Online Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Programs
Where Lab Scientists Become Biotechnology Leaders
Learning to solve complex molecular biology and biotechnology issues could make a significant difference to society—and your career. Build expertise in specialized areas of molecular diagnostics, biology, and beyond with the ASCP-aligned programs from the George Washington University (GW).
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Complete the form to learn more about our programs.*
*Note, 45 transferrable credits required to apply for BSHS and BSHS/MSHS dual degree programs.
Innovations across the health care sector are raising the need for leaders in the molecular diagnostic field. Now, you can prepare for molecular biology and biotechnology jobs where you can help identify, diagnose, and defeat disease with GW’s molecular biology programs.
GW’s programs meet you where you are in your career. For instance, our molecular diagnostic science programs help you qualify to sit for the ASCP exam,* with hands-on clinical rotation experience.
Through our programs, you can prepare for higher-salary molecular biology and biotechnology jobs on a flexible schedule. Get started now to advance your career with public health labs, research institutions, biotechnology firms, and other organizations.
Online Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Programs
Online
2 Years Duration
35 Credits
Program Details
This online program pairs molecular biology and biotechnology coursework, enabling you to examine the latest nucleic acid-based technologies and solve complex issues in molecular diagnostics. You can also gain the qualifications needed to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) certification exam.*
Read MoreOnline
12 months Duration
24 Credits
Program Details
Gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to work with DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids. This knowledge enables you to detect, diagnose, and monitor disease and select optimal therapies. What’s more, this program helps you satisfy the requirements for taking the ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) certification exam.*
Read MoreQualify for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Jobs with Competitive Salaries
The value of the global biotechnology market topped $750 billion in 2020.3 This increased investment signals more job opportunities in this field, along with the potential for higher salaries. With GW’s online programs, you can acquire skills for numerous molecular diagnostics, molecular biology, and biotechnology jobs, such as:
- Blood bank supervisor: $82,487 (average annual salary)4
- Public health laboratory scientist: $73,478 (average annual salary)5
- Biotechnology research associate: $60,863 (average annual salary)6
$110,000 Top 10% of salaries for research scientists with molecular biology skills7
$76,000 Top 10% of salaries for medical technologists with molecular biology skills8
$752.88
billion
Value of the global biotechnology market in 20203
Qualify to Sit for the ASCP Molecular Biology Exam
GW provides two molecular diagnostic science programs that help you prepare for ASCP’s Molecular Biology (MB) exam.* By pursuing GW’s MSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Science, you can qualify for the exam in two years, while our post-baccalaureate certificate program helps you get ready in as little as a year and a half.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you explore an online program at the George Washington University, our dedicated staff is here to support you. If you have a question we don’t cover here, request more information or call 844-386-7323.
View All FAQsOnline classes are designed to take the same amount of time as on-campus classes. They are taught by GW faculty members and have comparable assignments to campus programs that can be completed off-site. Time spent per course varies by the course’s length and credit hours. For example, students are expected to spend approximately 14 hours per week working on an eight week long, three-credit hour course and 7.5 hours per week working on a fifteen week, three-credit hour course. As an off-campus student, you also save time that on-campus students spend commuting.
While most studies will be completed online, your program may require you to visit campus during the course of your studies.
No, you do not need to attend class at a specific time. Our online courses are designed to be asynchronous, giving you flexibility.
Assignments will have specified due dates that must be met. Students are expected to read the weekly readings, participate in online weekly discussion boards and other asynchronous group activities, and submit papers and other assignments through the online learning management system.
Yes, an academic advisor will work with you throughout the admissions process, scheduling classes, and the course of your studies. GW also offers our online students 24/7 technical support.
Students in GW’s master’s, bachelor’s and post-bachelor’s programs may be eligible for financial aid. Students seeking graduate certificates are not eligible for federal financial aid.
You may also be able to benefit from loans, institutional scholarships, merit- or need-based grants, employer reimbursement programs, and more. Explore your options on our Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Yes, GW is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
You can request more information to speak with a GW program manager, or you can begin the application process today.
Yes. GW’s transcript ordering service is available to interested applicants of the programs listed on this website. The service is designed to make the application process simpler for you, while also helping us expedite the admissions decision on your behalf. Our transcript services team will order all domestic transcripts once you decide to allow us to help you with this task.
The George Washington University will only request and pay for your domestic college transcripts that allow third-party requests up to the point of admission to the university. This means that any coursework completed after you are advised of an admission decision, including coursework you are currently completing, will still need to be submitted by you.
It is your responsibility to request and purchase these additional transcripts to complete your file. This information may be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid, admission, and potential transfer credits. Additionally, some institutions may require you to obtain your official transcripts directly; if this is the case, we will contact you.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. (2021 April 27). A Guide to the Changing Number of U.S. Universities. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-many-universities-are-in-the-us-and-why-that-number-is-changing.
- U.S. News & World Report. (2021). Best Colleges Rankings: George Washington University. Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/george-washington-university-1444.
- Grand View Research, Inc. (2021 March). Biotechnology Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report. Retrieved January 5, 2022, from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biotechnology-market.
- PayScale. (2021 November 12). Average Blood Bank Supervisor Salary. Retrieved on January 5, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Blood_Bank_Supervisor/Hourly_Rate.
- ZipRecruiter. (2022 January 14). Public Health Laboratory Scientist Salary. Retrieved on January 11, 2022, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Public-Health-Laboratory-Scientist-Salary.
- PayScale. (2022 January 12). Average Research Associate, Biotechnology Salary. Retrieved on January 5, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Research_Associate%2C_Biotechnology/Salary.
- PayScale. (2021 December 21). Average Research Scientist with Molecular Biology Skills Salary. Retrieved on January 5, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Research_Scientist/Salary/9505f8ae/Molecular-Biology.
- PayScale. (2021 November 16). Average Medical Technologist with Molecular Biology Skills Hourly Pay. Retrieved on January 5, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Medical_Technologist/Hourly_Rate/bed0654f/Molecular-Biology.
* While the completion of this program will make graduates eligible to register for an ASCP Board of Certification Exam, this does not automatically guarantee a graduate will also meet their state’s requirements for state licensure (if applicable). Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program.
Please be aware that the fully online post-baccalaureate certificate programs do not meet the student lab requirement for New York state licensure. Also, for those applying to the fully online post-baccalaureate categorical certificates in hematology, microbiology, blood banking, and chemistry, the state of New York does not provide licensure for categorical certification (i.e., Technologist in Microbiology, Technologist in Blood Banking, etc.). We recommend that students who live in New York or plan to relocate to New York do research to determine the NY licensure requirements.