Professional Science Masters of Microbial Biotechnology @ NCSU
1. It sounds very important
2. It incorporates case studies with Biotech companies which means lots of contacts at companies like GSK, LabCorp, Syngenta, Novozymes and Wyeth in case you don't get into med school.
3. The case studies involve working on real problems that the company has such as: Why is Drug A that GSK is developing for breast cancer treatment having side effects A and B. GSK doesn't know the answer and as a team we present to upper management our findings. Another example, LabCorp wanted a more efficient and accurate Cystic Fibrosis assay.
4. Med Schools like those case studies because they show critical thinking and problem solving skills in research instead of the typical, "I did the research that my supervisor told me to do."
5. You are unique because of a Business background. Because we work with industry, it is necessary to learn business strategies. We take classes in the College of Management and are one year away from a MBA making you an applicant with a unique background.
6. Easy grades. I am finishing it up with about a 3.85. I don't think anyone has recieved less than a B in any class.
7. NO THESIS.
8. Easy to get into. There are only a few Professional Science Masters across the country and although industry leaders are excited about them, the general academic world is less aware of them. Few people apply. At NCSU the program is now in its second year. UNC is thinking about starting 16 PSMs in other areas of interest in the next few years.
9. You can apply now. I think the latest date to apply is in late April or May. But search for the program's website to make sure.
10. If you TA the Master's is paid for and you get 1300/month.
11. It helped me get in.