Biotechnology
Overview
The biotechnology master's degree program is designed to take students to the next level by preparing them for positions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consulting and high-tech industries, as well as government laboratories.
Fort Valley State University is the only public institution in Georgia that offers a Master of Science degree in biotechnology. Biotechnology is the development of products from living organisms, their components, or systems. Often, biotechnology is applied to develop agricultural advancements, food, and medicine.
Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge science that encompasses biology, plant and animal sciences and engineering. It is used as a scientific vehicle for many purposes including enhancing crop yield and quality, developing pharmaceuticals, improving health and nutrition and providing new methods for removing environmental toxins.
The field of biotechnology is growing, and so are the opportunities in this industry. There are more than 1,500 biotech companies in the United States and many of them are located here in Georgia.
The professors teach classes in high-tech laboratories and offer hands-on assistance. Students have the opportunity to develop grant proposals with faculty members and to present their research findings at professional seminars and conferences.
Degree Offered
The Master of Science in Biotechnology offers the following program options:
- Plant Biotechnology
- Animal Biotechnology
- Applied Biotechnology
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science degree, or equivalent degree from an international institution. They must have completed undergraduate courses in the following: biology, chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, physical chemistry and physics.
- GRE: 800 (regular admission)/700 (provisional admission)
- TOEFL: 650 (Required for students whose native language is not English. 280 computer-based test or 71 Internet-based test)
- GPA: 3.0 (4-point scale) is considered competitive
To Apply to the Program
Download the FVSU Graduate College Admission form. Complete the graduate application. Submit the application, two official transcripts for each school attended, immunization forms, standardized test scores and three letters of recommendation (click here for recommendation form) to:
Graduate Studies
Fort Valley State University
Warner Robins Center
151 Osigian Boulevard
Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
Application Deadlines
- Fall semester: June 15/May 1 (International students)
- Spring semester: November 1/October 1 (International students)
New students are ineligible for the summer semester. Submissions received after the deadlines are considered for the next eligible semester unless applicants withdraw their applications.
Graduation Requirements
The degree requires 36 credit hours (including 6 credit hours for a research thesis or internship) which full-time students can complete in two years. All graduate students are required to enroll in fall, spring and possibly summer sessions. Working professionals, including school teachers, are encouraged to apply as part-time students.