Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) (BS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Southern California

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biological Sciences with a Biotechnology emphasis at the University of Southern California is a great choice for students who want to use biology to develop practical solutions in areas such as healthcare, food, environmental challenges and other emerging fields. The program brings together biology, business, research and hands-on learning, helping students build the scientific and professional skills needed for the growing biotechnology industry or for further study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students start by developing a strong foundation in biology and the sciences through courses such as BISC 120Lg General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution and BISC 220Lg General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology, along with general chemistry. They can also take BISC 193 Introduction to Research I or BISC 194 Introduction to Research II, giving them an early introduction to research and the work of USC faculty.

Year 2:
Students build deeper knowledge through BISC 320Lg Molecular Biology and BISC 325 Genetics, while continuing courses in chemistry, calculus, statistics and physics. They also begin exploring the business side of biotechnology through BUAD 301 Technology Entrepreneurship, helping them understand how scientific discoveries can develop into innovative products and ideas.

Year 3:
Students move into more specialized biotechnology study through courses such as BISC 406L Biotechnology and a biotechnology-focused seminar. They can also choose subjects such as BISC 402 RNA Biology and Biotechnology, BISC 410 Applications of Molecular Biology to Medicine, BISC 434 Introduction to Genome Science and BISC 444 Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R.

Year 4:
In the final year, students can shape their studies around their interests by selecting advanced subjects such as BISC 451 Protein Engineering, BME 410L Stem Cells and Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering, QBIO 478 Computational Genome Analysis and SCRM 487 Regenerative Medicine: Principles, Paradigms and Practice. Students can also take BISC 490x Directed Research, giving them the chance to apply what they have learned in a real research environment.

Focus Areas:
Biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biological research, technology entrepreneurship, biotechnology business, genome science, RNA biology, protein engineering, computational biology, regenerative medicine and biomedical applications

Learning Outcomes:
Students develop a strong understanding of biological sciences and learn how biological processes and living organisms can be used to address real-world problems. They build scientific, research, analytical and business skills while gaining opportunities for hands-on coursework, directed research and internships. This combination prepares students for roles in biotechnology and related life-science industries, as well as for graduate education.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program is offered through USC Dornsife's Department of Biological Sciences and is designed around the knowledge and practical skills used in the biotechnology industry. The official program information does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) B.S.

Reputation and Employability:
Biotechnology is a rapidly growing part of the U.S. and global economy, and USC positions this emphasis as an important pathway for life-science students who want to pursue careers outside traditional academic or clinical routes. Students also benefit from USC's strong research environment, where Biological Sciences undergraduates can become involved in faculty research and gain experience that supports both employment and postgraduate study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning and gain practical experience in biological research, biotechnology and entrepreneurship. The curriculum specifically includes hands-on coursework, directed research and internships, allowing students to explore how biological science can be applied to areas such as genome editing, clinical diagnostics, cell therapies and other biotechnology applications.

Students can build this practical experience through:

Biotechnology laboratory learning: BISC 406L Biotechnology provides dedicated study in biotechnology, while courses such as BISC 314L Cell Culture, CHEM 467L Advanced Chemical Biology Laboratory and BISC 450L Principles of Immunology allow students to develop practical laboratory skills.
Directed research: Students can take BISC 490x Directed Research and work with a USC faculty member on a research project. Juniors and seniors can pursue BISC 490 with faculty sponsorship, and students completing four units are generally expected to spend around 12–16 hours per week in the laboratory.
Early research exposure: BISC 193 Introduction to Research I and BISC 194 Introduction to Research II introduce students to research-active faculty and help them become familiar with biological research at USC.
Molecular and biotechnology applications: Students can choose advanced subjects such as BISC 402 RNA Biology and Biotechnology, BISC 403 Advanced Molecular Biology, BISC 434 Introduction to Genome Science and BISC 451 Protein Engineering, giving them opportunities to explore modern biotechnology techniques and applications.
Computational and data skills: Courses including BISC 444 Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R, QBIO 401 Introduction to Computational Analysis of Biological Data, QBIO 478 Computational Genome Analysis, QBIO 481 Structural Bioinformatics and QBIO 482 Systems Biology allow students to develop quantitative and computational approaches to biological problems.
Business and entrepreneurship experience: Biotechnology students can combine their scientific training with business-focused courses such as BUAD 301 Technology Entrepreneurship, BAEP 450 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship and BAEP 474 The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Intellectual Property, helping them understand the commercial side of biotechnology.
Internships and external experience: The program specifically identifies internships as an experiential-learning option. Students can also pursue research through USC and Dornsife opportunities, including summer research programs, fellowships and research positions.
Research across disciplines: USC Biological Sciences research spans molecular and computational biology, human and evolutionary biology, marine and environmental biology, and neurobiology. Students can work in laboratories using approaches such as molecular assays, computational genomic analysis, advanced microscopy and other biological research methods.
Honors research and thesis: High-performing students can join the Biological Sciences Honors Program, which includes BISC 490x Directed Research, two semesters of BISC 493x Honors Seminar and an Honors Thesis through BISC 494x. Students gain experience conducting research and presenting their findings in a formal academic setting.

Overall, the program gives students several ways to gain practical experience before graduation, from biotechnology laboratories and computational analysis to faculty-led research, entrepreneurship, internships and an optional honors thesis. USC reports that approximately 100 Biological Sciences undergraduates participate in research each year, with around 75 completing BISC 290 or BISC 490 for academic credit.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) gives students a strong foundation for building a career in the fast-growing biotechnology and life-sciences sector. By combining biology with research, business, computational skills and practical learning, the program prepares students for industry roles, research careers and further study in biotechnology, biomedical sciences and related fields.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can explore a variety of roles, including:

Biotechnology Researcher
Molecular Biology Researcher
Genomics Researcher
Cell Biology Researcher
Biotechnology Laboratory Professional
Bioprocessing Professional
Research Associate
Biomedical Research Professional
Biotechnology Business Professional
Life Sciences Product Development Professional
Biological Data Professional
Biotechnology Industry Specialist

Career Development and Industry Preparation

Students can build their professional profile through hands-on coursework, directed research and internships. These experiences allow them to explore different areas of biotechnology while developing the practical and problem-solving skills that employers and graduate schools value.

USC Biological Sciences also provides strong opportunities for undergraduate research. Around 100 Biological Sciences undergraduates participate in research each year, with approximately 75 students completing BISC 290 or BISC 490 for academic credit. Students can explore research areas including molecular and computational biology, human and evolutionary biology, marine and environmental biology and neurobiology.

Research and Professional Experience

Research experience can be particularly valuable for students planning careers in biotechnology, biomedical research or other laboratory-based fields. Through faculty-led projects and research opportunities, students can develop laboratory experience, learn how scientific research is conducted and gain a better understanding of potential career directions.

Students can also pursue undergraduate research funding and fellowship opportunities, allowing them to gain additional experience while working with faculty mentors. These experiences can strengthen their preparation for both employment and postgraduate study.

Further Academic Progression

Students who want to continue their education can progress into master's, doctoral and professional programs in areas such as biotechnology, molecular biology, biological sciences, biomedical sciences and related disciplines.

USC offers a Progressive M.S. in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry for eligible USC undergraduates. Students with appropriate research experience can move into graduate-level study and complete the master's degree through an accelerated pathway.

Another option is the Progressive M.S. in Marine and Environmental Biology, which provides an additional route for students interested in advanced study and research in environmental and marine sciences.

Students interested in research-intensive careers can also pursue Ph.D. programs after completing their bachelor's degree. Research projects, internships and faculty-led experiences during the undergraduate program can help students develop the academic and research background needed for advanced study.

Long-Term Opportunities

The combination of biological science, biotechnology, business, research and computational learning gives graduates flexibility as the biotechnology sector continues to develop. Students can enter the workforce after graduation, build careers in research or biotechnology, explore business and product development opportunities, or continue into advanced academic and professional education.