Master of Science in Biotechnology

Master of Biotechnology Program Overview

Discoveries in the field of biotechnology have already brought us insulin, cancer and auto-immune therapeutics, cell and gene therapies, and have pioneered bio-based environmental solutions such as pollution remediation. New discoveries are forthcoming through the work of highly skilled people possessing the passion to make a difference in people’s lives.

Northwestern’s Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) prepares scientists and engineers for fulfilling and dynamic careers in biotechnology and associated professions. Our extensive laboratory research, integrated coursework, training in current industry practices, and the soft skills necessary to excel in business prepare our graduates to address and lead advances in healthcare, industrial biotechnology, biofuels, cleantech, and more.

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Location

Northwestern University’s Evanston campus

Access to 100+ nearby leading research labs

Timing

15-21 months full-time (depending on optional six-month internship)

6 months of full-time research included

Classes start in September

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Class Size

Cohort of 30-40 students

Students’ undergrad degrees are primarily biology, engineering, or other science majors

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Admissions

Application deadlines

Scholarship deadline: March 1

International deadline: May 1

Final deadline: May 31

Application opens September 1

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Dr. Kumar Dhanasekharan

Vice President, Technical Operations, SwanBio Therapeutics

“ MBP students are definitely some of the brightest and talented students I have ever worked with, and I am impressed with their level of training and strong aptitude to learn.”

Phillip FreemanMBP Graduate

Manager, Bioprocess Development

“ MBP opened doors I never expected to be there and allowed me to feel confident taking risks in my career. There are so many different career routes you can take upon graduating. This program sets you up for success in many different ways.”

Bettina WunderlichMBP Graduate

Junior Clinical Trial Manager

“ MBP provides many different opportunities depending on one’s interest. It is a great starting place for someone interested in working at a biotech or pharma company, pursuing a PhD or even working in consulting.”

Sanjana RaoMBP Graduate

Senior Scientist

“ The Master of Biotechnology program at Northwestern appealed to me because it gave me the freedom to choose specific courses and tailor my curriculum based on my interests and future goals.”

Maya HalthoreMBP Graduate

Associate Director, Pharma Growth

“ What drew me to MBP was its focus on research. As someone who did not have any lab experience prior to joining Northwestern, I wanted to be able to have a fully immersive education where I not only learned about topics in biotech in the classroom but also had the chance to practice what I was learning in the lab.”

Amy LeeMBP Graduate

Molecular Biologist

“ The opportunity for MBP students to showcase their work to industry professionals is important for developing our scientific communication skills. No matter what job or career we end up in, effective communication is one of the most important skills to have.”

Siddhant PrabhuMBP Graduate

Product Owner & Data Products Lead

“ You have to be able to navigate complex relationships with colleagues and clients to be successful in consulting. In addition to having knowledge, you need to have good emotional intelligence. MBP prepared me well for this and helps me stand out at work every day.”

Why Northwestern?

Unique program features

Northwestern aims to ensure its graduates leave with competencies that satisfy the demands of a wide variety of jobs within biotechnology and related industries (including consulting).

In addition to core coursework covering biology, bioprocess engineering, and innovation/business, students develop sought-after learning, problem-solving, and soft skills through extensive laboratory research, practical experience, professional connections, coaching, and workshops. This combination of skills not only defines the MBP graduate, but prepares them for the ever-increasing career options in this field, or to further their education through a PhD, MD, or JD.

Technical Proficiency

Curriculum evolves from where you start. Prereq options for nonengineers and nonbiologists prepare you for the core classes.

Customize your degree through electives, internships, certificates, minors, and research projects.

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Invaluable Research

Our research extends beyond the technical science. Learn the creative and critical thinking skills necessary to address open-ended questions and hard-to-find solutions.

Choose a research project from one of 12 industry-relevant research areas and graduate with an unparalleled level of research hours (6 months) conducted in world-class facilities.

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Industry Opportunities

Choose internship and co-op opportunities with companies from around the world.

Get a feel for working in industry through biotech hub site visits.

Grow your network through panels, meet-and-greets, and our annual MBP biotechnology event. Make connections through MBP’s industrial advisory board members.

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Professional Skills

Advance your career by learning professional enabling skills such as communicating, decision-making and presentation development. Reinforce these skills while conducting research.

Receive coaching and individual counseling from MBP staff and professional development events. Present your research findings to the MBP Industrial Advisory Board.

Develop Professional Skills

Go beyond learning advanced laboratory techniques and gain a more holistic understanding of research as you carry out hands-on projects in the laboratory and practice a suite of professional and soft-skills. Our unique approach teaches you to identify the right problem and seek appropriate and thoughtful solutions so you can own your project beginning to end.

After logging 6 months of full-time research in world-class facilities, including the Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, your collaborations with leading faculty will prepare you for positions in laboratories, consulting, manufacturing, government, and more.

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A Vivid Visionary

Susan Schofer spoke with the MBP community about the importance of communication and helping others see the future you are trying to create.

Top Symposium Presenters Showcase Storytelling Skills
Three MBP students were recognized for explaining complex research in a way that was engaging and relatable.
Sanjay Sood Shares Leadership Lessons and Life Insights with Graduates
Sood spoke at the December 14 PhD Hooding and Master’s Degree Recognition Ceremony, recalling the lessons he’s learned during his career.
Northwestern Engineering News
Valuable Advice about Venture Capital
Michael Schultz shared his insights as a venture capitalist with students and alumni from Northwestern Engineering's Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP).
Sanjay Sood to Speak at PhD Hooding and Master’s Degree Recognition Ceremony
Sood, senior vice president and chief technology officer at CDW, will speak to graduates and their families during a ceremony on December 14 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.
Northwestern Engineering News

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Extensive Research Experience

World-Class Faculty Members

Abundant Internship Opportunities

About the Program

Quick Facts