Master of Science in Biotechnology

Graduate Degree Program

Fort Valley State University is the only public institution in Georgia that offers a Master of Science degree in biotechnology. The degree requires 36 credit hours (including six 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 summer sessions. Working professionals, including schoolteachers, are encouraged to apply as part-time students.

Biotechnology is the development of products from living organisms, their components, or systems. Often, biotechnology is applied to develop agricultural advancements, food, and medicine. FVSU master’s degree candidates can specialize in plant biotechnology, animal biotechnology, and applied biotechnology. Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary, innovative science encompassing 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 biotechnology field is growing, and so are the opportunities in this industry. There are more than 1,500 biotech companies in the United States, many of which are located in Georgia.

This program is designed to take students to the next level by preparing them for positions at large and small companies in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consulting, and high-tech industries, as well as government laboratories. Graduates of this program can pursue careers as research specialists, teachers, scientists, and laboratory technicians FVSU’s Master of Science Degree Concentration in Biotechnology Program is administered through the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences, and Technology.

Course Requirements for the MS in Biotechnology (36 Credit Hours)

Core Courses (13 Credit Hours)

SubjectCourse No.Course NameCredit Hours
FVSU0500Graduate Program Orientation0
ANSC5103Biometrics3
ANSC5203Experimental Design and Data Analysis3
BIOT5253Advanced Biotechnology3
BIOT6523Communication in Biotechnology3

Major Degree Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

SubjectCourse No.Course NameCredit Hours
Plant Biotechnology Concentration
BIOT5373Plant Tissue and Call Culture3
BIOT5403Molecular Genetics3
BIOT5483Molecular Market Technology3
BIOT5543Gene Transfer and Expression3
BIOT5555Biological Micro-techniques3
BIOT5923Food Safety3
BIOT6404Global Issues in Biotechnology3
BIOT6533Specialty Plants and Crop Improvement3
Animal Biotechnology Concentration
BIOT5123Physiological Chemistry3
BIOT5403Molecular Genetics3
BIOT5483Molecular Market Technology3
BIOT5543Gene Transfer and Expression3
BIOT5923Food Safety3
ANSC/BIOT6253Molecular Endocrinology3
BIOT6273Gamete and Embryo Biotechnology3
BIOT6404Global Issues in Biotechnology3
BIOT6393Microbial Biotechnology3
ANSC5183Analytical Techniques in Biological Science3
Applied Biotechnology Concentration
BIOT5403Molecular Genetics3
BIOT5753Bioengineering3
BIOT5923Food Safety3

Admission Application Requirements

  1. A Completed Graduate Application
  2. Application Processing Fee (non-refundable)
    • $20 – Domestic Applicants
    • $75 – International Applicants
  3. A Professional Resume
  4. A Statement of Purpose
    • The statement must be between 550-600 words. The Statement of Purpose should be in essay format and include personal characteristics/disposition, professional goals, academic background, research, work/volunteer experience and why you wish to pursue a graduate degree in the respective area.
  5. Three Professional Recommendations
    • Letters of recommendation must be submitted using the FVSU Recommendation form for Graduate Admission.
  6. Submit Official Transcripts from each postsecondary institution (College/University) attended showing a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. The transcript should show all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades earned.
  7. Immunization records
    • International Transcript Evaluation: Transcripts from educational institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by any current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (https://www.naces.org/members.html) with a course-by-course evaluation and grade point average (GPA) included. The transcript must be received directly from the evaluation service/agency.