What should I study in high school to prepare for success in this program?
High school students who plan to enter the Biotechnology program should have a basic foundation in the areas of Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and be computer literate.
What types of training should I expect to receive in the Biotechnology program?
Biotechnology emphasizes extensive training in a wide range of basic sciences such as Calculus, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
What are the courses in Biotechnology centered around?
Most of the courses are centered around the laboratory to provide students with training applicable to advanced research in various areas of Biotechnology, including medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental.
Is there a limit on how many students are accepted into the Biotechnology program?
Enrollment is limited to 25 students per year. This allows the faculty to work closely with the student in both lecture and the laboratory.
What type of degree does a Biotechnology student earn?
Students with a Biotechnology major graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology. This degree is a 4-year degree earned after the completion of 120 credit hours.
What is the difference between a Biology Biotechnology degree and a Chemistry Biotechnology degree?
There are some similarities in the core courses that first and second year students are required to take in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. The difference is that the Biology Biotechnology is a major in the Biology department and has emphasis on Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, DNA sequencing, and Immunology. The Chemistry Biotechnology is a major in the Chemistry department which places emphasis on chromatography, chemical spectroscopy, and chemical analyses.
In what areas can a Biotechnology graduate work and how is the job market in the Biotechnology industry?
A graduate with a degree in Biotechnology can choose to work in a variety of areas including the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies, service laboratories, and research institutes. Within these areas there are opportunities to work on medicines, vaccines, genetic engineering of plants and animals, forensics, and environmental preservation and remediation. Within these industries, there is a need for highly skilled people to work in both research and production areas. All of these areas offer jobs that are fun, interesting, and offer the potential for individual growth.
How can a Biotechnology degree from ESU prepare me for such a wide range of opportunities?
Even though there is a wide range of fields one can enter, they are not all that different, and the basic skills for each are similar. Our students receive a strong foundation in the basic sciences and their related skills. We provide a comprehensive, broad-based program that involves a variety of protocols, equipment, and laboratory skills that are at the forefront of modern Biotechnology. These include Immunological, Molecular, Cellular, Genetic, and Forensic techniques. This opens up opportunities for a wide range of employment and gives you the mobility to move from one field to another within the industry.
Are internships possible and if so where can they be done?
Internship opportunities are available in hospital/pathology laboratories, governmental agencies and the private sector. Internships are frequently posted in the Biology department and the staff at ESU can also provide interested students with a list of internship opportunities.
What kind of salary can I expect to earn after the completion of a Biotechnology program?
Starting salaries of graduates from the Biotechnology program range from $29,000-45,000 per year.
The salaries depend on factors such as your skill range, academic history, work history, and company size.
What is the outlook for students who graduate with a degree in Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is at the top of the list of emerging or growing fields, and there is a high demand for people with Biotechnology degrees. Earning potential is great, with the starting salaries ranging from $29,000-45,000 per year, depending on your educational background and other experiences such as working in Biotechnology and internships in the field.
