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Biotechnology (B.S.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Biotech harnesses the power of living systems in plants, animals, and microbes to develop new processes and products to improve lives.

This interdisciplinary program helps prepare students in fundamental sciences so that they may successfully compete for career opportunities in the growing life sciences industries. Graduates with expertise in biotechnology fill increasing demand from employers utilizing technologies such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, reproductive intervention and biomass conversion in a variety of applications, such as vaccine and pharmaceutical development, agronomic seed production, livestock breeding, genetic diagnostic testing, identity and parentage verification, criminal forensics, biorenewable product development or biomedical research.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy laboratory work.
  • Enjoy creative and critical thinking.
  • Appreciate science and the scientific method.
  • Want to develop solutions for challenges.

Career Opportunities

  • Biorenewable fuels
  • Biotechnologist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Master's or Ph.D.
  • Lab technician
  • Consultant
  • Medical device sales
  • Genetic engineering
  • Fermentation
  • Virology

Recent Employers

  • 3M
  • Healthcare industry
  • Novartis
  • Poet
  • Prairie AquaTech

Internship Opportunities

  • 3M
  • Novartis
  • Prairie AquaTech
  • SGS
  • On-campus labs (industrial microbiology, biochemistry, molecular microbiology)

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.