Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS LAMBBBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

In the BS degree program in molecular biosciences and biotechnology, students discover advanced disciplines in life sciences research and explore the exciting and rapidly growing field of biotechnology.

They examine the interface between molecular biology and biotechnology that drives major advancements in knowledge and applied research and development.

In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on research and business experience through a capstone course with world-renowned faculty. Students also have access to a dedicated mentoring program that provides them with the opportunity to engage in independent and collaborative research projects and receive feedback and advice on career choices, internships and more.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS
  • Biology, MS
  • Computational Life Sciences, MS
  • Global Management, MGM
  • Microbiology, MS
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Students gain valuable, resume-enhancing experience when studying abroad. Students majoring in molecular biosciences and biotechnology can expand their knowledge of how science impacts society in a variety of cultures and how technology and culture intertwine across the globe.

With more than 300 programs available, studying abroad allows students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. 

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science degree program in molecular biosciences and biotechnology provides students with a solid base of knowledge and practical expertise that will enable them to pursue advanced research and graduate study in biological sciences, medicine, sustainability and technology.

The program also prepares students with critical thinking, hands-on research and business entrepreneurship that will prepare them for direct entry into a wide variety of careers in a dynamic and expanding field. Graduates pursue positions in agriculture (green biotechnology, leading to improved crops or production of vaccines in plants); health care (red biotechnology, leading to better therapeutics, diagnostics and personalized medicine); and industry (white biotechnology, leading to sustainable production of energy, enzymes and chemicals).