List of All U.S. Colleges with a Biotechnology Major

Biotechnology has been a fascinating and profitable field for decades, but it has experienced renewed energy and growth in recent years which is bound to continue for years to come. Biotechnology has a variety of applications, from researching medicines and pharmaceuticals, to advancing the field of forensic science and developing new approaches for growing and processing food. It’s a field that can be applied in many different ways with nearly endless career possibilities.

For students interested in pursuing a degree in biotechnology, there is no shortage of undergraduate programs. To learn more about pursuing a degree in biotechnology and to read a complete list of every school in the country that offers one, keep reading.

Why Major in Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is an exciting and fascinating field that, as its name implies, combines the study of biology with applications in the field of technology. Students who pursue this course of study can expect to learn about gene identification and comparative genomics, bio-inorganic chemistry, DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, drug and biologic development, and biotechnology ethics. Biotech majors often go on to become consultants, industry researchers, and scientists for biotech, bioscience, or pharmaceutical companies.

There will be no shortage of biotechnology careers or earning potential anytime soon. Students who graduate with a degree in biotechnology typically have an average salary of about $95,000, according to Salary.com, with median salaries around $50,000 and top earners making nearly $200,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in biotechnology will grow by about 10% over the next decade, which is above average.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting In

Biotechnology is a competitive field with many top students in the STEM fields choosing to pursue careers in biotech. As college admissions grows more competitive overall, biotech becomes even more so. Here are some tips for maximizing your shot at getting into the biotech program of your dreams:

Take a STEM-Heavy Course Load. Biotechnology programs will require significant coursework in biology, chemistry, calculus, and computer science. You can get ahead by taking advanced classes in these subject areas, preferably AP level courses. If you can perform well on your AP tests, you may even be able to place out of prerequisite or introductory classes in the biotech program.

Pursue STEM-Related Extracurriculars. Part of creating your profile as an applicant includes participating in extracurriculars that contribute to the image you want to present. Participate in science fairs, engineering challenges, programming competitions, or invention camps. If possible, find college level programs or courses that you can take within the STEM fields during the summer to reinforce your interest.

Get a Pro on Your Team. College admissions isn’t as simple as filling out an application and submitting your transcript. As admissions become increasingly competitive, you’ll need to create a cohesive profile that highlights the most relevant and compelling aspects of your high school experiences. Sometimes, this is best done with the help of someone who’s been through it before.  

What Colleges Offer a Biotechnology Major?

Alabama A&M University | AAMU

Andrews University

Arkansas State University | A–State

Bay Path University

Bluefield College

Boston University | BU

Brigham Young University | BYU

Brigham Young University–Idaho | BYU–Idaho

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Cal Poly Pomona

California State University San Marcos | CSUSM

California State University, Northridge | CSUN

Calumet College of St. Joseph | CCSJ

Cedar Crest College

City College of New York | CCNY

Clarion University

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | ESU

Elizabethtown College | E-town

Fayetteville State University | FSU

Ferris State University

Fitchburg State University

Florida Gulf Coast University | FGCU

Florida Southern College

Florida State College at Jacksonville | FSCJ

Fort Valley State University | FVSU

Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | IUPUI

Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana

James Madison University | JMU

Keiser University

Keuka College

Lebanon Valley College | LVC

Marquette University

Maryville University

Marywood University

Michigan State University

Millersville University of Pennsylvania | MU

Minnesota State University Moorhead | MSUM

Minnesota State University, Mankato | MNSU

Missouri Baptist University

Montana State University | MSU

National University (California) | NU

New York Institute of Technology | NYIT

North Carolina A&T State University | N.C. A&T

North Carolina State University | NC State

North Dakota State University | NDSU

North Seattle College | NSC

Northern Arizona University | NAU

Pennsylvania State University | PSU

Purdue University Northwest | PNW

Quinnipiac University

Rivier University

Rochester Institute of Technology | RIT

Rutgers University–New Brunswick | Rutgers

Saint Peter’s University

Salem State University

Seminole State College of Florida

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

South Dakota State University

Southern Connecticut State University | SCSU

State College of Florida

State University of New York at Cobleskill | SUNY Cobleskill

SUNY – College of Environmental Science and Forestry | SUNY ESF

Syracuse University

Texas A&M University–Texarkana

The State University of New York at Buffalo | SUNY Buffalo

Union College (New York)

University of California, Davis | UC Davis

University of California, Santa Cruz | UCSC

University of Central Florida | UCF

University of Delaware

University of Georgia

University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa

University of Houston

University of Houston–Downtown | UHD

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of Maine

University of Maryland University College | UMUC

University of Massachusetts Lowell | UMass Lowell

University of Michigan

University of Michigan–Flint | UofM-Flint

University of Mount Union

University of Nevada, Reno

University of New Hampshire | UNH

University of North Florida | UNF

University of Rhode Island | URI

University of South Alabama | South

University of Southern Mississippi | Southern Miss

University of Wisconsin–River Falls | UW–River Falls

Utah Valley University | UVU

Virginia Commonwealth University | VCU

Washburn University

Washington State University | WSU

Wayne State University | WSU

Weber State University

West Texas A&M University | WTAMU

William Paterson University | WPUNJ

Winston-Salem State University | WSSU

Worcester Polytechnic Institute | WPI

Worcester State University

York College, City University of New York | CUNY York

As you narrow down the list of schools to which you’ll apply, keep in mind that when choosing a dream school, you should consider which schools are a great fit for you personally. Look at admissions statistics, accepted student stats, and other factors like geographic location, student resources, and cost. Know that no matter where you apply, your application will be up against many other talented and dedicated biotech hopefuls.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!