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 GEDVerification 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 ExaminationApplicants 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 FeesA 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 AverageGeneral education courses must be completed with an overall grade average of 2.50 or higher.
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit 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.
- 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
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 load | Tuition 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 # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
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.
School Information
Campus Address
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
Testimonials

Top Questions About Earning a Biotechnology Associate Degree
School Information
Campus Address
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



