The Master’s in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing program at the University of Georgia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in the manufacturing and processing of biopharmaceuticals, biotherapeutics, and other bio-based products. This program prepares students for careers in the biotechnology industry, regulatory agencies, and research institutions.

The MBB program is offered through the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering and the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. It is a full-time, interdisciplinary program that combines coursework, research, and industry experiences. The program duration is typically two years, consisting of four semesters of coursework, an industry internship during the summer semester, and a capstone research project to be completed during your final semester.

The program of study for the Master’s in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing program includes core courses, electives, research credits, and a capstone project. The total credit requirement for graduation is 38 credit hours. An example Program of Study is shown below.

Students with a non-engineering background may be assigned additional undergraduate level courses to address academic deficiencies and prepare them for graduate-level engineering coursework. These courses must be completed successfully before the end of the student’s first year and may not be used on a Program of Study.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must complete a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) from an ABET accredited program or program in a related field. Students whose native language is not English should have a TOEFL score of 80 or above with at least 20 on speaking and writing, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with no single band (score) below 6.0, or pass an English proficiency test administered by UGA.

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores that are not more than two years old. Official scores may be submitted using the UGA institutional code 5813. Applicants who have received degrees from accredited institutions in the U.S. or from institutions in countries where English is the primary language (see list here) are usually are not required to submit scores. If such an applicant received the degree more than two years prior to application to the Graduate School and has been residing/working in a country where the primary language is not English, he or she must submit current scores.

Application Process

Students will apply to the MBB program according to published guidelines set forth by the UGA Graduate School. To be considered for the program, prospective students must:

1. Submit an official online application to the UGA Graduate School.
2. Unofficial transcripts are required for the review process. If accepted, you must submit official transcripts prior to matriculation.
3. Statement of purpose to include your goals in pursuing graduate study, research and industry experience, as well as explanations for any perceived deficiencies in your application.
4. Contact information for three references and three recommendation letters from the references who can speak to your academic record and/or research or professional experiences.
5. International students may be required to show English language proficiency and proof of finances; see the UGA Graduate School site for details.
6. GRE scores may be submitted using the UGA institutional code 5813.

Tuition

MBB students are responsible for UGA graduate tuition and fees. Students make payments directly to the UGA Bursar’s Office.

The MBB is a non-thesis, professional masters program. As such, students enrolled in the program are not eligible to receive Graduate Research Assistantships. Qualified students may apply to the school for a teaching assistantship. For additional information, please visit the Graduate Student Funding page.

MBB – PROGRAM OF STUDY

MBB GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK

The UGA Master of Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing (MBB) degree offered at Beijing University Chemical Technology, Beijing China (BUCT) was established in 2022 as part of a cooperative agreement between the University of Georgia and Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Under this agreement, students can earn a Masters degree in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing from UGA through classes that are taught at BUCT.

Students who have applied and been admitted to the MBB-BUCT program will have UGA status. The diplomas issued for the MBB-BUCT degree will be identical to those issued at MBB-Athens.

The majority of MBB-BUCT courses are taught by UGA faculty, and all are taught in English. Duration of study is two years.

The program was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education in 2020 (MOE11USA02DNR2020 20 81N) and in 2022, UGA received approval to offer the MBB at BUCT. The first cohort of the MBB-BUCT program started classes in fall 2023.

Program Location:
Beijing University of Chemical Technology
No. 15, Beisanhuan East Road
Chaoyang District
Beijing, China, 100029

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must complete a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) from an ABET accredited program or program in a related field. Students whose native language is not English should have a TOEFL score of 80 or above with at least 20 on speaking and writing, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with no single band (score) below 6.0, or pass an English proficiency test administered by UGA.

Application Process

Students will apply to the MBB-BUCT according to published guidelines set forth by the UGA Graduate School. UGA will accept MBB-BUCT students according to existing admission requirements established for the MBB degree and use the established admission process. Students accepted into the MBB-BUCT will be UGA students with an equivalent status to UGA students enrolled on the Athens campus.

Two applications must be submitted when students apply to the MBB-BUCT program. The first application is submitted to the BUCT School of International Education. Once students have been invited to apply to the program, the second application is submitted to the UGA Graduate School.

Tuition

For students completing the two-year MBB-BUCT program, the tuition is RMB 120,000 per student (RMB 60,000 per year; approx. $8,300 per year) . Students make payments to BUCT at the time of registration.

MBB-BUCT students participating in the UGA MBB-Athens Exchange Option are responsible for normal UGA graduate tuition and fees at out-of-state (non-resident) rates. Students enrolling at MBB-Athens make payments directly to the UGA Bursar’s Office.

MBB-Athens Exchange Option

After completing a minimum of 18 credit courses in Beijing, and after receiving the appropriate United States visa, a MBB-BUCT student may study at UGA in Athens for 1-2 semesters to complete the remaining UGA degree requirements. Exchange students are responsible for all UGA tuition (at out-of-state rates), fees, transportation, insurance, living expenses, and other costs for their stay in the USA. The tuition and fee payments are made by the student directly to the UGA Athens Bursar. Students must purchase the health insurance plan mandated by UGA, comply with all US visa requirements, and comply with any other applicable UGA requirements.

The option to study at UGA in Athens is subject to space availability.

Students may complete all degree requirements at BUCT in Beijing and are not required to exchange to UGA-Athens to complete the UGA/BUCT Cooperative MBB. Degree requirements for MBB-BUCT program of study can be found at the link below.

BUCT – PROGRAM OF STUDY

MBB GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.