Skip to main content
Bachelor of Science

Biology: Biotechnology (B.S.)

Biotechnology uses biology and living organisms to create new products. One of the simplest forms of biotechnology is using yeast, a living organism, to bake bread! There are thousands of applications for biotechnology in food production, medicine, and cons

Biotechnology Introductio

Experimenting in Sean Kelly's BIO 180 class.

The biotechnology emphasis at BYU-Idaho prepares you to build solutions for today’s problems. A biology degree will equip you with everything you need to know about biology, but with a biotechnology emphasis, you will pair that with a deeper study of organic chemistry, plant pathology, bioinformatics, and more.

With the Biology: Biotechnology major, you can go on to study:

  • Genetics 
  • Molecular biology 
  • Cellular biology 
  • Biochemistry 
  • Physiology 
  • Medicine 

Highlighted Courses

Develop practical and technical skills through courses in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology, laboratory techniques, and biotechnology applications to prepare for research, graduate studies, or careers as biotechnology technicians and pre-professional medical pathways.
October 29, 2025 09:38 AM
BIO 321
October 29, 2025 09:39 AM
CHEM 351
October 27, 2025 09:39 AM
BIO 376
October 27, 2025 09:40 AM
BIO 382
October 29, 2025 09:43 AM
BIO 410
October 29, 2025 09:44 AM
BIO 411
October 29, 2025 09:45 AM
BIO 412
October 29, 2025 09:41 AM
AGRON 440
See Example Class Plan

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Biotechnology, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates are expertly prepared for high-impact roles in drug discovery, quality control, and the manufacturing of life-saving medical products across the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors. This emphasis provides a robust foundation for a rewarding career with competitive entry-level salaries in both industry and academic research.

Common Career Paths

Master the tools of genetic engineering and molecular biology to develop transformative products and lead the optimization of large-scale biomanufacturing processes. You will also gain proficiency in advanced laboratory instrumentation and mammalian cell culture, while learning to leverage AI and machine learning to drive innovation in drug discovery.

Preparation for Grad School

This emphasis serves as a premier launchpad for advanced MS or PhD degrees in molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Additionally, you will graduate with the technical depth and research experience necessary to pursue specialized graduate training in high-demand fields such as biochemical, biomedical, or biomanufacturing engineering.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Biology
Our curriculum empowers you to use AI as a powerful scientific ally, teaching you to design experiments, interpret complex data, and solve biological challenges with ethical precision. You will graduate as a tech-savvy scientist, prepared to use emerging technologies to ask better questions and lead with rigor in an evolving professional landscape.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.

Learn More About BYU-Idaho
Request more information and receive personalized information to learn how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.