Earn an M.S. in Biotechnology in just 15 months
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Our Industrial Internship option provides MBP students with the opportunity to gain valuable
on-the-job experience
Find out where our students have completed their internships
Career Opportunities
The MBP Prepares Students for Success
The expanding biotechnology industry offers a variety of employment opportunities with companies who discover and develop products in the pharmaceutical, medical device, agricultural, and industrial fields. Northwestern’s M.S. in Biotechnology graduates have filled positions at biotechnology companies of different sizes and stages of development, as well as at traditional pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The list below is a small sample of positions that MBP graduates have obtained at biotech companies--we encourage you to check our alumni page to discover even more possibilities.
Biotech Companies
Amgen, Sr. Associate-Process Development
Cell Genesys, Process Development Engineer
Genentech, Operations Analyst
Genzyme, Research Associate
MedImmune, Research Associate
PDL BioPharma, Development Associate
Coskata Energy, Scientist
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
Pfizer, Sr. Associate Scientist
Government and Contract Research
National Institutes of Health, Chemical Engineer
NASA/Wyle Laboratories, Biomedical Flight Controller
Taiwan FDA
The median starting salary reported by MBP graduates with jobs in the biotech industry is $65,000.
With the MBP emphasis on research and bioprocess engineering, most graduates have found positions in biologics research, process development, pharmaceutical discovery, or medical diagnostics. However, students looking for alternatives to research or process development careers may consider opportunities in regulatory affairs or business operations where some MBP graduates now work.
Consulting & Regulatory Affairs
Graduates opting for careers outside the biotechnology industry have commonly pursued opportunities in consulting at companies such as Sg2 and Accenture.
Doctoral Studies
For those students considering a PhD program, medical, dental or law school, the MBP offers an opportunity to strengthen their candidacy by taking advanced electives and performing cutting-edge research with Northwestern faculty members. Our M.S. in Biotechnology graduates have been accepted at many of the nation’s most prestigious schools including UCLA, University of Michigan, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Cornell University.
Opportunities in the U.S.A for International Students
If you are an international student considering working in the United States after graduating from the MBP, you should know that employers are required to verify 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. For more information on this process please visit our International Visa page.
