Our agricultural and medical biotechnology (ABT) students have a variety of interests, but they all share one thing in common: they want to use science to improve lives around the world.
We emphasize hands-on learning in genetics, molecular biology, genetic engineering, chemistry, and biology to train tomorrow's scientific leaders. Whether you are developing treatments for a genetic disease or genetically engineering drought resistant crops, you will learn to combine basic scientific concepts with problem solving and critical thinking skills to solve medical and agricultural problems.
Many ABT graduates pursue advanced degrees in areas such as health care (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and physician assistant studies), agriculture, biological sciences, law, molecular biology, and veterinary sciences.
There are also many ABT graduates who immediately enter the workforce. This bachelor of science degree will prepare you for positions with biotechnology organizations, government and public affairs, academia, research and development, and more. Future employment can include work with:
Human Genetics Public HealthPharmaceutical DevelopmentFood SafetyGenetic EngineeringVaccine ProductionBio Manufacturing BioinformaticsFermentation BiotechnologyPlant GeneticsGenomicsMedical Device Development ForensicsBiofuel ProductionResearch and Development
To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases.
Thanks to agreements through the Academic Common Market, students from the following states can enroll in the ABT program at in-state tuition rates:
Science was always where I was destined to be.
Agriculture Biotechnology student and admit to the UK College of Medicine's Medical Sciences Graduate Program
source: myUK: GPS
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Unlike other programs, ABT students are paired with a faculty advisor while also having the support of the ABT academic coordinator. These multiple lines of support help you maximize your college career with expert advice and personal guidance.
In our most recent advising survey, two-thirds of ABT students said they were extremely satisfied with their advisor, the highest rating possible. In the same survey, when asked what they like about their advisor, one student responded with:
"Everything really. He is a great person to get connected with for the friendship as well as all of the great advice he provides for classes and outside the academic world. He is always willing to meet to help us with anything - even if it is just to get some coffee and chat. I couldn't ask for a better advisor."
Research experience is at the heart of what we do. There's no better way to prepare tomorrow's scientific leaders.
While the opportunities are endless, here are a few examples of ABT student research projects:
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, ABT students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we have awarded more than $3 million over the past four years. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
For first-semester freshmen, the application deadline was January 31, 2021. The deadline for current students and transfer students has been extended to Monday, March 15 2021. For more information, click here.
Named after UK's first female graduate, Belle C. Gunn, this first-year program is open to all University of Kentucky freshmen. We seek students who, like Gunn, have passion and determination. Through field trips, professional development workshops, and service programs, we apply student passions to global issues at the intersection of food, economics, and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups, and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
While all students will enjoy the same benefits, some events and projects will be geared toward students' preferences and career goals. Depending on interests, each student will join one of the following tracks:
All students participating in our living learning program will live in Woodland Glen IV, one of UK's newest residence halls. To apply, select the "Belle C. Gunn First Year Program" while completing the housing application. For more information, visit our college website.
Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students are involved in:
Agriculture Biotechnology Club
members are engaged with students, faculty, and professionals within biotechnology related interests
Pre-Med Activities Council
bringing together aspiring health professionals for service and opportunities to prepare for professional school
Pre-Vet Club
utilized as a connection point for students to plan and prepare for veterinary school as a collective group
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$84,810
per year in 2018
Number of Jobs
130,700
in 2018
10 Year Job Outlook
10,600
new jobs (average)
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$126,120
per year in 2018
Number of Jobs
314,300
in 2018
10 Year Job Outlook
-100
new jobs (average)
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$71,650
per year in 2018
Number of Jobs
21,700
in 2018
10 Year Job Outlook
1,100
new jobs (average)
College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
N6 Agricultural Science Center
859-257-1843