Biotechnology at JMU: A STEM-Designated Degree
Fewer than 100 U.S. universities offer undergraduate biotechnology degree programs, and our partner James Madison University is one of them. Biotechnology is becoming increasingly popular as job growth in this sector is projected to grow by 5% in the next eight years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020).
JMU’s Biotechnology Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is a STEM-designated degree program, offering students the potential to extend their stays in the U.S. through additional Optional Practical Training (OPT). This unique program prepares undergraduate students to enter that job sector with exceptional coursework, research opportunities, and professional development.
Academic Preparation
The Biotechnology BS degree is an interdisciplinary degree program offered through a collaboration between three JMU departments: Biology, Chemistry, and Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT). The interdisciplinary nature of this program benefits students by teaching scientific/technical skills and cross-disciplinary knowledge across three departments and two colleges (the College of Science & Mathematics and the College of Integrated Science & Engineering). These classes are capped at 30 students and are taught by full-time faculty members, giving students excellent individualized, quality attention.
Graduates are prepared to enter the biotechnology workforce or to pursue graduate education in a wide array of fields including medical, agricultural or industrial biotechnology. When students complete this program, they will have gained
- Hands-on laboratory experiences
- An understanding of biotechnological solutions
- Transferable skills to contribute to the growing biotechnology industry sector
Additionally, students have the option to add a General Business minor to their degree program to enhance their job prospects.
Undergraduate Research
All JMU Biotechnology students work in laboratories and have opportunities to build their resumes with research activities, and 25% complete additional undergraduate research outside of the classroom. For example, all Biotechnology students participate in a 2-semester laboratory course: Viral Discovery and Genomics, in which they work to find, name, and characterize new viruses by sequencing, assembly, and analyzing viral genomes. Students have the option to present their findings at regional and national conferences, co-author peer-reviewed scientific articles, and join a variety of other research projects.
Career Outcomes
With JMU’s location in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. — and less than two hours from the nation’s capital – career opportunities are plentiful in the area, as well as throughout the U.S. Graduates of the JMU program work at
- Biotechnology Firms
- Chemical Companies
- Cosmetic Companies
- Environment and Pollution Control Agencies
- Food Companies
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Private Research Firms
Entry Requirements
Below is a summary of admissions and scholarship details for Fall 2021 enrollment to the International Year (IY) at JMU’s International Study Center (ISC) and for direct admission to an undergraduate degree program. As a reminder, the Fall semester begins on 24 August 2021. For IY and Direct Admit students, deadlines are as follows:
- Application Deadline: 19 July 2021
- Confirmation Deadline: 2 August 2021
