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Program Overview
Madison College's Biotechnology Post-baccalaureate certificate offers hands-on training needed to be successful in today's biotech job market.
This program is for people who already have a bachelor’s degree who want to advance their biotechnology career or enter the biotech field industry from a different field.
Hear from biotechnology students and faculty about the program and your future career options. Biotechnology Certificate Goals
Over 90% Biotechnology certificate students receive employment offers before completing their certificate. Graduates are employed at dozens of companies, government labs and academic settings in the Madison area. They work in research, production and quality environments.
Earning your Biotechnology Post-baccalaureate certificate from Madison College will prepare you for work as:
- Research Scientist
- Entry-level Scientist
- Associate Scientist
- Process Scientist
- Laboratory Manager
- Quality Assurance
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Team Leader
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
Courses stress the workplace skills and biotechnology techniques valued by biotech industry partners. In addition to practicing work-place communication, you can develop technical skills in:
- Introducing genes into bacteria
- Performing PCR
- Purifying proteins
- Working with mammalian cell culture
All of our courses are taught at our Madison Truax campus in fully equipped laboratories that allow you access to the supplies and equipment used in industry.
Flexible and Individualized Course Offerings
Biotech Post-baccalaureate students vary in age, experience, academic background and career goals but share the ambition to apply science to solve problems.
Flexibility
Attend full- or part-time.
Finish in as little as one semester or take courses over several years.
Contact us at mekraus@madisoncollege.edu to help you design a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Individualized
Choose courses that focus on a single area or create a program that gives you broad training.
Program Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a life science (other degrees may be considered for admission with additional course work)
What Is Biotechnology?
Learn more about the biotech profession and your options to study biotechnology at Madison College.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Courses10-007-103Biotechnology Laboratory Skills for a Regulated Workplace
Covers basic concepts and techniques necessary to work effectively in a biotechnology lab. The importance of quality regulations and standards and the role of the technician in producing quality results are emphasized. Laboratory math is introduced and applied. Students learn basic techniques including: measuring, weighing, mixing solutions, following and writing procedures, keeping records, making observations, and using instrument manuals and catalogues. Principles of metrology (measurement) are introduced and students practice using, calibrating and verifying the performance of instruments. Lab included. Co-requisite: 10-806-127 or 10-806-134, and 10-007-136 or consent of instructor.3 creditsCoursesIn addition, participants choose a minimum of 12 additional credits from the following list:10-007-104Chromatography Techniques
Introduces the basic concepts involved in separation of biomolecules. Students complete lab work using a variety of chromatographic methods including: paper, thin layer, gel permeation, gas and high performance liquid chromatography. Students also learn to interpret chromatographic results and practice documentation and reporting skills. Lab included.3 credits10-007-105Bioprocess Technology
Covers basic techniques of fermentation technology, including the principles of isolation, identification, improvement, preservation and growth of industrial microorganisms. Emphasizes the use of fermentation equipment to obtain products.3 credits10-007-117Advanced Human Stem Cell Methods3 credits10-007-118Introduction to Human Stem Cell Concepts
Provides an historical perspective on the identification and use of stem cells, emphasizing practical applications towards regenerative biology in research and industry. Review and discuss scientific articles that establish the foundation for working with stem cells for regenerative medicine, applied and basic research. Prerequisite: General Cell Biology, 10-007-115, or consent of instructor.1 credit10-007-119Advanced Human Stem Cell Concepts
Introduction of emerging methodologies in the stem cell field, to include adult stem cells, iPSC technologies, relevant cell signaling pathways, and cell differentiation. Current research and industry applications will be discussed. Survey the scientific and popular press to introduce emerging themes and applications in the field of stem cells. Prerequisite: Introduction to Human Stem Cell Concepts, 10-007-118, and General Cell Biology, 10-007-115, or consent of instructor.1 credit10-007-121Applied Biochemistry
Introduction to major chemical constituents of cells including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. The structure and kinetics of enzymes, reaction mechanisms and metabolic pathways are also included. Lab included.3 credits10-007-122Protein Bioseparations Methods
Introduces the strategies to purify proteins as part of a biotechnology process. Methods include: specific activity assays for enzymes, extraction of proteins from bacterial cells, salting out, dialysis, ion exchange chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lab included. Prerequisites: Biotechnology Labatory Skills, 10-007-103; Chromatography Techniques, 10-007-104; and Chemistry 2, 10-806-129 (or Chemistry for Biotechnology, 20-806-216); or consent of instructor.3 credits10-007-123Cell Culturing
Covers the basic techniques of plant and animal cell culture. Plant unit includes media preparation isolation of explants and establishment of callus from suspension cultures, growth factor bioassays, regeneration of whole plants from tissue and plant genetic engineering techniques. Mammalian cell unit includes media preparation, maintenance of cultured cells, transfection of cultured cells, cloning, monoclonal antibody production, and ELISA assays. Lab included. Prerequisite: 10-007-115 or consent of instructor.3 credits10-007-124Molecular Biology 1
This is the first course of a two-part series. This course will teach modern molecular biology techniques including: basic recombinant DNA techniques and DNA analysis and purification. The polymerase chain reaction and DNA fingerprinting will also be introduced. This course will include classroom instruction to appreciate the importance of these techniques in life sciences research.3 credits10-007-125Research Methods in Molecular Biology
This is the second course of a two-part series. This course will teach advanced techniques in molecular biology including: Various applications of PCR, PCR-based cloning, RT-PCR, qPCR, site-directed mutagenesis, RNA isolation, screening techniques, and an introduction to bioinformatics. The course will combine practical laboratory experience with discussion of current research problems and techniques.3 credits10-007-136Laboratory Math for Biotechnology
This course introduces mathematical tools that are used in the biotechnology laboratory. Students apply mathematical concepts to solve problems such as: calculating amounts of chemicals required to make solutions, graphing and interpreting data, and calibrating instruments. Basic statistical concepts may also be introduced.1 credit10-007-137Selected Topics in HPLC1 credit10-007-152Making Biotech Products in a Quality Environment
Proposed to review and further illustrate the importance of quality in a laboratory environment, with special emphasis on how a quality system directly impacts laboratory scientists. This laboratory-based course will revolve around the creation of a product to be used in other courses in the biotechnology curriculum. Students will create the product, as well as monitor the quality of the process. Time constraints would mean that not every aspect of a quality system could be modeled or discussed; however, even a single course in this area would be invaluable to our students for both review of concepts and employability.2 credits10-007-155Quality Regulations and Standards for Biotechnology2 credits10-007-174Applied Microbiology
This survey course includes the structure, function, ecology, nutrition, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms in industrial, agricultural, food and medical microbiology. It also includes an introduction to standard techniques and procedures used in the microbiology laboratory.4 credits10-102-134Introduction to Business
Explore concepts related to business strategy, marketing, operations, finance, and corporate culture, as well as their interrelationship within the organization. Expand understanding through case studies and a computer business simulation. Recognize the role of small businesses and their participation in international markets. Use an Ethics framework, further explored in upper-level Program classes, to promote and enforce ethical behavior.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and show completion of the following criteria within the last seven years:
- Bachelor's degree in a biological or life science
- One semester of college chemistry
- One semester of college biology
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your certificate, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Biotechnology Post-Baccalaureate career.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
This articulation enables UW-Platteville students to gain seamless transition to the Biotech Post-Bacc Certificate at Madison College and to count towards their undergrad degree at UW-Platteville.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
Students completing this certificate will have the laboratory skills and knowledge needed for entry-level employment in biotechnology laboratories in both the public and private sector. Students are required to meet with the program director for advising and course scheduling plans.
This certificate is perfect for individuals who have a theoretical bioscience background but need biotechnology laboratory skills in order to improve employment prospects.
