Biotechnology and Bioenterprise, BS

The Biotechnology and Bioenterprise, BS at Arizona State University gives students the chance to learn through hands-on biotechnology research while also understanding how scientific ideas can become useful products and services. Students can work with faculty on real biotechnology challenges, gain laboratory experience and choose research, internship or independent-study opportunities that match their interests. The program also connects scientific learning with entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialization, giving students a broader view of how biotechnology works beyond the laboratory.

Students can build practical experience through these opportunities:

• Faculty-led research: Through the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences, students can work alongside faculty on biotechnology research and apply what they learn in class to real-world scientific challenges.

• Laboratory training: Students gain practical laboratory experience through courses such as BIO 354 Cell Biology Laboratory and LSC 348 Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory, where scientific concepts are supported by hands-on learning.

• STEM research experience: LSC 388 STEM Research Fundamentals can provide students with structured preparation for conducting research and developing practical research skills.

• Internships: Students can choose an approved internship option, including BIO 484, ENV 484, FOR 484, LSC 484 or PTX 484, allowing them to gain experience in a professional environment related to their interests.

• Undergraduate research: BIO 495 Undergraduate Research provides an opportunity to work on research projects and gain direct experience applying biological and biotechnology concepts.

• Independent research and study: Students can pursue options such as BIO 492 Honors Directed Study, BIO 493 Honors Thesis or BIO 499 Individualized Instruction, allowing them to explore a specific scientific topic in greater depth.

• Biotechnology and entrepreneurship: The program combines scientific learning with business and entrepreneurship, helping students understand how biotechnology discoveries can be developed into products, services and solutions.

• Entrepreneurship-focused courses: Students interested in the Bioentrepreneurship focus can take courses such as TMC 110 Understanding the Enterprise, TMC 310 Promotion of the Enterprise, TMC 320 Funding the Enterprise and TMC 330 Leading the Enterprise, building knowledge of how enterprises are developed and managed.

• Specialized focus areas: Students can tailor their learning through three focus areas: Biotechnology, Bioentrepreneurship and Biostatistics. The Biotechnology focus includes courses such as BCH 372 Modern Concepts in Biochemistry Laboratory, BIO 443 Applied Molecular Genetics and Genomics and LSC 447 Molecular Genetics Laboratory, while the Biostatistics focus develops skills in probability, statistical analysis and experimental design.

• Global learning: Students can participate in ASU's Global Education opportunities, including experiences involving international startups, research and internships. These opportunities can help students build professional networks while gaining a broader understanding of biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

Facilities and research resources: Students study at ASU's West Valley campus within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and can participate in faculty-led research through the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences. The program page highlights research opportunities and laboratory-based learning rather than listing a separate set of dedicated biotechnology facilities.

The Biotechnology and Bioenterprise, BS at Arizona State University prepares students for careers that bring together biotechnology, scientific research, healthcare and business. The program is particularly well suited to students who want to turn scientific ideas into practical solutions, products and services, with career options such as Bioentrepreneur, Cell Biologist, Clinical Trials Manager and Laboratory Researcher.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

• Career support: Students can access academic advising through the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences and gain practical experience through research, internships and other opportunities built into the program. These experiences help students connect their studies with potential career paths.

• Employment and salary prospects: ASU lists median salaries of $98,920 for Bioinformatics Scientists, $98,920 for Biological Scientists, $167,220 for Clinical Trial Managers, $139,500 for Data Management Specialists, $167,220 for Health Sciences Managers, $123,860 for Medical and Health Services Managers, $87,990 for Microbiologists, $98,920 for Molecular Biologists and $127,410 for Scientists/Biochemists. ASU notes that these figures are not necessarily entry-level salaries and that pay can vary with experience and location.

• Research experience: Students can participate in the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences, where they can work alongside faculty on biotechnology research and apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.

• Industry-focused preparation: The program combines biotechnology with entrepreneurship and commercialization. This helps students understand how scientific discoveries can be developed into products, services and solutions that address challenges in biotechnology and health sciences.

• Global professional exposure: Students have access to more than 300 Global Education opportunities, including experiences involving research, internships and global startups. These experiences can help students develop professional networks while building communication, leadership, adaptability and critical-thinking skills.

• International work opportunities: The program is STEM-OPT extension eligible. Qualifying F-1 international students may be eligible for an additional 24 months of U.S. work experience after the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training period.

• Long-term accreditation value: Arizona State University’s undergraduate programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). ASU states that accreditation demonstrates that its programs meet high academic standards and supports recognition of the degree by employers and graduate schools.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles such as Bioentrepreneur, Cell Biologist, Clinical Trials Manager, Educator, Laboratory Researcher, Microbiologist, Patent Agent, Portfolio Manager, Project Manager and Regulatory Affairs Manager. The combination of scientific and business knowledge also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue their education.

Further Academic Progression: Students can continue into graduate study after completing the Biotechnology and Bioenterprise, BS. ASU offers accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's options that can allow eligible students to complete both degrees in as little as five years, including Biological Data Science (Biotechnology), MS; Biological Data Science, MS; and Global Management, MGM.