Biotechnology is defined as technology based on biology. According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, “Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet.”
This is an exciting time to be involved in biotechnology. In addition to the rapid advances in therapies for diseases, in diagnostics, and in improvements to agriculture products, the biotechnology industry has provided strong job growth throughout the United States.
Looking for an internship? Apply online for the Lawrence M. Blatt Life Sciences Internship Scholarship.
Our Biotechnology degrees are designed in consultation with scientists at Indiana University and in the biotech industry to prepare students for careers in the life sciences. Students from the program are also highly competitive for graduate school.
Biotechnology combines the best features of large and small university programs. Many of its faculty members are nationally or internationally known, and several have experience in the pharmaceutical industry or with government regulations.
Students may also pursue a combined Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) degree in Biotechnology. The combined B.S./M.S. degree is designed to maximize research opportunities for our top students.
Classes in the program are small in size, ideal for providing rigorous practical training and mentoring in a collegial and supportive atmosphere.
Approximately half of recent graduates from our Biotechnology B.S. degree program obtained jobs in biotechnology industry upon graduation, with the remaining 50% going on to obtain advanced degrees from professional or graduate schools. The exceptional design of this modern degree program provides flexibility and opportunities to students who have not yet decided what career tracks they want to pursue upon graduation.
Explore Biotechnology career opportunitiesBiotechnology is a growing field. Check out a summary analysis of demand and employment for graduates in the bioscience industry.
“I chose the biotechnology program because of the depth of technical knowledge and the broad scope of practical applications that the coursework supports. I am most interested in marine conservation, and the skills I have learned in this major have built a strong foundation for me to approach the field with more advanced techniques for restoration and conservation work."
“I chose Biotechnology because there is no better degree for career and skillset building. I have been given so many opportunities to build myself as a student in academia, but more importantly, as a confident individual in science through the guidance that this program offers. I am positive that the Biotechnology degree has set me up for future success!”
“Bloomington provides an excellent Biotechnology program! This rigorous degree puts an emphasis on applied learning, especially in the form of undergraduate research. In these research settings, students are exposed to highly diverse, experienced, and intelligent individuals who are all too happy to offer mentorship, advice, and companionship! While being a major within the College of Arts and Sciences, there is a multitude of cross college interaction. Most notably among them is the Kelley School of Business, which features the Center for the Business of Life Sciences, a certificate program I aspire to complete!”
“I chose Biotechnology because I have a deep-seated passion for understanding the essence of life and the intricacies of living organisms. It is also the perfect blend of my love for biology and my desire for exploration and innovation. I aim to leverage this knowledge to develop solutions to improve survivability and address diseases and injuries in underdeveloped countries.”
“The Biotechnology Program at IU has opened my eyes to all the possible career paths that are available to me. Through valuable hands-on experience, I have gained the skills I need to be successful in any research environment. The professors and faculty are always so willing to help or offer advice. They truly care about each and every student’s success.”
“The IU Biotech program nurtured my interest in the multidisciplinary nature of science and its application in our everyday lives. The rewarding experience of a small classroom of peers not only pushed me as a learner but also cultivated a sense of community. I pull aspects of the program into my position as a science teacher in Baltimore, MD—building a "STEM identity" through community, connecting content to the students' lives, and engaging them with hands-on lab activities.”
“I chose the Biotechnology BS because the labs looked interesting and I wanted to learn about careers in biotechnology. After graduating, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in cell biology. The Biotechnology curriculum has helped prepare me for graduate school and beyond by broadening my experience with different laboratory techniques and by showing me opportunities outside of academia I could pursue after I earn my Ph.D.”
“Being a part of IU’s Biotechnology Program has given me the best of both a small and large college experience. Within the biotech department, I can make really close connections with classmates and faculty, and have an amazing network of support. I also have access to all of the resources of the larger biology department. This has made my college experience unique, and I feel that it is setting me up with an incredible background for my future in physical therapy!”
“The Biotechnology Program at IU has been critical to my success as a student and future contributor to the biotechnology industry. Not only do I get to dive into the complex, technical science that supports scientific breakthroughs, but I am also exposed to the cross section of biotechnology with research, business, ethics, and regulation that allows me to gain an important, interdisciplinary view of the field as a whole.”
“IU's Biotechnology Program leverages dedicated senior lecturers at its core while encouraging students to explore research and internships. This shepherds a cozy community of diverse specialties. Exposure to these interdisciplines allows me to solve complex problems every day as a drug manufacturing specialist. Thank you!”
The College of Arts