Biotechnology

The mission of Northwestern University's Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) is to prepare scientists and engineers for fulfilling and dynamic careers in biotechnology and associated professions by offering integrated coursework, extensive laboratory research, and training in current industry practices.

Our real-world approach, relies on the input of our Industrial Advisory Board to ensure the program keeps students up-to-date on the latest biotech industry changes and challenges. Graduates leave with a full set of competencies designed specifically to satisfy the demands of modern biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

The MBP curriculum offers a unique blend of science, engineering and business aspects of biotechnology. It features theoretical and hands-on bioprocess engineering, which powers the research and development of life-saving monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapies. It also boasts 1000 hours of research in the world-class laboratories of Northwestern University and local companies, dozens of electives, two certificates (Nanobiotechnology and Sustainability & Global Health), and two minors (Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship).  Additionally, students are given lots of opportunities to develop and practice their soft and professional skills. 

CORE COURSES

Core courses constitute the foundation of the MBP and may not be substituted with electives, even when a similar course has been taken by a student during their undergraduate studies. 

• Biotechnology Laboratory (MBIOTECH 401)
• Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory (MBIOTECH 402)
• Kinetics, Energetics, and Bioreactor Design (MBIOTECH 476-1)
• Properties and Separation of Biologically Produced Molecules (MBIOTECH 476-2)
• Technology Commercialization Fundamentals (MBIOTECH 410)
• Technology Commercialization Practicum (MBIOTECH 411) or Regulatory Science (Chem Eng 395)
• Critical Thinking and Communication (MBIOTECH 420)
• Topics in Professional Development in Biotechnology (MBIOTECH 506)

REQUIRED COURSES

A required course may be waived and substituted with an elective if a student already took a similar course during his or her undergraduate studies.  

• Biochemistry (BIOL_SCI 301-CN) or elective
• Cell Biology (BIOL_SCI 315) or elective
• Molecular Biology (BIOL_SCI 390) or elective
• Balances and Kinetics for Bioprocessing (MBIOTECH 301) or elective
• Fluids and Mass Transfer for Bioprocessing (MBIOTECH 302) or elective

ELECTIVES

The MBP gives students access to more than 70 technical and non-technical electives offered by various departments and programs of Northwestern University (including the Kellogg School of Management), in the fields of biological sciences, biomedical engineering, chemical and biological engineering, genetics, genomics, material sciences, regulatory affairs, statistics, tissue engineering, and management. 

RESEARCH

The 1000+ hours of research embedded in the MBP curriculum is one of the most extensive research opportunities offered by any MS in Biotechnology programs in the USA. Students have access to 80+ research preceptors from several schools, colleges, and institutes of Northwestern University, including the R.H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Several opportunities to conduct research at local companies are also available.

Requirements

If you are interested in pursuing a dynamic career in biotechnology, we invite you to apply to our Master of Biotechnology Program. The admissions committee reviews each application holistically, considering factors such as standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.), GPA, performance in an interview (in person, by phone, or Skype), and recommendation letters. Typically, an application is reviewed within 4-6 weeks after its online submission, and an interview is scheduled with all qualified students. Supplementary materials (official standardized test scores and recommendation letters) are requested after the interview.

Scholarships

• Global Education