A Dual-Track Program
Microbial Engineering
The Masters of Science in Microbial Engineering is a dual-track program. The research track typically takes 2 years and requires completion of an original research project under the direction of a MicE faculty member. The industrial track takes 1½ to 2 years to complete and requires a summer internship arranged by BTI (usually between the second and third semesters). Either track would support a subsequent move to a related doctorate program. Compare the two tracks below.
Research Track
Time: 2 years
Description: The research track combines coursework in biological sciences and chemical engineering with research, seminar presentations, and teaching of a laboratory course.
Coursework: Students choose coursework from biochemistry, food science, pharmacology, plant biology, genetics, cell biology, bioinformatics, and engineering. Students must demonstrate proficiency programming in one computer language before completing the degree program. The graduate thesis is based on original laboratory or investigative work.
Credit requirements:
6 cr – Micro (Biochemistry, Genetics)
6 cr – Chemical Engineering
2 cr – Seminar
6 cr – Related Field Electives
1 cr – MicE 5950 Fermentation
10 cr – Research
31 cr – Total
Cost: Nearly all students in the research track are supported by research stipends that include tuition and healthcare benefits.
Applied Biotechnology Track for Industrially Sponsored Applicants
Time: 3 semesters plus internship
Description: The coursework is similar to the research track, but students complete an industrial internship in the biological sciences and engineering, typically in the intervening summer between the second and third semesters.
Coursework: Required classes mirror the research track and emphasize the biological sciences and engineering. Students are required to write a research paper and present a report on their internship. Internships are arranged with the BioTechnology Institute and may be completed with companies either in the United States or Europe.
Credit requirements:
9 cr – Micro (Biochemistry, Genetics)
9 cr – Chemical Engineering
2 cr – Seminar
6 cr – Related Field Electives
1 cr – MicE 5950 Fermentation
4 cr – Preceptorship
31 cr – Total
Students pursuing the industrial track finish earlier but do not receive research stipends. Some employers offer tuition benefits to pursue a master’s degree. Some industrial internships may offer a stipend.