Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (B.S.)

The B.S. in Biotechnology at Indiana University Bloomington is strongly hands-on, with practical training in the concepts, techniques and applications used by biotechnology researchers. Students work in state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and, for independent research, can access individual faculty laboratories and affiliated core research facilities representing more than $50 million in life-sciences infrastructure. The curriculum includes Theory and Applications of Biotechnology Laboratory I, where students develop advanced laboratory techniques across biotechnology disciplines.

Students can build practical experience through:

• Advanced laboratory training: BIOT-T 415: Theory and Applications of Biotechnology Laboratory I provides in-depth training in advanced biotechnology laboratory techniques through discipline-specific modules.
• Teaching laboratories: The program has several state-of-the-art teaching laboratory facilities equipped for biotechnology training.
• Independent research: Biotechnology students undertaking independent research projects can work in faculty laboratories and use affiliated core research facilities across the IU Bloomington campus.
• Genomics and bioinformatics: The Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics provides access to genome technologies and bioinformatics support, supporting computational and genomic research.
• Flow cytometry: The Flow Cytometry Core Facility provides flow-cytometry analysis and cell-sorting capabilities for biological research.
• Microscopy: The Light Microscopy Imaging Center provides access to advanced light microscopy, while the Electron Microscopy Center supports imaging and nanoscale analysis.
• Mass spectrometry: Students involved in relevant research can benefit from the Mass Spectrometry Facility and Laboratory for Biological Mass Spectrometry, which support biological and biomolecular research.
• Media laboratory: The Media Lab supports undergraduate laboratory classes and research laboratories by preparing microbial growth media, buffers and other laboratory materials using equipment such as autoclaves, water baths, pH meters and a Nanopure water system.
• Research experience: The department's B.S./M.S. Biotechnology pathway provides an additional structured research route in which admitted students undertake independent projects in campus research laboratories under faculty, graduate-student and postdoctoral supervision.
• Internship opportunity: The Lawrence M. Blatt Life Sciences Internship Scholarship is specifically promoted by the Biotechnology program for students seeking internships.
• Biotechnology teaching internship: BIOT-X 371: Undergraduate Teaching Internship in Biotechnology allows students to assist faculty with undergraduate biotechnology teaching, including discussion sections and development of instructional materials.
• Research technologies: IU's research infrastructure includes analytics and big-data resources, research software, storage, data services, consulting and training through Research Technologies.
• Field-based resources: The Research & Teaching Preserve provides natural field settings for research and teaching, extending experiential learning beyond laboratory environments. 

The B.S. in Biotechnology at Indiana University Bloomington prepares students for careers across biotechnology and related life-science industries, including pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, while also building a strong foundation for graduate and professional education. The program combines scientific training with practical biotechnology techniques, making it relevant to laboratory, research and biomedical career pathways.

• Career roles: Biotechnology Research Associate, Laboratory Technician, Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Research Associate.
• Career services: IU Bloomington provides career coaching, resume and interview support, employer networking, specialized career centers, career fairs and the Handshake job and internship portal, which gives students access to internship listings and employer events.
• Internships: Students can pursue internships, including paid summer positions, on-campus research opportunities, micro-internships and international internships; IU also documents biotechnology students completing field-specific internships, including a B.S. Biotechnology graduate who completed a National Park Service internship.
• Research opportunities: The B.S. program is designed to provide practical laboratory skills and exposure to biotechnology careers through independent research, internships and seminar experiences.
• Employment & salary: Program-specific employment and salary statistics are not stated on the official IU Bloomington B.S. Biotechnology program page, so a biotechnology-specific figure should not be assumed.
• Industry connections: IU states that biotechnology graduates are prepared for biotechnology and related industries, including pharmaceutical and agricultural industries; the university also provides employer networking through career fairs and recruitment events.
• Accreditation value: Program-specific professional accreditation is not stated on the official B.S. Biotechnology program page.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter biotechnology and life-science employment, continue into M.S. or Ph.D. programs in biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry, or pursue professional degrees such as M.D., M.B.A. or J.D. with a biotechnology focus.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate study such as an M.S. or Ph.D. in biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry. The degree also provides preparation for professional pathways including medicine, business and law, with IU specifically identifying M.D., M.B.A. and J.D. options related to biotechnology.