New Undergraduate Programme Bridges Science and Business at Clarkson University

Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, is launching a new undergraduate programme, the Business of Biotechnology Major, to meet the growing demand in the biotechnology and biomedical sectors, which have been expanding at a rate of nearly twelve per cent annually. This major is designed for students who enjoy science but wish to pursue career paths beyond the laboratory. By combining biotechnology with core elements of a business management bachelor’s degree, the programme offers an unconventional yet highly relevant route into the biotech industry.

Developed for students keen to understand scientific principles while learning how to manage, lead, and innovate within the biotechnology sector, the programme equips graduates with the tools needed for roles that bridge science and business. Assistant Biology Professor Petra Kraus, who teaches core modules and brings industry experience to his students, has stated that graduates will be well-qualified for leadership and strategic positions in biotechnology. The curriculum offers both flexibility and depth. Students will study biotechnology alongside modules in finance, marketing, supply chain, and management. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles. Additionally, students can earn nine graduate credits towards an MBA while completing their undergraduate studies, giving them early access to advanced business training.

Unlike traditional science degrees, this major is tailored to prepare students for direct entry into the job market upon graduation. Rather than following pre-med or pure research tracks, the Business of Biotechnology Major focuses on real-world careers. Graduates typically find employment in project management, regulatory affairs, operations, and supply chain management, with leading companies such as Regeneron and Bristol Myers Squibb. By combining STEM disciplines with business modules, the programme gives graduates a competitive edge. They are trained to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and business strategy, an increasingly vital skill in a sector that drives both technological advancement and economic growth. The unique integration of science and business sets Clarkson’s offering apart from other institutions that may only provide a biology degree with an unrelated business minor.

Programme Director Tom Langen has described the major as the first undergraduate degree of its kind. He emphasised that while many universities offer biology with a business minor, Clarkson’s programme is a truly integrated combination of bioscience and business. This is expected to appeal to students who wish to gain both scientific knowledge and commercial acumen.

Applications are now open for the inaugural intake in Autumn 2026. Prospective students interested in how to apply for undergraduate biotechnology programmes in the USA can visit Clarkson University’s admissions page for further details. A recognised leader in technological education and sustainable development, Clarkson produces graduates whose salaries rank among the top two per cent nationwide. With campuses in Potsdam, the Capital Region, and Hudson Valley, the university supports more than 7,800 students annually through its nationally recognised STEM and business degrees.

The new Business of Biotechnology Major presents an exciting opportunity for students who want to pursue science with strategic intent. For those wondering what you can do with a Business of Biotechnology degree, career paths range from regulatory affairs to supply chain leadership. Such initiatives are vital for equipping science students with the skills and perspective needed to professionalise and drive change within the rapidly evolving and highly dynamic biotechnology industry.

Editor’s Note:

The launch of Clarkson University’s Business of Biotechnology Major marks a refreshing and long-overdue shift in how science education is approached. For years, students with a passion for biology but no desire to work in a lab were left with limited options. This programme finally opens doors for those students, offering a clear and practical pathway that combines scientific knowledge with business and leadership skills. This is no ordinary biology degree with a business add-on. It is a fully integrated programme designed to train students to lead, manage, and innovate in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. With the biotechnology and biomedical sectors expanding by nearly twelve per cent each year, the timing could not be more appropriate. Clarkson has recognised the gap between scientific discovery and commercial strategy—and responded with a degree that bridges the two. The programme’s most impressive feature is its real-world relevance. Students will not simply learn theory; they will gain the tools to step confidently into roles such as project management, regulatory affairs, and operations. The opportunity to earn MBA credits during undergraduate study is a smart move, giving graduates a head start in business training while remaining firmly grounded in science. This is precisely the kind of forward-thinking education we need—one that responds to industry demand while offering students flexibility, confidence, and career clarity. Clarkson’s model proves that science need not exist in isolation; it can embrace strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Skoobuzz believes that this pioneering major sets a new standard. It is bold, relevant, and future-focused. Other universities would do well to follow Clarkson’s lead.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Business of Biotechnology Major at Clarkson University?

The Business of Biotechnology Major is a newly introduced undergraduate programme at Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, designed to meet the growing demand in the biotechnology and biomedical sectors. It combines biotechnology coursework with core elements of a business management bachelor’s degree, offering students a unique pathway into the biotech industry beyond traditional laboratory roles.

Q2. Why has Clarkson University launched this new programme?

Clarkson University has launched the Business of Biotechnology Major in response to the rapid expansion of the biotechnology and biomedical fields, which are growing at nearly twelve per cent annually. The programme aims to equip students with both scientific knowledge and business acumen, preparing them for leadership and strategic roles in a fast-evolving industry.

Q3. Who is the Business of Biotechnology Major intended for?

This major is intended for students who are passionate about science but do not wish to pursue careers solely in research laboratories. It is ideal for those seeking to understand scientific principles while also developing skills in management, leadership, and innovation within the biotechnology sector.

Q4. What does the curriculum of the Business of Biotechnology Major include? 

The curriculum integrates biotechnology courses with modules in finance, marketing, supply chain, and management. It also allows students to earn nine graduate credits towards an MBA while completing their undergraduate degree, providing early exposure to advanced business training.

Q5. How does this programme differ from traditional science degrees?

Unlike pre-med or pure research tracks, the Business of Biotechnology Major is career-oriented and designed for direct entry into the job market. It focuses on real-world applications and prepares students for roles such as project management, regulatory affairs, operations, and supply chain management.

Q6. What career opportunities are available after completing this degree? 

Graduates of the Business of Biotechnology Major can pursue careers in project management, regulatory affairs, operations, and supply chain roles within leading biotechnology companies. Employers may include industry leaders such as Regeneron and Bristol Myers Squibb.

Q7. What makes Clarkson University’s programme unique compared to other institutions?

According to Programme Director Tom Langen, this is the first undergraduate degree of its kind. Unlike other universities that offer biology degrees with unrelated business minors, Clarkson’s programme is a fully integrated combination of bioscience and business, tailored to industry needs.

Q8. When will the programme begin, and how can students apply?

Applications are now open for the inaugural intake in Autumn 2026. Prospective students interested in how to apply for undergraduate biotechnology programmes in the USA can visit Clarkson University’s admissions page for detailed guidance.

Q9. What is Clarkson University known for in higher education?

Clarkson University is recognised for its leadership in technological education, research, and sustainable development. With campuses in Potsdam, the Capital Region, and Hudson Valley, it supports over 7,800 students annually through nationally recognised STEM and business degrees. Its graduates earn salaries among the top two per cent nationwide.

Q10. How does this programme support professional development for science students?

By combining STEM disciplines with business courses, the Business of Biotechnology Major prepares students to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial strategy. This integrated approach enhances employability and supports the professionalisation of science students in a dynamic and competitive sector.