Keiser University

Biotechnology

Port St. Lucie Campus
Port St. Lucie, FL
Associate Degree
Biotechnology
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Keiser University offers this program on campus.
$12,908 per semester. This program spans 4 semesters at full-time enrollment.
Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 26 months (approximately 2 years and 2 months) and 62.5 credit hours.
A one-time $55 application fee applies on enrollment (subject to annual review).
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid, including grants and federal student loans.

Biotechnology is an Associate Degree program offered by Keiser University in Port St. Lucie, FL. The program takes 26 Months to complete, with tuition of $12,908 per semester.

Program Overview

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology trains students across many disciplines including genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. Graduates possess the skills to perform laboratory tests using standardized laboratory procedures in various biotechnology careers. The biotechnology program emphasizes hands-on training with laboratory instruments, understanding of biological systems, and application of scientific protocols used throughout the biotech industry.
 
Students learn essential skills for working in pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, research facilities, and government agencies. The curriculum covers cell biology, genetic engineering, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and environmental science while building communication skills necessary for professional laboratory settings. Through general education courses and specialized biotechnology courses, students develop both technical competence and critical thinking abilities.
 
The program prepares biotechnology graduates for entry level positions where they’ll conduct research, maintain laboratory instruments, analyze organic substances, and monitor experiments under the supervision of medical scientists or research scientists. Many graduates continue their education through bachelor’s degree programs in biomedical technology, health sciences, or applied science fields.

Program Objectives

  • Laboratory Proficiency: Developing a student’s ability to perform proficiently on laboratory and testing procedures using standardized methods applied in pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, and research facilities.
  • Critical Thinking Development: Building a student’s abilities in critical thinking and documentation, preparing them to analyze organic substances, interpret scientific protocols, and conduct research according to regulations and quality assurance standards.
  • Career Preparation: Preparing students for entry level positions in the biotechnology field, including roles as biological technicians, laboratory assistants, and quality assurance specialists in the biotech industry.

Prerequisites for Major Courses

Students must complete general education courses with an overall grade average of 2.50 or higher before beginning biotechnology program major courses. This requirement allows students to build foundational knowledge in basic research, college algebra, and communication skills before tackling specialized biotechnology courses.

Program Highlights

The biotechnology associate degree features three externship experiences totaling 10.5 credit hours, providing professional experience in actual laboratory settings. Students work alongside biological technicians, medical scientists, and research scientists while learning regulatory affairs procedures, quality assurance protocols, and manufacturing operations standards.

The program includes comprehensive training in:

  • Cell culturing techniques used in pharmaceutical companies
  • Molecular biology methods for genetic engineering
  • Clinical immunology procedures for medical laboratories
  • Microbiology protocols for research facilities
  • Laboratory instruments maintenance and operation

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. . While this program doesn’t require programmatic accreditation, the SACSCOC accreditation ensures Keiser University meets rigorous quality standards, which is crucial for students as it affects access to federal financial aid, the transferability of credits to other accredited schools, and recognition of degrees for programs and employers. This accreditation signifies that the institution adheres to standards that ensure educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

What sets this Program apart

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Biotechnology Career:

  • Advanced laboratory techniques for cell biology and molecular biology
  • Quality assurance procedures
  • Critical thinking abilities for problem-solving
  • Technical skills for operating and maintaining laboratory instruments
  • Understanding of biological systems and biological processes
  • Entry level competencies for medical laboratories and biotech industry
  • Scientific protocols for conducting research safely and effectively
  • Analytical methods for studying genetic engineering applications

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
    Verification of high school graduation (transcript, diploma, etc.), verification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma), or proof of graduation from a foreign institution…
  • Entrance Examination
    Applicants must take Keiser University’s entrance examination or provide results of the SAT, ACT or ASVAB. The University requires a combined score of 910 on the SAT, a composite…
  • Application and Registration Fees
    A one-time $55 application fee and a one-time $145 registration fee are charged upon enrollment.
  • FAFSA (for Financial Aid)
    Students seeking financial aid complete the FAFSA using Keiser University’s federal school code, 015159.
  • General Education Grade Average
    General education courses must be completed with an overall grade average of 2.50 or higher.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact an Admissions Counselor
    Contact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
  2. 2
    Attend an Open House or Campus Visit
    Attend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
  3. 3
    Meet With Your Admissions Counselor
    Schedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
  4. 4
    Submit an Application
    Submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.
    Apply Now

Program Schedule

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 26 months and 62.5 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • October 26th, 2026
  • November 23rd, 2026
  • January 11th, 2027
  • February 08th, 2027
  • March 08th, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 10th, 2027
  • June 07th, 2027
  • July 05th, 2027
  • August 02nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Per Semester Tuition
≈ $12,908
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Semester credit loadTuition per semester
Full time (12 to 17.99 credits)$12,908.00
Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits)$9,681.00
Half time (6 to 8.99 credits)$6,454.00
Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits)$3,227.00
Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required)$16,135.00

Required fees

  • Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
  • Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
  • Education fee — $980.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
  • Annual health insurance plan — $2,169.00 where applicable to allied health programs, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Curriculum

The 62.5-credit curriculum combines biotechnology major courses — from Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology through Cell Culturing, Microbiology, Clinical Immunology, Genetics, and three externship rotations — with a general education core in behavioral science, communications, computers, English, humanities, mathematics, and natural science. The full course list and credit hours are shown below.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
BCH1020CFundamentals of Biochemistry4
BCH1417CMolecular and Cell Biology4
BSC1421CIntroduction to Biotechnology4
MCB1930CCell Culturing4
PCB1258CDiagnostic Microbiology4
MLS1500CClinical Immunology4
PCB2061CGenetics4
PCB2940Biotechnology Externship I3.5
PCB2941Biotechnology Externship II3.5
PCB2942Biotechnology Externship III3.5
AMH1010American History Pre 18763
AMH1020American History Since 18763
IDS1107Strategies for Success3
POS1041Political Science3
PSY1012Introduction to Psychology3
SYG1000Sociology3
SPC1017Speech3
CGS1000CIntroduction to Computers3
ENC1101English Composition I3
ENC2102English Composition II3
AML1000American Literature3
ENL1000English Literature3
MAC2105College Algebra3
MAT1033Intermediate Algebra3
STA2023Statistics3

Career Outcomes

Biotechnology graduates from Keiser University enter a growing job market with strong job outlook projections. The biotechnology field offers career opportunities across pharmaceutical companies, research facilities, medical laboratories, and manufacturing operations. Entry level positions typically include roles as biological technicians, laboratory assistants, quality assurance specialists, and research associates. Many biotechnology students advance into specialized areas like regulatory affairs, biomedical technology, or pursue bachelor’s degree programs for research scientist positions.

Career Pathways in Biotechnology

  • Biological technicians in research facilities
  • Quality assurance specialists in pharmaceutical companies
  • Laboratory technicians in medical laboratories
  • Manufacturing operations assistants in biotech industry
  • Research assistants
  • Clinical laboratory support staff
  • Environmental biotechnology technicians
  • Technical support for laboratory instruments
  • Biotechnology internship positions leading to full-time roles

What to expect as a Keiser University student

Keiser University’s biotechnology program prepares students for diverse career opportunities in one of the fastest-growing industries. With comprehensive laboratory training, experienced faculty mentorship, and practical externship experiences, our associate degree programs position you to enter the biotechnology field with confidence. Whether you’re interested in pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, or research facilities, Keiser provides the applied science education and hands-on training needed to launch a rewarding biotechnology career.

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Top Questions About Earning a Biotechnology Associate Degree

Can I complete the biotechnology program fully online at Keiser University?
The biotechnology associate degree requires on-campus attendance for laboratory courses and hands-on training with laboratory instruments. While some general education courses may be available online, the biotechnology courses demand in-person instruction to develop proper laboratory techniques, cell culturing skills, and quality assurance procedures used in pharmaceutical companies and research facilities.
What career opportunities exist for biotechnology graduates?
Biotechnology careers span pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, research facilities, government agencies, and environmental science organizations. Entry level positions include biological technicians, quality assurance specialists, laboratory assistants, and manufacturing operations support roles.
Can I transfer credits from community colleges or other institutions?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Does financial aid cover laboratory fees and externship costs?
Students in the Biotechnology program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
What accreditation does this biotechnology program hold?
Keiser University maintains institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). While this program doesn’t require programmatic accreditation, the SACSCOC accreditation ensures Keiser University meets rigorous quality standards, which is crucial for students as it affects access to federal financial aid, the transferability of credits to other accredited schools, and recognition of degrees for graduate programs and employers. This accreditation signifies that the institution adheres to standards that ensure educational quality and institutional effectiveness.
How long does completing a biotechnology associate degree take?
Most students complete the biotechnology degree in approximately 26 months when attending full-time. The program uses 4-week terms, with one course at a time. Students who transfer credits may finish faster. Your academic advisor creates a personalized schedule based on your prerequisite courses completion, transfer credits, and career goals.
How much does earning this biotechnology degree cost?
Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.
What courses prepare students for working in pharmaceutical companies?
Core biotechnology courses directly applicable to pharmaceutical companies include Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cell Culturing, Clinical Immunology, and Genetics. These courses teach the laboratory techniques, quality assurance procedures, and regulatory affairs knowledge used daily in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. The three externship rotations often place students in pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, or research facilities, providing real-world experience with communication skills development and technical support responsibilities.

Campus Address

Port St. Lucie Campus
10330 South US 1
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

Why Accreditation Is Important

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.

The Keiser University catalog lists no separate programmatic accreditation for this program.

  • Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
  • Credits earned toward a respected credential
Ready to get started?
Apply to Biotechnology at Port St. Lucie Campus.
Biotechnology