Master of Science in Biotechnology

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)

Major Degree Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

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.