Applied laboratory-based training

Our Mission: We are a diverse community addressing complex and evolving challenges through rigorous inquiry, responsible design, and sustainable production of biological systems.

Biotechnology at JMU is a 4-year interdisciplinary major leading to a B.S. degree.  The program is shared among the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT). 

The 47-53 credit hours of science foundation courses, 17 credit hours of biotechnology transition and core classes, and 15 credit hours of elective courses prepare students for diverse paths in industry, government, and graduate or professional studies. 

Each student works with an assigned academic advisor to develop an individualized portfolio of upper-level coursework to best meet her/his unique interests and needs. 

Advanced courses are selected from an extensive list of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, ISAT, Engineering, and Mathematics and Statistics offerings.  

Biotechnology students are also invited to pursue a minor in General Business.

The information below is intended as a general guide, for official information on the Biotechnology Major, please see the course catalog.