may be reproduced, utilized or implemented by various industries.

The prospects for employment in the biotechnology industry continue to be very good. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, biotechnological research and development should continue to drive much faster than average employment growth. Biotechnology graduates will find employment in commercial research and development laboratories in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, or in hospital, university and government research laboratories. Biotechnology careers can include laboratory technician, biologist, research scientist, process supervisor, research specialist, research and development scientist, process development technician, quality control technician, bioinformatics analyst and others.

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
 

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 overall GPA and 2.000 major GPA.
 

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge and information gained from coursework to complex issues in biotechnology and develop problem solving and data gathering skills required to comprehend issues in biotechnology.
2. Develop inductive reasoning and technical communications skills in the context of working in a complex group environment.
3. Gain experience analyzing scientific papers and expand skills for listening to and critiquing scientific seminars based on the literature or current research. Develop presentation skills using presentation software and develop verbal skills in communicating scientific information.
4. Apply knowledge and information gained from coursework to a research environment and develop collaborative working relationships with research mentors and laboratory members.