Certificates

Contact

Dr. Lisa S. Klig
Office: MLSC-119
Email: LS.Klig@csulb.edu

Description

Biotechnology refers to a process which ultimately yields a product that can be loosely subdivided into five categories; biological organisms with novel traits, DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and compounds. The Biotechnology Certificate program has many tracks to train students in the different facets of biotechnology. In addition to excellent course offerings, students in this program will be trained in research laboratories at CSULB and participate in research internships off campus. Courses offered for the certificate may be used to satisfy, as appropriate, major or minor requirements. See Accreditation and State Authorization.

The program offers a dedicated stem cell training track. Other tracks include training opportunities in biomedical laboratories at the Long Beach VA hospital and local biotechnology companies. The certificate can be earned concurrent with an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree, or alone as post-baccalaureate studies.

See Biotechnology Certificate - CSULB Catalog (2024-2025) for prerequisites and requirements.

Stem Cell Track

Image

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) funded component of the Biotechnology Certificate Program at CSULB will be welcoming applications at the end of Fall Semester 2024. Students accepted into this program will earn a stipend ($30,000) and tuition (up to $8,000) for full-time participation in ten-month internships during which they will be trained in stem cell laboratories at Cedars-Sinai, the City of Hope, or the University of California at Irvine (September 2025 - June 2026).

Application for Biotechnology Certificate Program, Stem Cell Option - 2025-2026 (PDF)

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to the stem cell track you must be a current CSULB student and have successfully completed the following courses by the end of Fall semester 2024:

• Biotechnology: Applications of Molecular Techniques and Bioinformatics (BIOL 477/577)
• Directed Research in selected laboratories at CSULB (BIOL496/697 or CHEM 496/697)

Other prerequisites/co-requisites (which must be successfully completed by the end of the Spring semester 2025) include:

• Molecular Cell Laboratory (BIOL 440L), Biological Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 443), Methods in Microbial Genetics (BIOL 372) or extensive laboratory experience using sterile techniques
• Stem Cell Biology (BIOL 432/532)
• Bioethics and Public Policy (BIOL 462/562)
• Seminars (BIOL 480/580)
• Biochemistry (CHEM 441B or CHEM 448)
• Directed Research in selected laboratories at CSULB (BIOL 496/697 or CHEM 496/697)

Admission into the stem cell track is competitive. Students accepted into the program must participate in workshops and enroll in two semesters (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) of Stem Cell Research Internship (BIOL 492A/592A).

Please discuss your plans to enter this program with your CSULB major advisor and with the CSULB stem cell program director, Dr. Deborah Fraser (Deborah.Fraser@csulb.edu).

Applications for the next year of the program may be available Fall 2025, pending funding, for acceptance into the program by Summer 2026 and completion of the internship during the 2026/2027 academic year.