Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to review current industrial needs and educational
requirements related to the field of biotechnology. Areas of employment include research and
development, quality control, clinical research, manufacturing and production, regulatory affairs,
information systems, marketing and sales, and administration. This report was initiated at the
request of the biology faculty at the Orchard Ridge campus of Oakland Community College.
The components of the report include a comprehensive literature review, data from the U.S.
Department of Labor, information from the Dun and Bradstreet employer database, an analysis of
other higher education biotechnology programs in the state and nation, and other relevant
external information cited in the reference section of this study. Additional data were also
acquired from phone interviews with businesses not only in southeast Michigan (Macomb,
Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties) but also in the Lansing, Flint, Jackson, and
Toledo metropolitan areas. Including this geographical area was essential in obtaining a "critical
mass" of employers who may have hired biotechnicians.
Part of the objective of this study was to assess those skills, competencies, and
educational credentials companies consider essential for future employment opportunities.
