Fundamentals of Biotechnology - Online Graduate Certificate
Strengthen your biotech career with core science and analytical skills.
The online Fundamentals of Biotechnology Graduate Certificate will provide students with a foundation in biotechnology principles, techniques, and application of biological and chemical methods to modern biotechnological product development. Students will also learn principles of statistics, experimental design, data analysis, and bioinformatic evaluation of complex data sets. The curriculum consists of three, three-credit, 100% online courses.
Available starting Fall 2026
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Asynchronous program lets you learn day or night
- Build connections through online assignments and discussion boards
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
Gain an edge
With real-world experience.
Top faculty
From across the UW System.
Learn the skills
That today’s employers seek.
Fundamentals of Biotechnology - Online Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Fundamentals of Biotechnology is a 9-credit program. This program can be started in the spring, summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you.
This graduate certificate program is offered through the established collaborative online MS in Applied Biotechnology Program. Collaborative partners include; UW-Whitewater, UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, and UW-Stevens Point.
Certificate Requirements - 9 credits
- ABT 700 - Principles of Biotechnology, 3 credits
- ABT 715 - Techniques in Biotechnology, 3 credits
- ABT 720 - Experimental Design and Analysis in Biotechnology, 3 credits
A comprehensive overview of the program will be available in the new publication of the Graduate Catalog in 2026.
To qualify for admission to the online certificate program, you must have a bachelors degree with a 3.00 GPA, meet prerequisite coursework criteria provided below and meet graduate admission criteria.
Deadlines vary by term and are subject to change without notice. Accurate and up-to-date admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admission deadlines website.
Prerequisite coursework: two semesters college-level lab coursework in biology and/or chemistry. To satisfy the prerequisite you must have completed either two semesters of biology, two semesters of chemistry, or one semester each of biology and chemistry, and all coursework must have a lab component.
Additional requirements for admission to the MS-Applied Biotechnology program:
- Upload a resume documenting your professional experience.
- Upload a 1,000 word statement of personal intent describing decision to pursue this degree and what you believe you will bring to the biotechnology field.
All requirements can be submitted during the application process.
If you do not meet the minimum admission requirements—such as having a GPA below 3.0 or missing prerequisite coursework—you will need to submit two letters of recommendation. These can be:
- Professional (a workplace colleague or supervisor)
- Academic (former professor or academic advisor)
Your recommenders should explain why they believe you will succeed in the program, especially highlighting your work experience or academic strengths that may not be reflected in your GPA or coursework.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a contingent basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
This program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value, with tuition starting at $875 USD per credit for the 2025-26 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or an international student within the major. Non-major classes are charged at the standard resident/non-resident level. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out if you qualify, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
Interested in taking a tour of UW-Whitewater campus? You can visit in person or virtually.
Like to learn more about degree options through UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies? There are a few ways you can get the information you need.
Visit our information sessions website to select a virtual information session related to the program you are interested in.
You can also fill out a request for information to connect with an advisor who can discuss your goals and help guide you to the right program to pursue your dreams.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an excellent opportunity to leverage your existing certificate coursework.
Transfer up to 12-credits of your certificate coursework towards the master's degree, saving you time and money.
Check out our Master's programs.
