Microbiology & Biotechnology Techniques

R1 Ranked

NDSU is among the nation’s top research institutions

Top 2%

NDSU researchers are among the top two percent of scientists in the world

96%

Recent graduates employed full-time

Top 100

Public research university in the country with $190 million in research expenditures

NDSU’s microbiology and biotechnology techniques graduate certificate is a hands-on program designed for students interested in developing essential skills used in modern laboratory methods. This nine-credit certificate emphasizes applied skill development in areas such as microbial isolation and PCR, immunological assays, flow cytometry, microscopy and imaging, animal cell culture, gene editing and quality control practices.

Explore the Curriculum

Graduate Certificate On Campus

Meet the faculty

Shape Your Future

At NDSU, you’ll have a dedicated academic advisor who will partner with you to create a personalized plan that aligns with your unique goals and supports your success.

Build Real Laboratory Experience

Learn in dedicated lab spaces designed for hands-on training. Through in-person instruction, you’ll gain practical experience using the same tools, technologies and techniques found in modern microbiology and biotechnology environments.

Develop Skills in Advanced Biotechnology Techniques

Build technical proficiency in industry-relevant methods such as microbial isolation, PCR, immunological assays, flow cytometry, microscopy, sequencing, gene editing, cell culture and quality control practices. Courses are designed to help you gain applied skills that translate directly to research and workforce settings.

Strengthen Your Competitive Edge

Employers across health care, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and environmental sciences continue to seek graduates with hands-on laboratory experience. This certificate helps demonstrate practical proficiency and prepares you for internships, employment and advanced training opportunities.

Customize a Path That Fits Your Goals

Whether you want to strengthen your degree, prepare for professional school, build laboratory competencies or upskill in your current role, the modular course format provides flexibility to complete individual courses or earn the full certificate over time. This certificate also serves as a stackable credential toward NDSU’s graduate degree in microbiology.

Explore the Microbiology Graduate Program

Capture the Moment at NDSU

November 24, 2025

NDSU professor recognized as a worldwide microbiology leader

Samiran Banerjee, NDSU assistant professor of microbial ecology, sits in his lab while looking at a graph on a computer.

June 12, 2024

A groundbreaking, dedication and tours: NDSU celebrates two new agricultural buildings

Community Spotlight

NDSU Grad Hub: A resource-rich community for graduate students

Graduate students at NDSU have access to a wealth of resources designed to support their academic, professional and social journeys. Among those resources is NDSU’s Grad Hub.

students working in a quiet study area in the library

Tuition and Funding

NDSU offers a high-quality, academically rigorous education at an affordable cost. To help you cover tuition and expenses, various departments offer graduate assistantships designed to support your academic and professional goals.

Graduate tuition costs

Admission Info

At NDSU, we welcome students from all backgrounds who are seeking to further their education within a supportive, welcoming community.

No matter your academic path, we're committed to making your application process straightforward and stress-free. Find the specific requirements and steps for your graduate application.