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Biotechnology Degrees for Military and Veterans

Biotechnology Degrees for Military and Veterans

Biotechnology Degrees

Biotechnology is technology based on biology. Modern biotechnology can provide breakthrough products and technologies in medical science, the environment, energy, and other manufacturing processes. UC Davis says of its biotechnology degree program, "Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary major that has an impact on almost every aspect of modern human life."

Students learn about "the biological sciences with an emphasis on the basic principles of genetics, molecular biology and cell biology. Students focus their studies into one of four areas to gain a more in-depth understanding of these topics: microbial biotechnology, animal biotechnology, plant biotechnology or bioinformatics."

 

Degrees in Biotechnology

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Associate’s Degree in Biotechnology

Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year college, or go straight into a job, getting your associate’s degree in biotechnology can be your first step into this field. You might take classes such as genetics, microbiology, and inorganic chemistry. You can also find a job as a bio technician, agricultural staff research associate, or a research assistant for a chemist or a biologist. 

If you want to go for your associate’s degree in biotechnology, you can do so at many community colleges. Going to get your associate’s degree should take you around two years. 

Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology

Getting your bachelor’s degree in biotechnology opens up opportunities and will provide a foundation in a frequently changing field. Getting your bachelor’s degree will give you hands-on experience in the field. 

You would probably end up taking classes in computer science, microbiology, and molecular biology. The degree might also include an internship at a research center or hospital. A bachelor’s degree should take you around four years. 

When looking for programs, Purdue University, the University of Georgia, and the University of California at Davis are all highly rated. For online programs, North Carolina Agricultural, Drury University, and the University of New Mexico are all highly rated. 

Jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology

Master’s Degree in Biotechnology

Going to get your master’s degree in biotechnology can pave the way to different opportunities. Students can decide on going into private research or go on to get their doctorate. A master’s degree should take between 1-2 years, depending on if you go full or part-time. 

You would need to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related subject. Classes will depend on your concentration, but you might take classes in biological sciences, agricultural/food sciences, health sciences, and more. 

For online programs, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are all highly rated. For in-person programs, the University of California at San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University are all highly rated. 

Jobs you can get with a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology

Doctorate Degree in Biotechnology

Students who want to go even further into research or academia in the field of biotechnology will need to go on to get their Ph.D. in biotechnology. This can take an additional 5-7 years. Students will be able to specialize in a more specific area of biotechnology within the larger field. Courses will depend on the subject and programs may include classes on grant writing, experimental design, and other topics related to advanced biotechnology. 

Jobs you can get with a Doctorate in Biotechnology

Related Majors

Biotechnology Scholarships

Getting your degree in biotechnology means you can apply for certain scholarships just for biotechnology or similar majors. Here are a couple of them:

R&D Systems Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who are pursuing a degree in a science-related field, such as life science, medical science, or health science. The award is for $1,500, which is awarded twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Open to students in all levels of education above high school. For more info, please go here.

For even more Biotechnology scholarships, please go here.

Earning your master's degree in biomedical engineering degree is the best way to increase your job prospects. Biomedical engineering is one of the fastest growing fields with one of the highest salaries in the workforce. For military veterans, degrees in this field can help you transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.
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