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.

Career opportunities

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.