Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS at Arizona State University is a great choice for students who are curious about how life works at the molecular level and want to use that knowledge in areas such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The program combines molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, genetic engineering, biochemistry and biotechnology with hands-on laboratory work, research and internships, helping students build practical skills for careers or further study in the life sciences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences through courses such as BIO 181 General Biology I and BIO 182 General Biology II. They also build the mathematical and scientific background needed for advanced study through subjects such as MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences.

Year 2: Students move deeper into microorganisms and the chemistry behind biological processes. Courses such as MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms and MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory give students an understanding of microorganisms while introducing them to practical laboratory techniques and scientific investigation.

Year 3: The focus becomes more specialized as students explore molecular genetics and biotechnology. Courses such as MBB 347 Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins and MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society help students understand how genes, proteins and genetic technologies connect with modern biotechnology and society.

Year 4: In the final stage, students bring together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the degree through advanced study, research, internships and capstone experiences. This gives students opportunities to work with faculty, explore real biotechnology challenges and prepare for employment or graduate and professional study.

Focus Areas

Molecular biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, genetic engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, genomics, proteomics, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability and biomanufacturing.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop scientific thinking and learn to apply scientific knowledge to analyze problems and develop explanations. They also learn to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly using appropriate evidence and sources, while building the academic and practical preparation needed for employment or graduate and professional study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is also STEM-OPT extension eligible, meaning eligible international F-1 students may qualify for a 24-month extension of their standard Optional Practical Training period, subject to applicable requirements.

Reputation (Employability)

Arizona State University highlights strong outcomes for its graduates, with 87% of new ASU graduates in the 2023–24 reporting period employed, continuing their education, volunteering or serving in the military within six months of graduation. This university-wide outcome provides a useful indication of ASU's focus on preparing students for employment and further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The program places a strong emphasis on practical learning, giving students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory and work with real molecular and biotechnological methods. Students can gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, faculty-mentored research, internships, capstone work and School of Life Sciences research programs, with opportunities to design experiments, analyze data and explore biotechnology from scientific, ethical and commercial perspectives.

These opportunities include:

Laboratory training: Students complete MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory and can take BIO 357 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, developing practical laboratory and experimental skills.
Molecular biotechnology techniques: The program provides hands-on exposure to techniques such as molecular cloning, PCR and protein analysis, giving students experience with methods used in modern molecular biosciences.
Faculty-mentored research: Students can work alongside faculty mentors to design experiments, analyze data and investigate molecular science questions, with individualized guidance and professional development.
Undergraduate research: MBB 495 Undergraduate Research provides a structured opportunity to gain research experience as part of the degree. Students may also pursue MBB 492 Honors Directed Study.
Internship experience: MBB 484 Internship is a six-credit experiential option, allowing students to connect their academic knowledge with professional biotechnology-related experience.
Capstone projects: Students complete MBB 490 Capstone: Issues in Biotechnology and MBB 491 Capstone: Issues in Molecular Biosciences, bringing together their scientific knowledge and exploring real issues in biotechnology and molecular biosciences.
Computational learning: Students can choose courses such as MBB 355 Introduction to Computational Molecular Biology and BIO 439 Computing for Research, providing exposure to computational approaches used in molecular research.
Advanced laboratory options: BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology: Cell Culture, Immunocytochemistry and Bioimaging and MBB 445/MIC 445 Techniques in Molecular Biology/Genetics offer opportunities to develop more specialized laboratory skills.
Collaborative research programs: Through the School of Life Sciences, students can participate in research programs tailored to their interests and career goals, working with faculty and gaining professional experience.
Study abroad: Students in the program can choose from ASU's 300+ global education programs, allowing them to explore how science, technology and culture interact in different parts of the world.

Facilities and research opportunities: The official program page specifically identifies the School of Life Sciences as a source of research opportunities and lists the program's location at ASU's Tempe campus. It does not provide a dedicated list of specific laboratories, software platforms or biotechnology facilities for this degree, so those have not been added here.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology at Arizona State University prepares students with a strong understanding of molecular biology, biotechnology, laboratory techniques and research. The degree can open doors to careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, environmental science and research, while also providing a solid foundation for further study.

Typical career options include:

Molecular Biologist
Geneticist
Bioinformatics Scientist
Medical Scientist

Career development and employment support:

Career support: ASU’s School of Life Sciences Career Services helps students plan their careers, improve their resumes, prepare for interviews, find internships and jobs through Handshake, and explore graduate and professional school options.
Internships and practical experience: Students can gain real-world experience through the School of Life Sciences internship program. The program also offers opportunities to earn academic credit through MBB 484, while students interested in research can take MBB 495 Undergraduate Research.
University–industry connections: Students may gain experience through internship opportunities with organisations such as Abbott Laboratories, Genentech, the Environmental Protection Agency, Monsanto, the National Science Foundation and the Broad Institute. These opportunities can help students understand how molecular biosciences and biotechnology are applied in real professional settings.
Professional networking: Students can access opportunities to connect with Arizona’s life-sciences industry through the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio), helping them build professional connections while studying.
Employment and salary potential: ASU provides career information based on O*NET data. Examples include Bioinformatics Scientist with a median annual salary of $98,920, Medical Scientist at $103,410, Molecular Biologist at $98,920 and Clinical Trial Manager at $167,220. Actual salaries can vary depending on experience, job position, location and employer.
Accreditation and long-term value: Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The program is also identified as STEM-OPT eligible, which can be particularly valuable for eligible international students seeking practical work experience in the United States after graduation.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop scientific, laboratory, research and communication skills that can be applied in professional life-science roles or used as preparation for graduate and professional education. Research, internship and capstone opportunities can further strengthen their career readiness before graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into master's-level programs related to molecular biosciences, biotechnology and the wider life sciences. ASU offers accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's pathways into areas such as Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Computational Life Sciences, Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) and Microbiology, with some pathways allowing students to complete both degrees in as little as five years.

Students who want to pursue research-intensive careers can continue toward advanced graduate study, while those interested in healthcare can use the bachelor's degree as a foundation for relevant professional programs such as medicine and other health-related fields. The combination of laboratory experience, research opportunities and biotechnology-focused study gives graduates flexibility to build either a professional career or an advanced academic pathway.