Co-op/
Internship Encouraged
Salary and Career Info
Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS
In RIT’s biotechnology bachelor’s degree you’ll develop technologies for genetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccine development, energy/ environment, forensics, and more.
Program skills
Building on a core of biology, chemistry, math, and liberal arts, the courses in this major are taught from a molecular bioscience perspective and are focused on the central genetic dogma of molecular biology. The curriculum explores the rapidly-expanding field of genetic engineering and almost unlimited potential that controlled genetic experiments hold for improving the quality of life. Specialized areas of interest include recombinant DNA, mammalian and plant tissue culture, and monoclonal antibody production.
Program facilities equipment
Students are exposed to nine teaching laboratories and 13 student/faculty research laboratories. Some of these labs include: NYS-DOH certified animal facility, Greenhouse and plant tissue culture facility, Confocal Microscopy Laboratory, Next Generation Sequencing platform
Program 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
Program significant points
- RIT Biotechnology and Molecular Biosciences students have co-oped at pharmaceutical companies, academic research laboratories, Biotechnology companies, and National Laboratories.
- The Biotechnology and Molecular Science program prepares our graduates for post-secondary education, employment in biotech and research laboratories and medical school.
Select program hiring partners
University of Rochester Medical Center; The Feinstein Institutes; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Q2 Solutions; Genesee Valley Podiatry, LLP; Enanta Pharmaceuticals; CNY Fertility; ACM Global Laboratories; Cornell University; Integral Biosystems; Jabil; Johnson & Johnson; Litron Laboratories; The Jackson Laboratory; Vaccinex Inc.
92.31%
Outcome Rates for Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS
Total percentage of graduates who have entered the workforce, enrolled in full-time graduate study, or are pursuing alternative plans (military service, volunteering, etc.).
65%
Knowledge Rate
Total percentage of graduates for whom RIT has verifiable data, compared to national average knowledge rate of 41% per NACE.
| Outcome | % of Students |
|---|---|
| Employed | 69.23% |
| Full-time Graduate Study | 23.08% |
| Alternative Plans | 0% |
Experiential Learning
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.
National Labs Career Events and Recruiting
The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.
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.