Biotechnology (Master of Science)
Advanced study of the development of products from living organisms, their components, or systems to produce agricultural advancements, food, and medicine.
learn how to advance food and medicine cohesively
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.
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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.
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 (M.S.) in Biotechnology offers thesis research in:
- 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) 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.
Graduate Profiles
Carissa L. Jackson, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
M.S. in Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University
B.S. in Biology, Albany State University
Carissa Jackson’s passion for biotechnology sparked unexpectedly—during her final undergraduate course. That single spark launched a journey through three degrees and multiple research institutions. At Fort Valley State University, she earned her M.S. in Biotechnology while studying micropropagation and genetic transformation in medicinal plants under Nirmal Joshee, Ph.D. Encouraged by her mentors, she pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where her research focused on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in grapevine to improve disease resistance.
Along the way, Carissa contributed to breast cancer research, neurology studies at Emory University, and forensic science with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. She credits FVSU’s graduate research assistantship and USDA funding for enabling her to explore her love for biotechnological innovation.
Carissa dreams of founding a biotech company focused on enhancing medicinal phytochemicals. Her happy place? In the lab, music on, hands deep in research that brings science closer to solutions.
Richa Bajaj
M.S. in Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University
M.S. in Horticulture, University of Georgia
Richa Bajaj began her scientific journey at Fort Valley State University, where she earned her M.S. in Biotechnology. As a graduate research assistant from 2016 to 2018, she explored plant micropropagation and genetic transformation techniques, gaining hands-on experience with DNA/RNA extraction, histology and scanning electron microscopy. Supported by FVSU’s collaborative and engaging academic environment, Richa co-authored peer-reviewed publications and developed a strong foundation in lab-based research and leadership.
She advanced her studies at the University of Georgia, earning an M.S. in Horticulture with a focus on CRISPR gene editing in Gerbera Daisy. Alongside her research, she held
leadership roles—including President of the Indian Student Association—showcasing her commitment to both science and community.
Richa later transitioned into clinical research, holding roles at PPD, Natera and now Ascension Seton, where she leads cardiovascular clinical trials. Her path from plant science to clinical coordination reflects a dynamic career built on curiosity, discipline and a drive to make meaningful contributions to human health.
Lani Irvin, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Biological Education, University of Northern Colorado
M.S. in Plant Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University
B.S. in Biology, Middle Georgia State University
Lani Irvin’s educational journey is a testament to perseverance, passion and the power of community. A first-generation, non-traditional student, Lani returned to higher education after a successful career in the restaurant industry, driven by a desire to pursue a lifelong interest in science.
She began her academic path at Middle Georgia State University, earning a degree in Biology and dedicating more than 4,000 volunteer hours to research. That commitment opened the door to Fort Valley State University’s Plant Biotechnology master’s program, where she worked with Associate Professor and Interim Dean of Graduate Studies Nirmal Joshee, Ph.D., in the lab—a place she describes as both intellectually stimulating and deeply supportive.
At FVSU, Lani found more than research opportunities; she found a family of scholars. Under Joshee’s mentorship, she honed her scientific skills, developed lifelong friendships, and cultivated the confidence to pursue a Ph.D. in Biological Education at the University of Northern Colorado. Her doctoral work focuses on teaching and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Lani's story is one of transformation—proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion. She continues to advocate for first-generation and non-traditional students, encouraging them to embrace every learning opportunity and lean into the support of their academic communities.
As Lani always says, “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”
Meet the Faculty
The Agricultural Sciences Department faculty at Fort Valley State University understand what it takes to succeed.