What undergraduate degrees are eligible for admission to the MBP?
We accept students with a variety of degrees/majors that include but not limited to biochemistry, biological sciences, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and chemistry.

Who selects research projects for the MBP students?
All arrangements for research projects are made during the fall quarter of the first academic year directly between the student and the NU faculty participating in the Master of Biotechnology Program.  The MBP faculty helps students with this important task by organizing a series of presentations by the research faculty (as part of the MBP fall seminar) and providing the students with general guidance on the choice of a research advisor.   Students may seek research projects outside of the participating faculty as long as the projects are broadly related to biotechnology and involve learning practical laboratory skills.  These “outside” projects require Program Director’s approval.

Can I obtain a PhD from Northwestern University after I graduate from the MBP? 
Students interested in obtaining a PhD need to follow a standard application procedure established by the Northwestern University Graduate School; their applications will be reviewed by departmental admission committees alongside other similar applications.  Although an automatic transfer from the MBP to a PhD program at Northwestern University is not possible, the training received by the MBP students has proven to be advantageous to their pursuit of a PhD degree at Northwestern University and other premier US Universities.

Can I get a joint MS/MBA degree or MS/JD from Northwestern University?
Although MBP students may enroll in Kellogg courses there is no formal business degree option.  MBP graduates will receive an MS in Biotechnology degree only.

Can I obtain an outside part-time job while in the MBP?
Obtaining a part-time job (up to 15 hr/week) is acceptable starting in the winter quarter if a student demonstrates good academic performance during the fall quarter.  Limited assistance in finding part-time jobs will be provided by the MBP industrial liaison.

Do I have to start the MBP in the fall quarter?
The large majority of MBP students enter the program in the fall and take the same courses at the same time.  Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Are there any research projects in collaboration with industry?
There are currently no research projects directly involving industrial companies, but this may change in the future as our pool of research preceptors grows and the list of projects expands.

Can I take electives other than science electives?
Students may take no-science electives as an overload with consent from the MBP faculty.  These electives will not count towards the MBP graduation requirements.

What if I have already taken some required classes?
Electives may be substituted for these required courses which include MB 301, MB 302, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology, if these or equivalent courses have been completed during previous studies.