The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University recognizes the special needs in the public and private sectors for biotechnologists with training beyond the Bachelor‘s level, but with an applied emphasis not often achieved in the more academically oriented graduate degree programs. It is the objective of this program to provide Master‘s level students in microbiology and related fields with practical skills and strong research experience so that they can enter industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, biotechnology, and bioremediation where the need for such talent is acute. The program is intended for students who have competed a B.S. or B.A. degree in one of the biological sciences and who wish to prepare for a scientific career outside of academia. Admission to the program will be according to the regular university graduate admissions requirements, as well as those of the Department.

Courses can be drawn from many different departments and programs within the University. The course selection is tailored to the student‘s interest and focuses on contemporary and emerging biotechnologies. A total of 30 credits are required (including internship and research credits, see below), with more than half at the 800 or 900 level and the remainder at the 400 (or greater) level. Students are also expected to participate fully in departmental activities including seminars and symposia.

A research project is required. Each student is expected to perform 10-14 credits of research working in a laboratory under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This research forms the basis of a public seminar and written research report (not a thesis) usually presented during the fourth semester of study.

Each participant will undertake an internship (typically from 6–10 weeks) with an industrial partner. An essential aspect of the program is the internship, which will provide critical exposure to actual industrial or governmental laboratories that cannot be adequately duplicated on campus. These internships are conducted at the facilities of participating corporate partners or other industrial/governmental agencies. Two academic credits are awarded upon completion.

Participants will be required to complete a "Business Management and Communication Certificate Program" through MSU‘s Eli Broad College of Business Administration. This certificate is based on ten modules presented as intensive weekend sessions spread over the fall and spring semesters. Example topics include: "Project Planning and Management"; "Presentation Skills"; "Writing for Clarity"; "Marketing Management"; etc. (For more details see: www.bus.msu.edu/bmccertificate/index.html).

Beyond a B.A. or B.S. in a biological science, there are no specific prerequisites for this program; however, the advisory committee may suggest additional coursework for students lacking essential areas of prior study. Because the emphasis is on molecular microbiology and biotechnology, a sound background in biochemistry is suggested. An example of a ProMSc curriculum is shown below.

COURSE		CREDIT HOUR
Fall Yr. One
MMG	445	Basic Biotechnology	3
STT	464	Statistics for Biologists I	3
MMG	892	Seminar	1
BMB	801	Molecular Biology	3
Spring Yr. One
MMG	433	Microbial Genomics	3
STT	465	Statistics for Biologists II	3
MMG	499	Independent Study	3
Summer Yr. One
MMG	890	Program Internship	2
Fall Yr. Two
MMG	833	Microbial Genetics	3
MMG	499	Independent Study	3
Spring Yr. Two
MMG	890	Independent Study	4
MMG	892	Seminar	2

Total fees and tuition for this two-year program are approximately $15,000 for in-state and $21,000 for out-of-state students (please contact us for the exact current costs). This amount includes extra fees for the Business Communication Certificate program (approximately $3,500). Highly competitive students may be eligible for a research or teaching assistantship sufficient to cover the majority of these expenses.