The Professional Science Master’s degree in Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) at North Carolina State University was launched by the Department of Microbiology in August 2003. The two-year program provides students with competencies in science and business and includes both academic and professional training. The academic training is performed by several departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Management, the Golden Leaf Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), and the Biotechnology Program. The professional training is carried out in collaboration with industry professionals from various companies and students work in teams to solve forefront matters. In addition, students work as summer interns in local companies. During the course of the program, students are personally mentored by peers, the director of the program, and industry professionals. Due to the broad education and comprehensive networking activity MMB students acquire a competitive skill set catered to multiple industrial settings. Finally, graduating students have an option to earn a double master’s degree consisting of the MMB and an MBA by successfully completing a third year of management training.