Minor in Biotechnology

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Bolster Your Future in Biology

Curious about how biology drives innovation in medicine, agriculture, and sustainability? The Biotechnology minor at Eastern Washington University gives you the knowledge and practical skills to turn scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.

Designed for Biology and Biochemistry majors, this hands-on program combines molecular biology, genetics, and industry-specific training to prepare you for in-demand careers in the rapidly growing biotech sector.

You’ll gain valuable experience in areas such as gene editing, cell culture, regulatory affairs, manufacturing best practices, and many others.

Your education will also extend beyond the classroom, offering career-connected learning that prepares you for opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and related fields.

The Biotechnology minor can be a significant asset in launching your career. For example, after completing coursework equivalent to the minor, Elizabeth Cué landed a job at ALK Source Materials in Post Falls, Idaho, upon graduation.

Request Info Curriculum & Requirements

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Biotechnology Minor

The Minor in Biotechnology is a flexible and career-focused option designed to complement the major in Biology or Biochemistry. This program equips students with hands-on, industry-relevant experience that prepares them for a wide range of opportunities in the rapidly growing biotechnology sector. With careful planning, the minor can be earned within the 180 credits required for the BS in Biology or the BS in Biochemistry.

Required Courses
BIOL 301
& 301L		MICROBIOLOGY
and MICROBIOLOGY LAB		5
BIOL 310FUNDAMENTALS OF GENETICS5
BIOL 383BIOTECH INDUSTRY CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES2
BIOL 384BIOTECH INDUSTRY REGULATORY AFFAIRS3
BIOL 385MOLECULAR BIOTECHNIQUES3
BIOL 484TOPICS IN MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY2
BIOL 485MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY5
BIOL 488MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY2
BIOL 490A
& 490AL		BIOTECHNOLOGY CAPSTONE
and BIOTECHNOLOGY CAPSTONE LAB		5
Total Credits32

Students who earn a Biotechnology Minor from EWU should be able to:

  • demonstrate a basic understanding of core concepts in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry as they relate to biotechnology applications;
  • gain proficiency in fundamental laboratory techniques used in biotechnology, such as DNA/RNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and cell culture;
  • develop basic skills in analyzing biological data and interpreting experimental results using bioinformatics tools and statistical methods;
  • apply biotechnological principles to interdisciplinary challenges in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, or bioengineering, demonstrating an ability to collaborate with peers from other disciplines;
  • communicate biotechnology concepts, experimental results, and their implications clearly and effectively through written and oral presentations, targeted to both scientific and general audiences;
  • explore the practical applications of biotechnology in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biofuels, and environmental management, recognizing how biotechnological innovations address real-world problems.