Biotechnology
Program overview
Biotechnology is grounded in the life sciences, chemistry, and advanced technology.
KU offers a bachelor's degree in biotechnology as well as a minor through the School of Professional Studies. It is a degree-completion program that may directly launch a career in biotechnology or put students on a pre-health path.
A KU bachelor’s degree in biotechnology offers a strong background in genetics, microbiology, cellular biology, and biochemistry, as well as hands-on lab experience. Biotech scientists use biological systems and technology expertise to solve scientific challenges that affect society, like putting biological molecules such as DNA or proteins to work in useful and groundbreaking ways.
Graduates are also well prepared to go directly into industry, starting a career with biotech and life sciences companies in clinical, pharmaceutical, or bio-manufacturing fields.
The biotechnology program offers internships within academia or industry and a hands-on curriculum with real-world application that focuses on workforce readiness, functional laboratory skills, training, and practical experience in leadership, project management, and regulatory science.
Courses are designed to draw upon students’ scientific knowledge to solve problems, emphasizing critical thinking and practical application. Students can tailor the degree plan, including adding a minor, to align with their educational and career goals.
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.
Biotechnology Career Outlook
The field of biotechnology includes a variety of in-demand professions, including medical healthcare, veterinary healthcare, immunology, and animal science. It may also lead to careers in clinical research, medical health services management, natural sciences management, organizational management, and more.
Potential Careers
Medical scientists
Quality control systems managers
Clinical research coordinators
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
Biochemists and biophysicists
Biomedical engineers
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
A biotech scientist’s duties might include:
- Creating vaccines to combat debilitating diseases
- Discovering novel antibiotics from biological sources
- Developing assays to diagnose complex clinical diseases
- Developing drought and pesticide resistant crops to aid in food production
- Using forensic science to analyze samples to help solve criminal investigation
- Helping reduce industrial waste by creating cleaner manufacturing processes
According to data from Lightcast, 77% of alumni from KU's biotechnology-related undergraduate programs are employed in their field of study, and 92% reside in the Kansas City metro area.
Graduates have pursued careers at Kansas City institutions and organizations such as the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, KU Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City Kansas Crime Laboratory, Clinical Reference Laboratories and Quintiles, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Degree Statistics
Helpful statistics for positions requiring a Biotechnolgy or similar degree*
Degree Statistics
*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU program or its graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the Biotechnology program
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