Applied Science (Biotechnology), BAS

NA On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Science with a Biotechnology concentration at Arizona State University is designed for students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and want to build on their technical background with advanced biotechnology knowledge and professional skills. Students develop practical expertise in genetics, cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology, with applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research.

Curriculum Structure

Because this is an AAS-to-BAS completion program, students enter with 60 transfer credits from an applicable AAS, so the remaining study focuses mainly on upper-division coursework rather than a traditional four-year sequence. The curriculum combines biotechnology with professional development, including IAS 300 Career Strategies and Personal Resilience, while students build their scientific foundation through BIO 182 General Biology II and BIO 353 Cell Biology.

Advanced biotechnology study: Students develop laboratory-based knowledge through BIO 354 Cell Biology Laboratory, LSC 347 Fundamentals of Genetics and LSC 348 Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory. They then progress into more specialised biotechnology subjects such as LSC 420 Molecular Mechanisms for Biotechnology Research and LSC 447 Molecular Genetics Laboratory, alongside microbiology coursework and upper-division biotechnology electives.

Professional and applied development: Alongside the scientific curriculum, students strengthen professional communication, writing and ethical decision-making through options such as COM 328 Communicating Science, BIO 306 Modes of Biological Thought and IAS 340/PHI 320 Bioethics. Students can also use up to three credits of approved experiential learning toward the biotechnology elective requirement, including opportunities such as internships, research and individualized study.

Focus Areas:

Biotechnology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, molecular genetics, biotechnology research, laboratory science, healthcare applications, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, professional communication and bioethics.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop advanced laboratory skills, strengthen their understanding of modern biological systems, apply biotechnology concepts to real-world problems, communicate scientific information effectively, and build professional skills relevant to biotechnology and related industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and ASU states that accreditation indicates the program meets high academic standards and is committed to continuous improvement. The program is designed to prepare graduates for laboratory technician and research assistant roles in biotechnology, cell biology, genetics and biology laboratories, as well as opportunities in healthcare, public health and the biotechnology industry. It is important to note that ASU currently identifies this program as not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

ASU's official program page provides career outcome information rather than a program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking. The university lists career pathways including Biological Scientist, Biological Technician, Biologist, Geneticist, Life Scientist, Microbiologist and Molecular Biologist, with median salaries ranging from $57,510 to $98,920 according to O*NET data cited by ASU.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

ASU’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology is designed for students who want to turn prior technical training into stronger laboratory expertise and career-ready professional skills. You will build practical capability through upper-division study and laboratory work in genetics, cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology—areas directly relevant to biotechnology, health care, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research.

The program also gives you routes to apply that learning beyond scheduled classes, including faculty-mentored individualized study, the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences, and professional internships. Here is what that hands-on experience can include:

Laboratory-based coursework: Build experience through subjects such as Cell Biology Laboratory and Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory, alongside advanced biology coursework.
Faculty-mentored research: Pursue an individualized study in partnership with a faculty mentor, allowing you to investigate a focused scientific question while developing research independence.
Undergraduate inquiry opportunities: Take part in New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences to deepen subject knowledge and strengthen the practical skills valued by employers and graduate programs.
Professional internships: Complete an internship in a professional setting, connecting your scientific training with the expectations of a biotechnology-related workplace.
Career-focused skill development: Complement laboratory science with career strategies, professional communication, writing, ethics and creativity—skills ASU identifies as valuable across industries.
Advanced ASU research resources: ASU’s Biosciences Core offers genomics, histology, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, advanced light microscopy and bioinformatics capabilities; its Bioinformatics Facility provides high-end computing, data-analysis support and targeted workshops for complex omics data.
Specialized life-science tools: Relevant research facilities include cell sorting and analysis through the Flow Cytometry Facility, real-time cellular imaging with confocal, light-sheet and super-resolution microscopy, and DNA/RNA instrumentation for PCR, RT-PCR, genotyping and sequencing.
Global learning options: Students can also explore ASU Global Education opportunities, which may include research and internships internationally, in the U.S. or online.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of ASU’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology move into roles where laboratory skill, scientific reasoning and professional communication are in demand across health care, pharmaceuticals, biotech and research settings. The program’s blend of upper-division science coursework, hands-on lab work and career-development experiences prepares you to step confidently into technical and research-focused positions—and to keep growing toward more senior roles.

Here are typical career paths you could pursue after finishing the degree:

Biological technician – support research and testing in biotechnology, cell biology or genetics labs.
Research assistant / laboratory researcher – contribute to experiments, data collection and analysis in academic or industry labs.
Microbiologist or molecular biologist – work on microbial systems, genetic analysis and biotechnological applications in health or industry.
Life scientist / biological scientist – engage in broader research and development roles across biotech, public health or related sectors. To help you reach these outcomes, ASU provides structured support and real-world connections:
Dedicated career services: ASU Career and Professional Development Services reports that 87% of new graduates are employed, continuing education, volunteering or serving in the military within six months of graduation, with a median full-time undergraduate salary of $63,000.
Employer partnerships: Through the Employer Partner Program, ASU connects students with companies such as Ford Motor Company and Enterprise Mobility, creating access to internships, on-campus recruiting and direct hiring pipelines.
Internships and experiential learning: New College students can complete for-credit internships in professional settings, apply classroom learning to real work, and build relationships with mentors in their field.
Global education opportunities: With more than 300 global programs, you can add international research or internship experiences that strengthen your resume and expand your professional network.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a recognized U.S. regional accreditor, which supports the portability and credibility of your qualification for employment and further study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, you can pursue advanced study through ASU’s accelerated master’s options (where available) or apply to graduate programs in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, public health or related fields; the program explicitly prepares graduates for advanced professional or graduate programs.