Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience Bachelor of Science Degree

In RIT’s biotechnology bachelor’s degree you’ll develop technologies for genetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccine development, energy/ environment, forensics, and more.


100%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

$1M+

Equipment in Genomics Lab


Overview for Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS

Why Study Biotechnology at RIT


  • Hands on Experience: Sequence and annotate whole genomes of a variety of organisms using the Illumina MiSeq in the Genomics Lab.

  • Lab Experience: 70% of the biotechnology and molecular bioscience elective courses have a hands-on laboratory component.

  • Gain Real-World Experience: Conduct undergraduate research, complete a cooperative education or internship, or study abroad. 

  • Engaging Community: Develop leadership, networking, and communication skills and engage in professional and outreach activities through the Biotechnology Club.

  • Pre-Med/Pre-Health and Pre-Vet Advising Programs: Receive personalized guidance to become a competitive candidate for admission to medical and veterinary schools and graduate programs in the health professions.

  • Direct Path to Medical School: RIT’s partnership with the University of Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine offers eligible pre-health/pre-med students early admission and mentorship through the Early Opportunity Program in Medicine.

  • Jobs at Industry Leading Companies: Recent biotechnology graduates are employed at organizations such as Pfizer, Inc., Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Merck & Co., Johns Hopkins Medicine, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

  • Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.

  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

In RIT’s biotechnology and molecular biology degree you’ll improve human health by harnessing technology advancements and biomolecular processes to research and develop technologies in genetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, environment and energy, forensic science, genetic counseling, and more.

Curriculum for RIT’s Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

This comprehensive biotechnology bachelor’s degree prepares you to immediately assume challenging positions in research, development, and management in fields as dynamic and diverse as:

  • plant biotechnology
  • human genetics
  • agriculture
  • food products
  • pharmaceuticals and vaccine development
  • environment and energy
  • forensic science
  • genetic counseling

Building on a core of biology, chemistry, math, and the liberal arts, the courses in the bachelor of science in biotechnology are taught from a molecular bioscience perspective with a focus on the central genetic dogma of molecular biology. The curriculum explores the rapidly expanding field of genetic engineering, and the nearly unlimited potential that controlled genetic experiments hold for improving the quality of life. Specialized areas of emphasis include:

  • Recombinant DNA
  • Microbial and plant genetic engineering
  • Mammalian and plant tissue culture
  • Monoclonal antibody production and purification
  • Large-scale fermentation techniques (bacterial and mammalian cell)
  • Methods for characterization and separation of proteins and nucleic acids in yeast, bacterial, viral, and plant systems

As a student enrolled in the biotechnology bachelor’s degree at RIT, you’ll be exposed to dynamic professors who are leaders in their fields both in the classroom and in the laboratory. The opportunity to participate in meaningful, faculty-sponsored undergraduate research projects prepares you to gain valuable experience for full-time employment or to pursue graduate study.

Furthering Your Education in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

  • Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS/Bioinformatics MS:
    Combine your BS degree in biotechnology and molecular bioscience with an MS in bioinformatics to become a leading professional in utilizing big data and machine learning to tackle complex biological problems. Establish a strong background in the latest technology and techniques used in the biotech fields of genetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more. The addition of a bioinformatics master’s degree provides the computational training and customized research experience to help you stand out in the job market. The blend of biotechnology and computational skills will make you uniquely prepared for high-paying careers in cutting-edge industries.
  • +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to enroll in the +1 MBA program by adding an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising

RIT’s Office of Pre-Health Advising offers an advising program that’s open to all majors and provides personal, individualized academic counseling to help you create a comprehensive long-term strategy to assist you in building successful applications to medical, dental, and veterinary schools or graduate degrees in the health professions (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.). Our pre-health advisors will have in-depth conversations with you around critical topics that include academic planning and course selection, MCAT and other admission exams, undergraduate research opportunities, clinical experiences and field work, timelines, and much more. Learn more about pre-med/pre-health advising.

Pre-Vet Advising

RIT’s pre-vet advising program provides personalized support to help you prepare successful applications for veterinary medical school. Pre-vet advising offers guidance on course selection, veterinary and animal care experience requirements, the veterinary school application process, and more. Learn about RIT’s pre-vet advising program.

RIT/University of Buffalo’s Early Opportunity Program in Medicine

RIT pre-health/pre-med students have a direct path to medical school through an RIT partnership with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo (UB). The Early Opportunity Program in Medicine allows eligible RIT students to secure a pre-admission offer to the Jacobs School while completing their undergraduate degree at RIT. Students accepted into the program gain early access to professional training and mentorship at UB’s medical school, helping them prepare for the demands of medical school and beyond. Learn more about the Early Opportunity Program in Medicine.

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Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

Associate Scientist Molecular Technician Laboratory Technician
Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician Plant and Microbial Genetics Researcher Scientist
Analyst Cytogenetics Lab Medical Technician Research Associate

Industries

  • Biotech and Life Sciences
  • Health Care
  • Medical Devices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Research
Post-Graduation Salary and Career Info for Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS

Research Internships

Research internships, offered both on and off-campus, take place during the summer. RIT offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in research, including three on-campus summer programs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), and the Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURP). Many students participate in undergraduate research for course credit during the academic year.

Cooperative Education

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. 

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Science co-ops include a range of hands-on experiences, from co-ops and internships and work in labs to undergraduate research and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide the hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Co-op and Experiential Learning Options for Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS

Featured Work and Profiles

Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is STEM designated when studying on campus and full time.

First-Year Admission

First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of social studies and/or history
  • 3 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus is recommended.
  • 2-3 years of science is required and must include biology and chemistry.

Transfer Admission

Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:

  • A minimum of college algebra is required. Pre-calculus or calculus is preferred.
  • Chemistry and biology are required.

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

Research

Real-World Experiences Through Biotechnology Research

Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged for biotech majors. It can begin as early as your first year. Participation in undergraduate research leads to the development of real-world lab techniques, enhanced problem-solving skills, and broader career opportunities. Our students have opportunities to travel to national conferences for presentations and also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts. Explore the variety of life science undergraduate research happening at RIT.

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