The MBP is distinguished from other MS in Biotechnology programs by the integration of biology and engineering, combined with extensive hands-on research (ca. 1000 hr over three or four quarters) in Northwestern University faculty laboratories. The pool of research preceptors currently includes more than forty faculty in the departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Neurobiology and Physiology; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology; the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center; and several departments in the Northwestern University Medical School. The MBP curriculum also covers ethical, legal, regulatory, communication and business aspects of the biotechnology industry through a series of seminars featuring numerous speakers from industry.

Course Information

University

Northwestern University

School / College

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Course Duration

2 years

Class Size

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University Ranking

2015 US News Rank : 12

Financials

Tuition Fees

Tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year is set at $12,887 per quarter for the full-time program. Tuition for the part-time program is based upon a per course rate of $3,626 per unit. Please note that tuition is not charged for the 2 quarter Industrial Internship.

Cost of Living

Scholarships

Merit Scholarships

The MBP awards three $15,000 merit scholarships ($3,000 per quarter for 5 quarters) for outstanding domestic and international students. To be eligible, students must have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.6/4.0 and a combined verbal + quantitative GRE score of at least 1300. Other criteria including undergraduate program ranking, class rank, and research experience will also be considered in the selection process.

Course Details

Course Structure

Course Schedule

The MBP curriculum features two full-time tracks: (1) MS in Biotechnology and (2) MS in Biotechnology with Industrial Internship. Both tracks require a total of 12.5 units of coursework and 7.5 units of hands-on research (ca. 1000 hr over three to four quarters) in Northwestern University faculty laboratories. Full-time students must register for at least three units for all five quarters. The curriculum is the same for both tracks, the only difference is that the second track includes a 6-month Co-op-based internship. Students may choose between the two tracks during the first two quarters of the MBP.
The Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) has two tracks: (1) a 15-month (five-quarter) M.S. in Biotechnology degree and (2) a 21-month M.S. in Biotechnology with Industrial Internship degree. There is also a part-time option available on a case-by-case basis. The primary mission of the MBP is to prepare biologists, chemists, and engineers for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. However, the comprehensive research component and the flexibility of the MBP curriculum also make it well-suited for students whose future plans include a PhD program, medical school, or dental school. The MBP is administered by the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

International Exchange & Double Degrees

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Internships

Work before graduation as an intern in the biotechnology industry can be a valuable supplement to the education and training provided by the Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP). It offers the opportunity to integrate academic education with practical experience, to develop industry connections that may facilitate future job placement, and to earn income.
The MBP Industrial Internship track provides the opportunity to work in industry as an intern for two quarters (6 months), during the second fall and winter quarters of enrollment in the Program, before completing academic studies in the spring quarter of the second year. The majority of classes and all research training will be completed during the first year in the MBP before the internship begins and, as a result of this timing, students will be well prepared to have a successful industrial internship.
Another opportunity to participate in an industrial internship is during the summer before the first year of matriculation. The MBP will provide interested students who have accepted admission into the MBP with information about corporate intern programs and will assist with connections to corporate hiring managers. Because companies typically complete selections for summer internships in January-March, students are strongly encouraged to complete an MBP application and to inform the MBP of their interest before January in the year of expected enrollment.
The coursework, in combination with molecular biology, cell culture, and protein purification laboratories and four quarters of Northwestern University faculty-directed research, develops students who are well equipped for a wide range of opportunities in the biotechnology industry and other fields. The industrial internship track includes a 6-month internship in the biotechnology industry after one year in the program.

Requirements

Research & Technical Papers

MBP students undergo rigorous research training (approximately 1000 hours during a four quarter period) in a research preceptor’s laboratory. Research projects are available in the areas of life sciences, biological engineering, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, biomaterials sciences, and clinical research. Some current and past MBP projects are grouped below by research areas:

Text / Exam Scores

There are no fixed minimum required GRE or TOEFL scores. When making admissions decisions, the MBP takes a holistic approach, considering all factors including GRE scores, GPA’s. However, as a guideline, the MBP uses the following acceptable scores: 1200 combined score on the GRE; and 250 (CBT) 100 (IBT) for TOEFL.

Work Experience

The MBP admission requirements emphasize strong quantitative skills and knowledge of molecular sciences and include at least one year of calculus, one year of organic chemistry, one year of physical chemistry (or at least general chemistry), a sophomore-level cell/molecular biology course, and research experience in either an academic or industrial setting.

Recommendations

three letters of recommendation included with the standard MBP recommendation form

Presentations/Group-Discussions/etc.

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Application Details

Universtiy Contact

Application Deadlines

Early Decision

Winter Decision*

Spring Decision

Late Spring Decision**

Summer Decision

*To be considered for a Merit Scholarship, students must submit a complete application by February 2nd.

**Applications for international students must be completed by May 31st.

Course Start Date

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Careers & Employment News

Employment Services

The Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) provides engineers, chemists, and biologists with a contemporary education in biology and bioprocess engineering to prepare them for careers in the biotechnology industry. Required training in modern biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology and immunology, and bioprocess engineering is enhanced with advanced biology and engineering electives and business-related seminars by industry experts.
The expanding biotechnology industry offers a variety of employment opportunities with companies discovering and developing products in many fields- pharmaceutical, medical device, agricultural, and industrial. MBP graduates have filled positions at biotechnology companies of different sizes and stages of development, as well as traditional pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, including:

established biotechs

Amgen (Sr. Associate-Process Development, Process Development Engineer), Cell Genesys (Process Development Engineer), CSL Behring, Genentech (Operations Analyst), Genzyme (Research Associate), MedImmune (Research Associate), and PDL BioPharma (Development Associate)

early stage biotech

Coskata Energy (Scientist)

traditional pharmaceutical and healthcare companies

Abbott Laboratories (Cell/Molecular Biologist), Baxter (Engineer), Bristol-Myers Squibb (Associate Engineer), Johnson & Johnson (Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate), Merck (Research Biochemist), and Pfizer (Sr. Associate Scientist)

government and contract research

NIAID (Chemical Engineer) and NASA/Wyle Laboratories (Biomedical Flight Controller). The median starting salary reported by MBP graduates with jobs in the biotech industry is $65,000.

Employment Stats

MBP graduates opting for careers outside the biotechnology industry have most commonly pursued opportunities in consulting at companies such as Sg2 and Accenture, Johnson & Johnson etc…

Career Events

If considering work in the United States before or after graduation from the MBP, you should know that employers are required to verify the eligibility to work in the U.S. and the identity of all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin. F-1 and J-1 international students must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit. All international students must attend an employment workshop before they can receive a recommendation from the International Office (IO). For details, please visit the IO web site at www.northwestern.edu/international.
MBP offers a sequence of seminar series that focus on the non-technical aspects of biotechnology education. These seminars are presented by experts from the biotechnology and related industries. Students get an opportunity to interact individually and in groups with the speakers during and after the seminars.

Top Recruiters

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Campus & Alumni Community

MBP alumni can be found in various positions across the country, at companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Texas Instruments, Amgen, Genentech, Pfizer, Genzyme, and Sg2 Consulting. In addition, several students are pursuing advanced degrees in science, medicine, and dentistry.

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How to Apply

• An online application
• Three letters of recommendation (included in online application)
• A non-refundable $50 application fee
• Official transcripts of all college studies
• An official copy of GRE scores (institution code: 1011)
• An official copy of TOEFL scores (code: 5937) International applicants only