Program Details
Bachelor of Science, Major in Biotechnology
Bachelor of ScienceJames Madison University
Biotechnology at JMU is a 4-year interdisciplinary major leading to a B.S. degree. The program is shared among the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT). Students undertake a rigorous curriculum rich with hands-on laboratory experiences, critical analyses of both the "how" and the "why" of biotechnological solutions, and the development of transferable skills to keep up in a rapidly changing field. The combination of both scientific/technical depth and cross-disciplinary breadth allow graduates to pursue diverse career paths in industry, government and advanced studies.
Biotechnology majors must complete 47-50 credit hours of science foundation courses, 17 credit hours of biotechnology transition and core courses, and 15 credit hours of elective courses. Each student works with an assigned academic adviser to develop an individualized portfolio of upper level course work to best meet her/his unique interests and goals. Advanced courses are selected from an extensive list of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, ISAT, Engineering, and Mathematics and Statistics offerings. Up to six credits of undergraduate research or internship experiences can be applied to the upper level electives requirement.
Students are eligible for a General Business Minor. Students may not receive dual credit toward the Biotechnology major for 300- and 400-level Biology courses that are applied toward the Biology major. Biotechnology majors are not eligible for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Minor.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Biotechnology is an inherently interdisciplinary major. Students take traditional STEM coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, math, and physics. Beyond this, they are extensively cross-trained in areas such as bioinformatics, bioethics, regulation and policy, and innovation systems. Communication, project management, holistic problem solving, and systems thinking are other noteworthy hallmarks of our program. Learning-by-doing is another priority. It is common for our students to take 2-3 hands-on laboratory courses every semester while in the program. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students are encouraged to come to JMU with introductory level biology, chemistry, and physics coursework completed. Doing so will propel a transfer student into the more biotech-specific intermediate level coursework at JMU.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Biotech students enjoy a wide variety of electives in Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Sciences, Engineering, and Math and Statistics. Minors in General Business, Computer Science, Pre-Professional Health (e.g., Pre-med), Interdisciplinary Honors Studies, and Science Technology and Society appeal to many students. Real-world experiences set graduates up for advanced degree programs (~50% of grads) and industry jobs (~50% of grads). Approximately 75% of Biotech students participate in an extended mentored research experiences with faculty at JMU or beyond. Industrial internships with partners such as Merck & Co. are also abundant and encouraged. Multiple biotech/biology-focused student organizations help bring Biotech students together to explore career opportunities and build professional networks. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Recent Biotech graduates speak highly of the program: 95% of recent Biotech grads were glad that they chose the major and would recommend it to another student with similar interests. One hundred percent of students reported that their Biotech faculty were 'on their side and wanted them to do well. Recent graduates are pursuing Ph.D., Master's, and Professional Health degrees at places like Johns Hopkins University, Harvard, Georgetown University, Boston University, Northwestern University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Others have gotten jobs with Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson, Booz Allen Hamilton, GENEWIZ, and AstraZeneca. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | Biotechnology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Clinical Lab Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19-1029.01 | Bioinformatics Scientists | Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 25-1042.00 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-1029.00 | Biological Scientists, All Other | All biological scientists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1029.04 | Biologists | Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
| 19-1029.03 | Geneticists | Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1029.02 | Molecular and Cellular Biologists | Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete