FAQs
WHAT IS A "PROFESSIONAL" MASTER'S DEGREE?
The professional Master's degree is the next wave in graduate education. The best aspects of traditional non-thesis degree programs are brought together to train individuals for careers in specific industries. Professional Master's degree programs are appearing throughout the nation, spurred on through the efforts of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
WHAT TYPE OF DEGREE PROGRAM IS THE MMB PROGRAM?
The professional Master's of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) is a 2-year program designed specifically to prepare professionals for careers in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries. Students receive training in three major subject areas: Microbiology , Biotechnology , and Business . The program is state of the art, with many industry professionals participating. Students are able to develop an extensive network of industry contacts through internships and real case-studies.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE MMB PROGRAM?
The MMB program contains MBA-level business, biotechnology and science electives and combines both academic and corporate training. The program is unique in its extensive interaction with industry professionals in the Research Triangle Park involving live case-studies, internships and many networking opportunities with and mentoring by industry executives. This gives you a competitive advantage both in terms of networking experience and first-hand knowledge about the industry.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE MMB PROGRAM?
Individuals who want training in both science and business, and an exciting, high-paying career in the Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Industries should apply for this degree program. Applicants should have a strong foundation in Biological
Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology), Chemistry and Mathematics.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR THE MMB PROGRAM AT NC STATE?
It does not exist anywhere else. We bring together resources from the College of Management, the Biotechnology Program and the Department of Microbiology to create a very unique and strong collaboration. NC State is located very near to the Research Triangle Park, one of the centers for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries in the United States. NC State has a strong commitment to these industries and many of our graduates find employment in the Park.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED COURSES?
The required courses can be found here.
WHAT ELECTIVES ARE AVAILABLE?
The elective courses can be found here.
WHERE ARE THE STUDENTS INTERNING?
Students have been hired as interns at GlaxoSmithKline, Novozymes, Embrex/Pfizer, Biolex Therapeutics, Wyeth Vaccines, Diosynth, Dupont, AlphaVax, Scynexis, Affinergy, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Hydro Service and Supplies, Monsanto, MycoFuels, Quintiles, Talecris Biotherapeutics, and Xenobiotic Detection Systems.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THE MMB PROFESSIONAL MASTERS DEGREE WHEN I GRADUATE?
The degree is targeting middle management in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. You can do anything from being a bench scientist to being involved in project management, marketing, finance, intellectual property, business development, entrepreneurship and other interdisciplinary tasks. See the jobs MMB graduates are holding.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT INTO THE MMB PROGRAM?
You typically need a BS degree in a life science (e.g. Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry), an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. The average GRE score is greater than a 1200 (combined verbal and quantitative) with the average writing score greater than 4.0. Also, you need 3 letters of recommendation and a personal statement. This statement should describe why you are interested in this program and what your career goals are.
WHAT KIND OF BACKGROUND DO I NEED TO SUCCEED IN THIS PROGRAM?
You need a strong background in Microbiology and Biochemistry and you also need to have good math skills. You need drive, ambition, an entrepreneurial sprit, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
I DID NOT TAKE MUCH MICROBIOLOGY OR BIOCHEMISTRY.
WHAT CAN I DO TO INCREASE MY CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED?
If your background in microbiology and biochemistry is limited you can enroll as a PBS student (Post-Bachelorette Student) at NCSU. We recommend that you have taken courses with a curriculum similar to MB351 (General Microbiology) and BCH451 (Principles of Biochemistry). You can also take these courses at other colleges or universities.
IS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE A REQUIREMENT?
No, prior industry experience is not a requirement, just an advantage. During the program you will have the opportunity to gain industry experience.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR ENTRY INTO THE MMB PROGRAM?
All applications must be submitted electronically through the Graduate School. On the electronic application form please select Microbial Biotechnology - MR when prompted for "Desired Major Degree."
IS IT TRUE THAT I CAN OBTAIN BOTH THE MMB DEGREE AND AN MBA IN JUST 3 YEARS?
Yes, due to the business knowledge you acquire during your 2 years of study for the MMB degree you can apply to study for an extra year in the MBA program here at NC State University to obtain dual degrees: MMB/MBA. This is a very popular option and it does not exist anywhere else.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT INTO THE MMB/MBA OPTION?
You need to be a student in the MMB program in order to apply for this option. You also need to take the GMAT. Typically, students apply for entry into the MBA program during the beginning of the second year of study in the MMB program. If accepted into the MBA program, you will still need to complete the requirements for the MMB and graduate before beginning the MBA program.
DOES THE MMB PROGRAM ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Yes, for more information on international admission guidelines please visit the following website: http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/grad/intrnatl.htm
WHEN CAN I APPLY TO THE MMB PROGRAM?
Students are only admitted to the MMB program in the fall semester. Applications will be accepted through May 1st for US students while applications for International students can only be accepted through March 1st for the upcoming fall semester.
IF I AM GRADUATING THIS SUMMER CAN I STILL BE ADMITTED?
Yes, if your application is accepted you can be admitted conditionally pending proof of your graduation.
CAN I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION WHILE I AM WAITING FOR REFERENCES, GRE SCORES, AND GRADUATION ETC?
Yes, you can submit the on-line document and let us know when we can expect the rest. In that way we know that you are interested in the program.
DO I NEED TO TAKE THE GREs?
Yes, the Department of Microbiology requires GRE scores. You will need new GREs unless your scores are less than 5 years old. The institutional code for NCSU is 5496. The departmental code for Microbiology is 0212.
DO I NEED TO TAKE THE SUBJECT GRE?
No, only the general GRE test is required.
WHAT IS A GOOD GRE SCORE?
It depends on the competition that year. We look at the entire application package when we accept students into the program. Average GRE scores are usually greater than 500 on the Verbal, greater than 650 on the Quantitative, and greater than 4.0 on the Writing.
DO I NEED TO TAKE THE TOEFL TEST?
All International applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School for TOEFL scores. The institutional code for NCSU is 5496. Please make sure to mark "graduate" school where appropriate.
IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
Yes, please see the Graduate School's information on funding graduate education http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/grad/funding/fellows.htm. All students can apply for financial aid through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
WHAT ARE THE TUITION REQUIREMENTS?
The tuition requirements can be found at the Cashier's Office website: http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/cashier/tuition/
WHAT ARE THE FUNDING POSSIBILITIES?
The funding possiblities for MMB students are very limited. A few of our students become Teaching Assistants (TA's). TA positions will typically cover your tuition (in-state or out-of-state) for the fall and spring semesters, your healthcare and a stipend. Applications for these TA positions are coordinated by the Department of Microbiology and will only be submitted once you have been admitted and enrolled into our MMB program. Please indicate on your electronic application if you are interested in applying for a TA postion. The number of students who receive a TA position will vary from 0 to less than 5 each year. MMB students must be prepared to pay their own way.
ARE THEIR PART-TIME OPTIONS FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS?
Most students, working or not working, enroll as full-time students. We can accept part-time students as long as they are local and their work schedules are flexible. The majority of courses in the MMB program are held on campus during the day, with a few courses offered in the evening or online. The program takes 2 years to complete for those enrolled full-time. NCSU Graduate School rules for "time to completion" state that students have up to 6 years (12 semesters) to complete a master's degree, though MMB staff recommend trying to complete the MMB degree in 3 years or less. If you are a full-time industry employee and would like more information about coming part-time, please contact the MMB Program.
Another option is to enroll as a PBS student (Post-Bachelorette Student) through the Non-Degree Studies program) and take up to 22 transferable MMB credit hours (from the MMB curriculum) before applying for entry into the MMB program. This classification is open only to US citizens, permanent residents, and international students who are sponsored by an agency of the US government or are married to an NC State student. Registration is through the Non-Degree Studies program. This option does NOT guarantee entry into the MMB program, so you will have to compete for entry with other applicants.