B.S. in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of biological components and/or processes to tackle human problems.

Most often, biotechnological solutions come in the form of products or tools. The Biotechnology Degree Program at JMU leverages the strengths of three founding departments—Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry—and Integrated Science and Technology. It also incorporates two colleges—Science and Mathematics and Integrated Science and Engineering—to provide a unique program with both scientific and technical depth and cross-disciplinary breadth. Students undertake a rigorous curriculum, rich with three critically important areas: hands-on laboratory experiences; critical analyses of both the how and the why of biotechnological solutions; and the development of transferable skills to keep up in a rapidly changing field.

Biotechnology at JMU is a 4-year interdisciplinary major leading to a B.S. degree. Students undertake a rigorous curriculum rich with hands-on laboratory experiences, critical analyses of both the "how" and the "why" of biotechnological solutions and the development of transferable skills to keep up in a rapidly changing field. The combination of both scientific/technical depth and cross-disciplinary breadth allows graduates to pursue diverse career paths in industry, government, and advanced studies.

Biotechnology majors must complete 47-50 credit hours of science foundation courses, 17 credit hours of biotechnology transition and core courses, and 15 credit hours of elective courses. Each student works with an assigned academic adviser to develop an individualized portfolio of upper-level course work to best meet her/his unique interests and goals. Advanced courses are selected from an extensive list of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, ISAT, Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics offerings. Up to six credits of undergraduate research or internship experiences can be applied to the upper-level electives requirement.

Students are eligible for a General Business Minor. Students may not receive dual credit toward the Biotechnology major for 300- and 400-level Biology courses that are applied toward the Biology major. Biotechnology majors are not eligible for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Minor.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.