Course Overview!

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Biotechnology program at Cal State LA provides students with a strong foundation in modern biotechnology concepts and practices. It features a curriculum designed to be responsive to industry needs, taught by both academics and industry professionals. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory skills training and includes a summer internship in the biotechnology sector. The program aims to prepare students for employment and career advancement in biotechnology and allows students to apply some of the courses towards a Master of Science degree in Biology. The program is approved as a Gainful Employment Program, allowing eligible students to apply for Federal Financial Aid.

Course Structure

The certificate program requires 18 units, including 12 units of required core courses and at least 6 units of electives. Required core courses cover gene editing, bioscience companies, biotechnology applications of cell and molecular biology, and a biotechnology internship. Students must also complete 2 units from a selection of seminars. Electives can be chosen in consultation with a program advisor from a wide range of biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geography, geology, kinesiology, mathematics, management, microbiology, and philosophy courses. No more than one seminar course can be selected as an elective.