Online Degrees In Biotechnology

Have you seen how scientists can now make hamburgers from plants? It was first developed by a team of biotechnologists looking for an alternative to meat that may be friendlier to the environment and save animals from slaughter.

Biotechnology is the field where biology and technology meet. Biotechnology is commonly defined as the science that manipulates or modifies living organisms or their components to create products that are useful to humans. Biotechnologists are some of the main people behind life-saving drugs and vaccines, innovative agricultural practices, and revolutionary food technologies.

While it is a good idea for aspiring biotechnologists to have an interest in how living beings function, the College Board also recommends liking the thought of working in a controlled environment with cutting-edge equipment. Online biotechnology degree programs can help you become proficient with many of these technologies while still having the flexibility to adhere to work or any other commitments you may have.

What Is The Difference Between Biotechnology And Bioengineering?

Biotechnology is the manipulation of living organisms to create products that are beneficial to human beings. It may be as simple as using bacteria to form yogurt or ferment beer or complex processes used to create vaccines. It is mainly a biology-based discipline.

Bioengineering, on the other hand, is the application of engineering principles to solve biological problems. For example, the design of artificial hips and medical imaging techniques fall under the umbrella of bioengineering.

What Do Biochemists And Biophysicists Do?

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical processes behind how living being works. They may study these processes right from the atomic makeup of cells to more complex tissues and organs. Those working in the field of biotechnology may manipulate DNA or genes to produce desired effects. For example, a biochemist working in the field of agriculture may manipulate genes in a particular crop plant to make it more resistant to disease. Some of their more general duties may include:

• Planning research projects and conducting them
• Managing their laboratory teams and overseeing their work
• Using advanced technologies, such as lasers and fluorescent microscopes to conduct their research and develop products
• Preparing technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on their findings
• Applying for and securing funding for future research

How To Become A Biochemist Or Biophysicist?

The steps below outline one way you can become a biochemist or a biophysicist.

1. Take advanced courses like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics in high school.
2. Opt for math, statistics and calculus classes if possible.
3. Build your communication skills through English lessons.
4. Do your research to find the top online colleges for biotechnology degree programs.
5. See what specializations they have to offer and the biotechnology careers you can have.
6. Enroll in the online biotechnology degree program of your choice.
7. Gain valuable experience through an internship.
8. Enroll in an online biotechnology master’s degree program.
9. Get a job.
10. Complete your doctoral degree to advance your career and prospects for independent research.

What Jobs Can You Get With A Biotechnology Degree?

You may be able to have a biotechnology career conducting research or developing new products in a number of different fields – from food and agriculture to medicine and even research for space programs. Graduates with online biotechnology degrees may be able to find jobs in places like government agencies, private companies, regulatory bodies, or clinical laboratories, to name a few.

The table below lists some of the occupations related to the field of biotechnology along with their educational requirements and associated salaries using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Which Is The Most In-Demand Degree For Biotechnology?

The BLS reports that there is an increasing demand for expertise in the sciences, especially in biomedical research and environmental protection. Online biotechnology degrees can help you develop your expertise in these fields among others. Online biotechnology bachelor degree programs can help you gain the knowledge you need for entry-level roles in the field. Master’s degree programs can provide you with the tools for career advancement while doctoral degrees may allow you to enter research and academia.

We ranked these online colleges for biotechnology using factors important to online students such as tuition, percentage of financial aid, student-to-faculty ratio. We encourage you to look at the methodology at the bottom of the page.

Online Associate Degrees in Biotechnology

Associate degrees in biotechnology are rare. Some may go under the title of Biotechnology Laboratory Technology. Due to the extensive hands-on nature of the field, online associate degrees in biotechnology do not currently exist. However, some schools may allow students to complete their general education classes asynchronously (at their own pace) online while taking their core courses on campus.

Another option for individuals who want some college education may be to earn an online associate degree in biology that can act as a stepping-stone toward a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Biotechnology

Fully online biotechnology bachelor’s degree programs are rare and may only be available to those with an associate degree in the field. Hybrid programs are more common and students may be able to take theory-based classes online and attend classes on campus for labs and practical work.

What can I expect to learn in an online bachelor’s degree program?

Students enrolled in online biotechnology bachelor’s degree programs can gain an understanding of fundamental biotechnological concepts, learn laboratory skills and start exploring the latest trends in the field.

Typical duration: Four years of full-time study

General prerequisites: Associate degree in biotechnology; some work experience in the field

Typical coursework: Apart from general education classes, topics may include introductions to microbiology, genetics, and laboratory techniques among others. Some examples of courses are:

• Bioinfomatics
• Inquiries in biological science
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Laboratory management and safety
• Current trends and applications in the life sciences

Students may be required to complete an internship or a capstone project to satisfy the requirements of their online biotechnology degree program.

What kind of jobs can I get after earning a bachelor’s in biotechnology?

A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology may qualify you for entry-level roles in the field of biotechnology. Students may be able to gain employment in pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, research laboratories, and environmental protection agencies among others. Some examples of job titles include:

• Biotechnology / pharmaceutical sales representative
• Biotechnology laboratory technician
• Biotechnology research associate
• Microbiologist
• Technical writer

Online Master’s Degrees in Biotechnology

What can I expect to learn in an online master’s degree program?

Online biotechnology master’s degree programs can help students prepare for specialized careers in the field. Students may study advanced topics in areas of their interest and build their expertise in laboratory technologies.

Typical duration: Two years of full-time study

General prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or a related field

Typical coursework: Curricula can vary depending on your chosen specialization. Topics may also include the business behind biotechnology. Some examples of courses you may take include:

• Genetic engineering and synthetic biology
• Managing technological innovation
• Drug regulations
• Techniques of biotechnology
• Agents of bioterrorism

Students may need to complete a capstone project or a master’s thesis as a part of their online biotechnology master’s degree program.

Possible electives: Advanced topics in biotechnology; membrane protein-targeted drug design; medicinal chemistry

What kind of jobs can I get after earning a master’s in biotechnology?

A master’s degree in biotechnology can open up careers in medicine, laboratory research, regulatory affairs, clinical research, and business to name a few areas. Depending on specializations and previous work experience, graduates of online biotechnology master’s degree programs may be able to find work as:

• Clinical trial manager
• Grants assistant
• Project coordinator
• Research scientist
• Research, validation, and field applications scientist
• Senior technology licensing officer

Graduate Certificates in Biotechnology

Online biotechnology certificate programs are typically of two types. The first is designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in life sciences (biology and microbiology, for example) and want to study biotechnology. The second is typically geared toward those individuals with an undergraduate degree in biotechnology and want some graduate level education in particular aspects of the field without necessarily having to commit to a master’s degree program. Certificate programs usually take less time to complete than a graduate degree program and so may require a lower financial commitment as well.

Typical duration: Two years of part-time study

General prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or a related field; some programs may require work experience in the field as well

Typical coursework: Curricula can vary depending on the target audience and the focus of the program. Some examples of courses include:

• Advanced molecular biology
• Advanced molecular genetics of bacteria
• Biochemical engineering
• Cell culture processes for biopharmaceutical production
• Protein chemistry

Possible electives: Immunobiology; advanced bacterial pathogenesis; advanced plant molecular biology and genetic engineering

Online Doctoral Degrees in Biotechnology

There are currently no online doctoral degrees in biotechnology due to the intensive laboratory work necessary. However, universities may allow students to take some of their classes online in special cases.

Accreditation

The accreditation status of a school or program is an important criterion to look out for when choosing an online biology degree program as can demonstrate that the education offered is on par with or exceeds the standards required by professionals in the industry. Additionally, attending an accredited program can play a vital role while applying for federal funding and grants. You may find some online biotechnology degree programs are programmatically accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).

Specializations in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a relatively new discipline and yet has a number of applications across a variety of industries. Choosing a specialization while earning your online biotechnology degree can help you focus your education and therefore your future career in an area that interests you. The top online colleges for biotechnology degrees may offer one or more specializations for you to choose from. Some examples of specializations include:

• Bioinformatics
• Biopharmaceutical analytical sciences
• Biosecurity and biodefense
• Biotechnology enterprise
• Biotechnology management
• Biotechnology regulatory affairs
• Molecular biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical technologies
• Process sciences
• Regenerative and stem cell technologies

Certifications

Professional certifications may not be mandatory. However they can demonstrate your proficiency in a particular aspect of the field as well as your commitment to it. According to the BLS, medical scientists who conduct research do not typically need licenses or certifications but those who administer medications or gene therapy on patients need a license to practice as a physician. The Center for Professional Innovation and Education (CfPIE) offers certifications for those working in the biotechnology industry. Those working directly with patients may benefit from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Point-of-Care Testing Professional Certification.

Employment Statistics

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Microbiologists

Source: 2020 Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs for Biotechnology Majors

You may find that students of online biotechnology degree programs may be able to apply for scholarships that are oriented toward STEM students in the fields of biology, microbiology and engineering, providing they meet scholarship requirements, of course. These scholarships may help ease the financial burden associated with attending college. Some scholarships to help you get started in your search include:

• American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award
• ASBMB scholarships
• NCF STEM Scholars Program
• SICB Awards

Other resources for those aspiring to work in the field of biotechnology:

• American Institute of Biological Sciences
• Biocom Life Science Association of California
• Bio-link
• Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology