Biotechnology Certificate (pending campus approval for Fall 2026)

Please note: this program is pending campus approval for Fall 2026.

View information for the Department of Biological Sciences including Learning Objectives for the department and its programs.

The Biotechnology Certificate prepares undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students for entry-level positions and career advancement in the biotechnology industry. The program provides foundational coursework and laboratory training aligned with regional workforce needs, equipping students with the skills required for employment in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and related life science fields.

Requirements

(14 units)

Core courses

(5 units)

BIOL 4800 - The Biotech Industry 3 unit(s)
BIOL 4870 - Recombinant DNA 2 unit(s)

Computational Electives

(3 units)

BIOL 4810 - Bioinformatics 3 unit(s)
OR
BIOL 4840 - Genetic Biotechnology 3 unit(s)

Agricultural Biotechnology Electives

(4 units)

MBIO 4600 - Food Microbiology 4 unit(s)
OR
BIOL 4890 - Plant Biotechnology 4 unit(s)

Research Experience

(2 units)

Complete a minimum of two units from the following:

BIOL 5941 - Directed Field Research 2-4 unit(s)
BIOL 4980 - Individual Study 1-4 unit(s)
BIOL 4940 - Internship in Biology 2-4 unit(s)

Financial Aid Note:

Regarding this Certificate in Biotechnology, please note that Federal and State regulations require that federal and state aid funds are used to pay for courses that apply to a student’s program of study. Courses that are part of the Biological Sciences B.S./B.A. degree program are considered eligible courses for financial aid purposes.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Office staff members are available to assist you in understanding your award and aid-recipient rights and responsibilities (www.csustan.edu/financialaid)