Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2020-2021 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2020-2021 Previous Edition

Biotechnology, Graduate Certificate


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The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology offered by the Department of Biological Sciences is a multi-disciplinary program designed to combine advanced discipline-specific coursework with activities that develop those communication and technical skills that are highly valued by employers in the biotechnology industry.  Successful completion of the certificate program provides students with a solid foundation for success through practical experience gained via internships in laboratories on campus or in local industry.  The certificate program also cultivates an awareness of ethical, policy, and management issues related to the biotechnology industry.  The faculty and staff of the certificate program assist students toward achieving their greatest academic, personal, and professional potential through quality courses and instruction.  In addition, the certificate program helps meet the employment needs of biotechnology laboratories and provide quality continuing education to laboratory professionals in our service area.

Admission Requirements


  • A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
  • Evidence of sufficient undergraduate preparation in biology with a minimum of 12 credit hours in biology
  • A minimum of 12 credit hours of related study (preferably at least one semester of Organic Chemistry and one semester of Statistics)
  • GPA of at least 2.8 (based on a 4.0 scale) on all previous complete work beyond high school (secondary school)
  • An online application through the Graduate School’s application system
  • A statement of purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts of all college coursework attempted
  • Official and satisfactory scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Test (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not the applicant’s native language and if he or she has not earned a post-secondary degree from a U.S. institution

Given that certificates are not degree programs and are intended to provide streamlined educational opportunities, standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, MAT) are not required.

Certificate Requirements


The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology requires 15 credit hours of courses that must be completed within four years of study starting from the time the first course is taken.  Courses taken for one graduate certificate may not be counted toward another graduate certificate.  Up to 6 credit hours of graduate coursework taken as post-baccalaureate status at UNC Charlotte may be applied toward the certificate.  Credit hours earned in the certificate program may be applied to the master’s or doctoral program in Biology pursued either in conjunction with or after the certificate has been awarded subject to admission to that graduate program.  Requests for related courses and substitutions may be approved at the discretion of the Certificate Director and Graduate Program Director and Coordinator.

Certificate Total = 15 Credit Hours


Grade Requirements


A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses is required.  Only one grade of C may be counted toward the certificate.  

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