![Technical Proficiency](images/homepage/unique-program-features/features-tech-proficiency.jpg)
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.
Preparing to make advances that transform the world
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The basics at-a-glance
Degree earned: Master of Science in Biotechnology
LocationNorthwestern University’s Evanston campus Access to 100+ nearby leading research labs | Timing15-21 months full-time (depending on optional six-month internship) 6 months of full-time research included Classes start in September | Class SizeCohort of 30-40 students Students’ undergrad degrees are primarily biology, engineering, or other science majors | AdmissionsApplication deadlines Priority deadline: March 15 International deadline: May 1 Final deadline: May 31 Application opens September 1 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The relevance of research
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.
Brenna Argall and Danielle Tullman-Ercek are part of AIMBE’s College of Fellows Class of 2023
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