Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is a one-year, 19 credit-hour, non-degree program offered at the graduate level. It provides an excellent opportunity for recent B.S. graduates or currently enrolled TSU graduate students to receive hands-on training in emerging biotechnologies, increasing their marketability in the high-demand biotechnology workforce. Biotechnology industry personnel may also acquire additional skills. 

Program Outcomes

1. Provide hands-on training in emerging biotechnologies. 
2. Increase marketability for the high-demand biotechnology workforce. 
3. Allow industry personnel to acquire additional skills in emerging technologies. 
4. Provide academic coursework in biotechnology that may serve as an interim credential toward the M.S. in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Biotechnology. 

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. 
• Meet the Graduate School requirements for non-degree admission and retention as published in the University catalog. 
• International Students: 
• TOEFL minimum score: Internet-based Test (iBT) - 71 (Computer-based Test (CBT) - 197; Paper-based Test (PBT) - 530) OR IELTS minimum score of 6.0. Test scores are valid for five years. 
• Transcripts evaluated by a foreign educational credential agency (e.g., WES). 
• Required Application Materials (submitted online via GradCAS): Official transcripts, personal statement (optional for certificate but good practice), CV/Resume. (GRE not typically required for certificate programs, but confirm with Graduate School). 

Important Dates

(Refer to the official 2025-2026 Graduate School Calendar when available): 

• Application deadline: Before the first day of the semester (fall and spring semester only). 

Program Duration

•  One year. 

Transfer of Credits

Guidelines for certificate programs are not specified but are typically limited or not allowed. This needs clarification from the Graduate School. The certificate may serve as an interim credential toward the M.S. degree. 

Degree Requirements

• Successful completion of the six required courses (19 credit hours). 

Accreditation Information

Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Career Opportunities

• Enhanced skills for roles in biotechnology industries, research labs, and positions requiring knowledge of emerging biotechnologies. 

Faculty Credentials

(Faculty within DASE specializing in Biotechnology). Examples include: 

• Dr. Ahmad Aziz (Plant Molecular Genetics) 
• Dr. Christine Ondzighi-Assoume (Plant Tissue Culture) 
• Dr. Suping Zhou (Plant Science/Horticulture Biotechnology) 
• Dr. Ali Taheri (Plant Molecular Genetics) 

Program Website

https://www.tnstate.edu/agsciences/degrees/index.aspx 

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

• Department Head: Dr. Korsi Dumenyo, Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, 108 Lawson Hall, Tel: 615-963-5829, Email: cdumenyo@tnstate.edu  
• Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Ali Taheri, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, 204F Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Tel: 615-963-6056, Email: ali.taheri@tnstate.edu  
• For more information, contact Dr. Ahmad Aziz, coordinator for certificate program) 
• College Dean: Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean and Director of Research/Administrator of Extension, College of Agriculture, 213 Agricultural Biotechnology Building, Tel: 615-963-7561, Email: creddy@tnstate.edu  

Program of Study and Credit Hours