The emerging biotechnology industries are involved in developing products to maintain biodiversity, restore soil and water quality, develop new pharmaceuticals to combat disease, decrease our dependence on nonrenewable resources, and improve food and fiber production. Students interested in microbiology, animal or plant science, biochemistry, and animal or human medicine will find challenging careers in the diverse areas of biotechnology in either an academic or industrial setting. Students successfully completing a biotechnology curriculum will also be prepared to enter graduate or medical professional schools for further study.
The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary degree offered by the College of Agriculture. Students will pursue a basic science curriculum the first two years and then choose an area of emphasis in plant, animal or microbial systems for the junior/senior years. Depending on the option chosen, students will be advised by participating faculty in the Colleges of Agriculture and Letters and Science.