Our curriculum integrates technical knowledge with soft and professional skills.Curriculum Overview
The 21-unit MBP curriculum features a unique blend of science, engineering, and business of biotechnology. Students have the opportunity to spend up to 2,000 hours doing research in the world-class laboratories of Northwestern University.
Two minors (Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship) and a certificate (Nanobiotechnology) can be added to students’ course of study.
To ensure the success of our students, a mandatory boot camp is held at the beginning of September to fill any gaps in knowledge.
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8 Units of Research
MBP offers the most extensive research opportunities offered by any MS in Biotechnology program in the USA by requiring 6 months of full-time lab research. Students have access to 80+ research preceptors from several schools, colleges, and institutes of Northwestern University, including the renowned Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Several opportunities to conduct research at local companies are also available. Students can choose a 3 or 6 month internship for a total of 2,000 hours of research.
Learn more about student research
7 Units of Required Courses
- 1 unit of introductory engineering (for non-engineers) (MBIOTECH 303)
- 2 units of bioprocess engineering (MBIOTECH 476-1 & MBIOTECH 476-2/or Chem Eng 477)
- 1 unit of laboratories (MBIOTECH 402)
- 3 units of non-technical courses (MBIOTECH 410, MBIOTECH 420, & MBIOTECH 482)
6 Units of Electives
MBP gives students access to more than 70 technical and non-technical electives offered by 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, management, and more. Electives must be related activities performed at a Biotech company.
Explore electives in registrar's course database
Certificates and Minors
Students enrolled in the MBP can choose from the following certificates and minors (at no additional tuition cost) to create a more immersive experience or enhance their credentials in selected areas.
