Recipient Organization
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
(N/A)
RALEIGH,NC 27695
Performing Department
Plant & Microbial Biology
Non Technical Summary
The biotechnology industry has a need for business-savvy scientists; however, this is not the way scientists are traditionally trained at universities and colleges. To address this need, universities have developed Professional Science Master's (PSM) degree programs that offer advanced training in a technical field along with professional skills development through team-based projects and internships. Nearly ten years ago, the Department of Microbiology at NCSU started a PSM program in Microbial Biotechnology (MMB). The MMB curriculum includes academic courses in science and business along with professional training with local companies through Case Study Projects and Internships. The MMB program has graduated 106 students as of 2014 and the average salary of an MMB graduate of $70,000. The program plans to graduate 10-15 students each year and to continue to be responsive to the workforce needs of the biotechnology industry.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The Professional Science Master's degree in Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) at North Carolina State University provides students with training in cutting-edge cell and molecular technology and a working knowledge of the business components of the biotechnology industry to prepare graduates for leadership roles in industry. The MMB program is a response to the Biotechnology Industry's desire for employees with a strong technical aptitude along with an understanding of business issues and professional skills. The MMB curriculum includes academic courses in science and business along with professional training with local companies through Case Study Projects and Internships. The major goal of the MMB program is to train students for jobs in the biotechnology industry.
Project Methods
The MMB program is delivered through a combination of formal classroom instruction in graduate-level life science courses and MBA-level business courses; lab-based courses in biotechnology and biomanufacturing; and experiential learning opportunities through internships and case study projects with biotechnology companies. The program is evaluated by the number of applicants to the program, the number of students accepted into the program, the number of graduates from the program, the number and types of jobs that graduates land, and tracking the salaries and positions that MMB alumni hold in their careers after graduation.