Biotechnology: Molecular Biology
Major
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology revolutionizes life – from new medicines and diagnostics technology to improvements in agriculture, food products, and the environment.
As a biotechnology major, you'll explore the lifecycle of new biotech products – from discovery to market. You'll develop strong technical and communication skills through a variety of laboratory courses.
By doing real-world research through internships in industry and academia, you will be prepared for in-demand careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
AT A GLANCE
Our biotechnology major
Do you want to be part of the biotechnology revolution? If you get excited by the idea of creating new vaccines, developing new medicines, improving agriculture or food products, or developing environmental biotechnologies, our biotechnology major is for you.
Created with input from our Biotechnology Industry Advisory Board, it emphasizes laboratory-intensive, hands-on technical skills alongside professional development like resume and interview preparation.
The molecular biology concentration includes a microbiology course and choices to advance your knowledge in cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, or bioinformatics. You'll learn the lab methods used to diagnose diseases like COVID-19, as well as the analytical techniques used in industry today.
We'll also help you advance your teamwork and communication skills so you'll stand out as an applicant when applying for jobs. All biotechnology majors will gain real-world, experiential learning in an internship or research experience that is highly valued by employers. Graduates will be prepared for immediate entry into the workforce for in-demand careers in the biotechnology sector.
An Accelerated MS in Biology is available for CMU undergraduates.
Biotechnology major highlights
As a student in the biotechnology program, you will:
- Graduate ready for a job: A core focus of this program is career preparation; you will receive mentorship and guidance on your resume and interview and communication skills.
- Fine-tune your research skills: Work with our award-winning faculty members in high-tech laboratories right on campus.
- Intern in your field: Biotechnology majors are assisted in finding an internship in their field, giving them hands-on work experience.
- Interact with industry leaders: You'll have access to the members of our Biotechnology Advisory Board who helped create the biotechnology program.
Biotechnology careers
Biotechnology is a high-demand field addressing society’s needs in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. You will be sought after by industries who seek graduates with a portfolio of technical and communication skills.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Biological Technician | $53,560 |
| Microbiologist | $81,990 |
| Food Science Technician | $51,320 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | $57,800 |
Tour the CMU Biosciences Building
Take a drone tour of the Biosciences Building at the heart of campus. Biotechnology majors may find themselves having classes in our active learning classrooms or studying alongside the plants nestled into the building's walls.
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