ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The M.S. Degree in Microbial Engineering was instituted in 1984 to meet the demand in biotechnology industries for employees with advanced training in a combination of microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, and chemical engineering. Currently, 24 graduate faculty from the various departments within the University participate in the program by teaching courses and advising students. The program draws both national and international students and on average, accepts five students into the program annually.
BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
The
BioTechnology Institute (BTI) provides advanced research, training, and university-industry interaction in biological process technology, a major area of biotechnology research. The Institute is the central University of Minnesota vehicle for coordinated research in the biological, chemical, and engineering aspects of biotechnology. Faculty perform basic research in biocatalysis, microbial physiology and the production of biofuels and other products made from renewable resources. Faculty educate graduate students and postdoctorals, and consult and collaborate with industrial scientists. In addition to the faculty laboratories, the Institute has established the
Biotechnology Resource Center (BRC), a process scale pilot plant unique in the state, which is accessible to industrial and academic scientists for collaborative and contract research. The BioTechnology Institute also coordinates an active industrial outreach program which sponsors short courses and mini-symposia.
HOW TO APPLY
Typically, applicants with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, or chemical engineering apply. All applicants are required to have completed at least one course in physical chemistry or thermodynamics. Recommended academic preparation includes one year each of calculus, organic chemistry, physics, microbiology, and a background in a field such as basic chemical engineering, biology, physical chemistry, or genetics. Background deficiencies can be made up during the first year of graduate work. Most students enter the program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Applicants must include GRE and TOEFL scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement listing their occupational goals.
COMPLETE APPLICATIONS AND ALL
CORRESPONDING DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED
NO LATER THAN MARCH 1ST.
