Biotechnology
Program Description
The Biotechnology career major provides students with the ability to explore and research the many careers in the biotechnology industry such as biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals, plant and animal sciences, medical sciences, and the environmental and engineering fields.
Biotechnology is the science for this century. Students in this program utilize the sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computers, and information technology to develop tools and products for everyday living and future uses.
As part of the Biotechnology career major, students who complete 48 credit hours and attain the related competencies are eligible for a certificate in biomanufacturing. A certificate in biomanufacturing prepares students for entry-level positions in many areas of biopharmaceutical production with excellent opportunities for advancement and career growth. This certificate also augments a student's ability for further education in bio-related fields, which many of our students pursue while earning college credit.
Students within the Biotechnology program who plan on pursuing a career in science by continuing their education at a four-year institute should inquire with their guidance counselor regarding appropriate course selection.
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Henry Blackburn of Needham, a Class of 2022 graduate from the Biotechnology major, worked at Abcam biopharmaceutical corporation in Waltham through Minuteman’s Cooperative Education Program (Co-Op) his senior year. He now attends the Rochester Institute of Technology.
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This video about the Biotechnology career major was filmed and produced by students in the Multimedia Engineering program in 2021.
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- Introduction to Biotechnology
- Biotechnology Career Exploration
- Aseptic Techniques
- Genetics
- DNA Analysis, Restriction, and PCR
- Plant Tissue Culture
- Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques
- Statistical Process Control
- FDA Regulations and Controls
- Sustainability and Green Technologies
- Basic Instrumentation (Microscopes, pH Meters, Autoclave, etc.)
- Molecular Biology
- Good Manufacturing Practices
- Good Documentation Practices
- Microbiology
- Biology
- Marine Biology
- Writing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Quality Control and Assurance
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Biotechnology Instructors
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- OSHA 10-Hour Healthcare
- First Aid/CPR
- BCSI Small Volume Metrology
- BCSI Aseptic Technique
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- Laboratory Technician
- Research Assistant/Research Associate
- Biomanufacturing/Pharmaceutical
- Scientist/Principal Investigator/R&D
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance
- Medical/Healthcare
- Regulatory Affairs
- Engineering (Biomedical and Chemical)
- Forensic Scientist
- Safety
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- Biomanufacturing Specialist: $40,000-$55,000/yr with certificate/associate degree
- Research Assistant/Associate: $40,000-$55,000/year with certificate/associate degree
- Research Scientist: $55,000-90,000/year with BS; $72,000-102,000 with MS; $80,000-150,000 with PhD
- Scientific Director: $150,000+ with MS or PhD
SOURCES: SALARY WEBSITE, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
(Updated 2/25)
An associate’s degree provides the required education for entry level industry positions, such as laboratory technicians or research assistants. A Bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research or product development. A Ph.D. is usually required for independent research in the biotechnology field.
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- All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges*
- Keene State College
*DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY OF CHOSEN MAJOR
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- AbbVie
- Abcam
- Takeda
- Lyndra Therapeutics
- Bio-ITech Products
- Astria Therapeutics
- Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Paralog Therapeutics
- Alnylam
- MassBioEd
- Middlesex Community College