Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS
Explore how biological systems function at the molecular level and how that knowledge drives innovation in health care, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. You'll study molecular biological processes that shape health and disease while gaining extensive hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR and protein analysis.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in molecular biosciences and biotechnology program explores the molecular foundations of life and their application to modern biotechnology. You study how biological systems can be engineered for advancements in medicine, agriculture and environmental sustainability. The curriculum integrates molecular genetics, microbiology, genetic engineering, biochemistry and biotechnology to prepare you for diverse scientific and professional pathways.
Through laboratory research, internships and capstone courses, you develop molecular and biotechnical expertise. Working alongside faculty mentors, you design experiments; analyze data; and explore the ethical, scientific and commercial aspects of biotechnology. You may also participate in collaborative research programs that provide individualized guidance and professional development.
The program is available as an accelerated degree option. If you're pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you should consult The College's website for additional requirements and information.
Why study molecular biosciences and biotechnology at ASU?
ASU's bachelor's degree emphasizes practical laboratory training and industry-relevant skills that go beyond what many traditional biology programs offer. You'll gain experience with modern biotechnology tools and techniques used in research and commercial settings, building a foundation for professional work in biotech and health care.
The program's interdisciplinary approach connects foundational science, analyzing DNA, RNA, proteins, and cellular processes, with applications across engineering, medicine, and environmental fields. This integration prepares you to apply molecular knowledge to challenges in pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, diagnostics and industrial biotechnology. This program integrates rigorous training in molecular biology and chemistry with data-driven approaches used in genomics and proteomics, preparing you for high-demand careers in biotech, pharmaceutical research and biomedical science or for advanced graduate study.
Additional details
Through laboratory research, internships and capstone courses, you develop the molecular and biotechnical expertise employers seek. You can participate in research programs through the School of Life Sciences that offer hands-on opportunities tailored to your interests and career goals. Faculty mentors at The College guide you through collaborative research programs that provide individualized support and professional development at the forefront of molecular science.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms |
| MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory |
| MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society |
| MBB 347 Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.
Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students gain valuable, resume-enhancing experience when studying abroad. Students majoring in molecular biosciences and biotechnology can expand their knowledge of how science impacts society in a variety of cultures and how technology and culture intertwine across the globe.
With more than 300 programs available, studying abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in molecular biosciences and biotechnology.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Scientist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Bioinformatics Technician | 7.1% | $81,490 | Learn more |
| Biological Sciences Professor | 7.3% | $84,620 | Learn more |
| Clinical Trial Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Geneticist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Health Sciences Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Hydrogeologist | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Molecular Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Nanosystems Engineer | 3.7% | $122,930 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this molecular biosciences and biotechnology degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and environmental science, or for advanced study in molecular and cellular biology and environmental sustainability. With expertise in molecular biology and biotechnology, they contribute to innovations in energy, health care and biomanufacturing across academic, industrial and government sectors.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
