Board of Visitors approves new high-demand program for Southwest Virginia
The Radford University Board of Visitors unanimously approved a proposal today to establish a new undergraduate major in applied biotechnology, pending approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) during the 2025-26 cycle.
Applied biotechnology is a fast-growing, interdisciplinary field that combines biology, chemistry and engineering to drive innovation in medicine, agriculture and manufacturing. If authorized by SCHEV, Radford’s new program will become the first applied biotechnology major offered in Roanoke and across Southwest Virginia.
Housed in Radford’s Artis College of Science and Technology, the applied biotechnology program is designed to meet the growing demand for biotech professionals both regionally and nationally. According to the Virginia Office of Education Economics, biotechnology jobs in the commonwealth are projected to grow by 7.3% in the coming years, with approximately 10 job openings for every graduate from a related program. Nationally, the average lifetime return on investment for this degree is estimated at $741,286.
Slated to begin in fall 2027, the first cohort of Radford’s applied biotechnology program will comprise up to 24 students. They will be taught by two new full-time faculty members and industry-trained adjunct instructors. The University Curriculum Committee and Faculty Senate voted unanimously in favor of the program, which was also enthusiastically supported by the Department of Biology.
"Our distinctive applied biotechnology program will open new doors for our students and position Radford as a leader in life sciences education," said Provost Bethany Usher. “The program includes not only basic science but also in-demand knowledge and skills in science communication, research design and the complex regulatory environment that employers must navigate. We are excited to offer this program for students who are passionate about biology and want the opportunity to apply their education to pursue graduate programs and build productive careers.”
Students enrolled in the applied biotechnology program will take the first two years of courses at the university’s main campus in Radford. The final two years of upper-division courses will be offered only at the Radford University Carilion site in Roanoke. The program also offers a clear transfer pathway for Virginia Western Community College biotechnology students, providing them with a professional degree focused on regulatory affairs, industry best practices, intellectual property and career readiness.
“Biotech companies and start-ups are choosing this region to grow — but they need a steady pipeline of skilled talent to succeed,” said Erin Burcham, CEO of the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance. “Radford University’s new applied biotechnology degree is the solution we’ve been waiting for to meet the workforce demands of this rapidly growing industry.”