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“One feature I love about the biotechnology industry is how rapidly it is developing and changing. Fifty years ago, there was no such thing as a biotechnology company.”
– Cary Lai, PhD, Professor and Director of the Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology Program, University of San Francisco (USF)
Biotechnology is about hacking the elements of life. Biotechnologists can develop new products that improve the world around us by manipulating cellular and biomolecular processes.
This may sound like the future—and it is—but it’s also a critical part of the past. Biotechnology is over 6,000 years old, dating back to the creation of bread, cheese, and preserved dairy products. From that tasty history, biotechnology has come a long way, and it’s now manipulating genetic makeup to reduce disease, harnessing biomass to cleanly fuel the world, and transforming agricultural processes in productive and sustainable ways.
Those wanting to bring old-world concepts into cutting-edge research and development can look forward to thriving career opportunities in biotechnology. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the demand for biological technicians, a similar career to biotechnologists, is projected to grow at a rate of 3 percent between 2024 and 2034 (BLS 2025).
Comparing the two positions, biological technicians typically have a bachelor’s degree and fewer years of experience than biotechnologists, who often have advanced degrees and more work experience. Therefore, aspiring biotechnologists are recommended to seek out biological technician opportunities and choose to further their education and earn leadership positions as biotechnologists as their careers progress.
Biotechnology is an expansive field. In 2024, the global biotech industry generated approximately $1.55 billion in revenue, and bioscience firms in the US employ nearly 400,000 people. A search for biotechnology jobs will reveal various roles, from laboratory scientists and research associates to quality assurance professionals and manufacturing specialists.
Many biotechnologists choose to work in biopharmaceutical production, and others work in areas like food science, cosmetics manufacturing, biofuel optimization, or genetic manipulation. With applications as broad as the imagination, biotechnology plays a critical role in shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more interesting future.
Meet the Expert: Cary Lai, PhD
Dr. Cary Lai is a professor and director of the professional science master’s in biotechnology program at the University of San Francisco (USF). He integrates science lectures, laboratory training, and bioentrepreneurship courses to help students advance their careers in the biotechnology field.
Dr. Lai received his bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He earned his PhD in molecular and cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at MIT, where he performed genomic analysis of Drosophila DNA replication, and subsequently worked at two biotechnology companies: Genentech and LakePharma.
At Genentech, he helped discover genes involved in cilia function and contributed to research that supported the development of the cancer drug vismodegib. He later served as the head of commercial operations and as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for LakePharma, a biotechnology contract research organization that works on recombinant protein production and antibody engineering.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about biotechnology?
Dr. Lai: When most people think about jobs in the biotechnology industry, they probably imagine research scientists conducting experiments in laboratories. While it is true that many of the people who work in biotech are researchers, the industry also employs a large number of individuals on the business end. These employees may have titles such as project manager or business development associate. They frequently have backgrounds in both business and science. While they do not work in the lab themselves, they work with the scientists on a regular basis and are expected to understand both the business and the science behind the company’s products.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring biotechnologists?
Dr. Lai: As is the case in many industries, the hardest job to get in biotechnology is usually your first. The key to finding your first position (and many positions later in your career) is networking.
Make sure to have a LinkedIn profile and connect with as many people as you can. Attend industry events such as conferences, happy hours, and speaker talks and introduce yourself to industry professionals that you meet. Join biotechnology student and professional organizations.
The first biotechnology job you get will likely not be through an application that you submit on a company or job search website, but instead from a position that you hear about from one of your connections.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What drew you to the field of biotechnology, and what has kept you passionate about it?
Dr. Lai: One feature I love about the biotechnology industry is how rapidly it is developing and changing. Fifty years ago, there was no such thing as a biotechnology company. Scientists can complete experiments in days that may have taken years to complete 20 years ago, with the development of technology such as next-generation sequencing.
Every year, there are new experiments and technologies developed to make research faster and better. For our biotechnology program at USF, we find that we need to update our curriculum every year to keep up with changes in the industry. This is a challenge, but is very exciting as well.
Step-By-Step Guide To Becoming a Biotechnologist
Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Four years)
After graduating from high school, an aspiring biotechnologist must earn a bachelor’s degree. While it is possible to pursue this career with an undergraduate degree in one of the life sciences or a related engineering area, the most linear pathway is to major in biotechnology.
Admissions requirements for undergraduate programs vary from school to school but generally include some combination of the following: a competitive high school GPA (3.0 or greater), SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online bachelor of science (BS) program in biotechnology. While all classes are available online, the overall requirements may include an onsite component. Applicants are expected to have already gained technical and scientific knowledge of biotechnology through transferable credit and practical experience.
Graduates of this program will be able to find solutions to global issues such as food insecurity, bioremediation, and the SARS-COV-2 virus (Covid-19). Combining applied coursework and laboratory skills with a biotechnology internship experience and upper-level study, the program’s curriculum prepares students for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, and more.
The UMGC curriculum includes classes such as inquiries in biological science; molecular and cellular biology; bioinformatics; laboratory management and safety; and general microbiology. The program consists of 120 credits, and students can transfer up to 90 credits which may be completed in four years.
- Location: Adelphi, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
Indiana University, Bloomington
Indiana University, Bloomington offers a rigorous on-campus BS in biotechnology. Designed to give fundamental training in basic scientific principles and specific training in advanced topics, graduates are prepared for either immediate employment or further advanced study.
In addition to general education and core curriculum requirements, students take 36 credits of upper-division classes, including molecular biology; societal issues in biotechnology; structure, function, and regulation of biomolecules; organic chemistry; and the theory and applications of biotechnology. The program consists of 120 credits and may be completed in four years.
- Location: Bloomington, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
Northeastern University offers a bachelor of science program in biotechnology that includes advanced courses in proteomics, bioinformatics, genomics, pharmaceutical processing, biotechnology, quality control and validation, biomaterials, and more. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to pursue careers as research associates in biotechnology or biopharma or to launch careers in life sciences.
Additionally, the on-campus “Plus One Accelerated Program” at Northeastern University offers a combined BS/MS degree which students can apply for at the undergraduate level. This program includes experiential learning opportunities and biotechnology and pharmaceutical processing courses, analytical chemistry, and microbiology.
In addition, students attending Middlesex Community College can apply for scholarships and transfer coursework from a two-year to a bachelor’s and later a master’s level program through the Biotechnology A2M Scholars Program.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four to five years
Step Two: Gain Practical Work Experience (Optional, Timeline Varies)
After earning their bachelor’s degrees, many aspiring biotechnologists gain some practical work experience before determining the course of their career. Entry-level jobs, internships, and fellowships allow one to put their newly learned skills into practice, build a professional network, and sift out which niche of biotechnology to pursue.
Work experience is often the best education on the market, and some employers may even subsidize further graduate-level education. Job and internship openings are best found through professional networks such as LinkedIn and Indeed.
Step Three: Earn a Certificate or Master’s Degree In Biotechnology (One to Three Years)
After earning their bachelor’s degrees and gaining some practical work experience, many biotechnologists elect to earn a master’s degree or a graduate certificate. While it’s not a requirement for all types of work that a biotechnologist may pursue, many biotechnology job postings require a graduate-level degree.
A master’s degree or graduate certificate can boost one’s resume and professional network and cement one’s expertise in a particular niche. Application requirements for master’s programs vary from school to school. Generally, they include some combination of the following: a competitive undergraduate GPA (3.0 or greater), letters of recommendation, work experience, GRE scores, and a personal statement.
The University of San Francisco offers a professional science master’s degree program in biotechnology. This program boasts a 96 percent job placement or PhD program enrollment rate and is situated at the heart of the Bay Area, home to numerous biotechnology companies and opportunities.
Classes are held three days per week, beginning in the afternoon. Courses include instruction in global and US regulatory affairs, molecular biology, legal-social-ethical biotech, bioinnovation management, and bioinformatics, among others.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Temple University’s biotechnology graduate certificate program is geared toward biotechnology professionals wanting to advance their careers. This 12-credit program offers academic credentials that students can complete in one or two semesters.
Topics covered include technologies related to nucleic acid sequencing, the manipulation of microbes, and issues surrounding advances in genetics and genomics. Students can take this program part- or full-time, and courses can be applied to related graduate degree programs in bioinformatics and biotechnology.
Course options include environmental biotechnology; analytical biotechnology; ethics regulation and policy in biotechnology; nucleic acid technologies; microbial biotechnology; and biotechnology laboratory.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two semesters
Northeastern University offers an MS in biotechnology that can be completed entirely online. In addition to a biotechnology core, the curriculum allows students to choose from several different concentrations: agricultural biotechnology; biodefense; biopharmaceutical technologies and analytics; biotechnology operations; and interdisciplinary. Students can complete the program at part-time or full-time enrollment in two to three years. Notably, some concentrations require a two-week Boston residency.
This 34-credit program includes core courses such as foundations in biotechnology; biotechnology lab skills; the biotechnology enterprise; scientific communication and problem-solving in biotechnology; protein principles in biotechnology; cell culture applications for biopharmaceuticals; molecular approaches in biotechnology; and experimental design and biostatistics.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
Johns Hopkins University has an MS in biotechnology program that students can complete online or in person at one of two Maryland campuses. Students may choose a generalist track or specialize in one of six concentrations: biodefense; bioinformatics; biotechnology enterprise; molecular target and drug discovery; regulatory affairs; or regenerative and stem cell technologies.
The ten-course curriculum is thesis-optional and includes courses such as emerging applications in biotechnology; the biotechnology enterprise; advanced cell biology; and cellular signal transduction. Students can complete the program in one to three years with part-time or full-time enrollment.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 36 months
Step Four: Earn a PhD In Biotechnology (Optional, Four to Seven Years)
While it’s not a requirement to practice, some biotechnologists choose to earn a doctoral degree—especially if their interests lie in academia, leadership, or research. Doctoral programs in biotechnology are often highly individualized and include several years of advanced study, teaching requirements, and a culminating thesis.
Admission requirements vary from program to program but generally include some combination of the following: a competitive GPA in the previous degree (3.0 or greater), letters of recommendation, work experience, a personal statement, GRE scores, and in-person interviews. Do note that in many cases, a master’s degree is not needed for acceptance into a PhD program; in some cases, students can combine the two degrees.
Clarkson University in New York State offers an Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology PhD program. Once admitted to this 90-credit program, students can specialize in one of four areas: molecular bioscience and biotechnology; biomedical sciences and neuroscience; computational biology and bioinformatics; or ecology, evolution, and the environment.
This program is delivered in hybrid and on-campus formats. To be considered for admission, applicants must have a four-year degree in biology or a related field with at least three semesters of biology, four semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics, and two semesters of mathematics.
- Location: Potsdam, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to six years
Emory University provides a PhD program through the Molecular and Systems Pharmacology (MSP) graduate program. In the first year of the PhD curriculum, students engage in research through laboratory rotations and take classes in the principles of pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, and cell biology. After that, students can opt to specialize in toxicology and a chemistry-biology interface program.
Applicants must submit an application to the graduate school, pay an application fee, and provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and transcripts. Once accepted to the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, students receive stipend support, tuition scholarships, and health insurance subsidies.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to six years
Tufts University has a PhD program in biotechnology engineering at its Massachusetts campus. Offered through the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the program is heavily focused on research, with coursework in biochemistry and cellular metabolism; biochemical engineering; molecular biology; protein purification; and the principles of cell and microbe cultivation.
PhD students must also complete one to three teaching assistant assignments, participate in the departmental seminar series, pass an oral and written qualifying exam, and defend a final thesis.
- Location: Medford, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to six years
Step Five: Join a Professional Society (Optional, Timeline Varies)
After a biotechnologist has completed their journey through academia and gained practical experience, the final step is to join a professional society.
Professional societies in biotechnology can congregate around a particular industry niche (e.g., agriculture, biopharmaceuticals) or act as interdisciplinary points of connection and collaboration. In addition, many professional societies host conferences, push for advocacy issues, foster professional networks, provide opportunities for continuing education, and publicize developments in the industry at large.
While joining a professional society isn’t a requirement for biotechnologists, it’s an essential step in helping the industry progress. Check out the list of professional resources at the end of this article.
Professional Certification for Biotechnologists
Having a professional certification serves several purposes. It shows employers that a job seeker is professionally committed to high-quality work and continuing education. In addition, since biotechnologist positions require laboratory work, having a standardized professional lab certification is an official way to show that one has the necessary skills for a job.
Biotechnologist certification may be required to work in some states, so job-seeking biotechnologists need to research before applying. Lastly, certification can provide continuing education or serve as a credential for leadership positions.
Since biotechnology workplaces range from manufacturing to agriculture, certifications vary widely. However, here are some certification programs for biotechnologists.
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC): This organization is the oldest and largest certification body for laboratory professionals, with over 600,000 people certified. Many biotechnology professionals offer many certifications and find the medical laboratory science (MLS) certification an ideal place to begin.
There are multiple routes to eligibility, and once an MLS has been earned, biotechnologists can prove their specialization knowledge by earning additional certificates in molecular and microbiology.
Center for Professional Innovation and Education (CfPIE): CfPIE provides technical training for pharmaceutical biotech, medical device, and skin & cosmetics professionals. Offering more than 350 classes a year, CfPIE has 80 course titles to choose from.
Aspiring professionals in these industries can take in-person or online classes and earn certifications such as Biopharmaceutical Development Certified Professional and Medical Device Compliance Professional.
Helpful Resources For Biotechnologists
Biotechnology is a constantly evolving and relevant field. If you want to listen in on high-level biotechnology conversations and learn how it applies to today’s world, check out some resources below.
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
- International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA)
- International Society for Biosafety Research (ISBR)
- Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB)
- Journal of Biotechnology
