Bachelors in Biotechnology and Bioenvironmental Sciences (Major)

The Biotechnology and Bioenvironmental Sciences (BBS) major at the University of Michigan gives students several ways to build practical skills through advanced laboratory courses, research and biological data analysis. Students can work with techniques and equipment used in modern biological research while exploring areas such as genetics, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, ecology and environmental science. The program also includes opportunities to develop computational skills through courses using R for statistical modeling and machine learning and artificial intelligence for ecology and evolutionary biology.

Students can gain practical experience through:

• Advanced laboratory courses: The BBS major requires an advanced laboratory course. Options include MCDB 306: Genetics Lab, MCDB 429: Lab in Cell and Molecular Biology, EEB 372/ENVIRON 372: General Ecology Laboratory, EEB 373: General Ecology Lab and EEB 496: Experimental Evolution.

• Independent research: Students can take MCDB 400 or EEB 400: Advanced Research for three or more credits in a single term, allowing them to gain direct experience working on biological research projects.

• Genetics and molecular biology research: MCDB research opportunities allow students to explore areas such as microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology and plant molecular biology, providing opportunities to work with modern biological research methods.

• Statistical modeling with R: EEB 429: Introduction to Statistical Model Building in R gives students practical experience using R for statistical analysis and biological data modeling.

• Machine learning and artificial intelligence: Students can choose EEB 401: Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence for EEB, providing an opportunity to apply computational approaches to ecological and evolutionary biology.

• Undergraduate Science Building: The Undergraduate Science Building provides dedicated teaching laboratories for biological science courses, including laboratories used for microbiology, genetics, developmental biology and general biology. The facilities include computers, internet access, multimedia systems and flexible laboratory workspaces.

• Biodiversity Lab: Students involved in EEB-related research can use the Biodiversity Lab, which supports traditional and next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing and biological data analysis.

• Research opportunities through UROP: The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides first- and second-year students with opportunities to become involved in research projects with University of Michigan faculty.

• Field-based learning: Students interested in environmental and ecological aspects of the BBS major can access field-based learning opportunities through University of Michigan facilities such as the Biological Station, where biological systems can be studied outside the traditional laboratory setting.

• Research facilities and equipment: University of Michigan biological research facilities provide access to equipment such as electron microscopes, spectrophotometers, analytical and preparative centrifuges and other specialized research instruments.

• Internships: The BBS major does not list a mandatory internship as part of its degree requirements. However, students can pursue research and other experiential opportunities through the university's broader undergraduate programs.

• Group projects: The official BBS major requirements do not identify a specific mandatory group-project component. Laboratory and research activities may involve collaboration, depending on the course or research experience.

• Digital and computational tools: Students can develop digital research skills through coursework involving R-based statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence and biological data analysis.

The Biotechnology and Bioenvironmental Sciences (BBS) major at the University of Michigan gives students a strong foundation for careers in biotechnology, biological research and environmental science. It also keeps the door open to further study in biology-related graduate programs, PhD programs and medical school, making it a flexible choice for students who want to build a long-term career in the life sciences.

Typical career directions include Biotechnology Researcher, Biological Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Environmental Science Professional:

• Career support: The LSA Opportunity Hub helps students prepare for employment through career coaching, internships, job opportunities, employer events, workshops and application support. Students can also use LSA Engage to explore internships and jobs and connect with alumni through LSA Connect.

• Internship opportunities: LSA reports that 77% of students had an internship experience that helped them gain additional experience and skills. Eligible students may also receive internship funding to help make valuable work experiences more accessible.

• Employment and graduation outcomes: Across LSA, 96% of graduates are employed or continue into graduate or professional school. More than 78% of 2025 LSA graduates accepted a job offer or continued their education within six months of graduation. These figures represent LSA overall and are not specific to the BBS major.

• Employer connections: Students can attend LSA job and internship fairs and take part in Career Treks, giving them opportunities to meet employers, understand recruitment processes and explore different career paths.

• Biotechnology and healthcare exposure: LSA provides career exploration opportunities in areas such as biotechnology and medical advancement, helping students understand the types of roles and skills valued in these industries.

• Research and industry environment: The University of Michigan has a strong life-sciences research and innovation environment, with university-connected biotechnology and life-science ventures. This provides students with exposure to a broader ecosystem of scientific research, innovation and commercialization.

• Research experience: Students interested in research can take part in independent research. Those pursuing honors can complete multiple terms of independent research, prepare an honors thesis and present their work publicly.

• Salary information: The University of Michigan does not publish a BBS-specific average starting salary or salary range. Therefore, no specific salary figure is provided for this major.

• Accreditation value: BBS is a Natural Sciences major within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, rather than a separately professionally accredited biotechnology degree. The program provides a strong scientific foundation for biotechnology careers and further study in biology, life sciences and medicine.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can use their BBS background to pursue employment in biotechnology and biological research or continue into master's programs, PhD programs and professional education such as medical school.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BBS major, students can continue their education through biology-related master's programs, PhD programs or medical school. Students planning a research career can strengthen their profile through independent research and honors work, while those interested in medicine can use the University's pre-health advising resources to plan the courses and experiences needed for medical school applications.