Biotechnology

Program overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is grounded in biological sciences, chemistry, and advanced technology and employs biological systems to solve scientific challenges that affect society.

KU offers a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, as well as three distinctive, career-focused minors through the School of Professional Studies. Students must select one of the following minors to complete the degree:

• Discovery and Innovation in Biotechnology — Explore groundbreaking techniques, develop laboratory skills, and prepare for roles in research, development, or biotech industries.
• Forensic Science — Dive into applied science in criminal justice, you will learn techniques used to inventory and analyze crime scene evidence, identify suspects, solve criminal investigations, and support the science behind these processes.
• Pre-health Professions — Build a strong foundation for graduate study in medical, dental, physician’s assistant, and other health-related professional programs.

Depending on your career goals, all options provide hands-on work in a laboratory environment with biotechnology equipment, instruments, and techniques.

This is a degree-completion program that may directly launch a career in biotechnology or criminal analysis, or put you on a path to graduate school for a health-related program.

Real-world learning. Real-world impact.

• Perform molecular biology and biochemical analysis
• Research experimental design and laboratory techniques
• Research project management and regulatory science
• Lead and problem-solve in a scientific environment
• Inventory and analyze crime scene evidence
• Prepare for graduate or medical/professional school

Biotechnology graduates are also well prepared to go directly into their industry by starting a career with biotech and life sciences companies in clinical, pharmaceutical, or biomanufacturing fields.

Through a hands-on capstone project, you’ll graduate with more than just knowledge. You’ll have tangible experience and finished work you can showcase to employers or include in graduate school applications. These experiences help demonstrate your skills, problem-solving abilities, and readiness to contribute to professional lab settings, health care environments, research institutions, and beyond. In competitive job markets and graduate admissions, you won’t just meet the bar — you’ll rise above it.

The SPS biotech program offers several ways to get involved before you apply and enroll in classes. Opportunities include high school class visits, Biotech Day, the research apprentice program, and more.