The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) Program is a dual master's degree program at NC State combines coursework in biotechnology and business to develop STEM professionals with the necessary skillset to enter the life sciences industry. 

Some key features of the MMB program include:

Dual Degree MBA Option: The MMB program also allows its students to participate in MBA coursework allowing students to pursue an MBA degree from the NC State Poole College of Management. Students graduate with the MMB degree after two years with an option to continue for one additional year for an MBA.

Industry Practicum Projects: Over the course of two years, each student in the MMB program will work in teams on three different practicum projects. The students will work directly with industry leaders from local companies in North Carolina and consult with them on a regular basis on how they can improve their business or tackle a unique issue or new business strategy the company is facing.

Industry Practicum Projects: Over the course of two years, each student in the MMB program works in teams on three different practicum projects. The students will work directly with industry leaders from local companies in North Carolina and consult with them on a regular basis on how they can improve their business or tackle a unique issue or new business strategy the company is facing.

MBA 576: Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Commercialization

A 16-week team-oriented project focused on forming a commercialization strategy for companies formed from NC State intellectual property.

MBA 585: Current Topics in Biosciences Management

A course based on business strategy surrounding the value chain of the biotechnology industry. Course foundation centered around R&D, product life cycles, product discovery and development, regulation, logistics, and the biosciences value chain.

MBA 518: Enterprise Risk Management

A course taught on understanding and mitigating risk from a financial and non-financial standpoint. Risk assessment methodologies and management strategies are used to define enterprise risk management.

BUS 554: Project Management

A course devoted to managing and controlling project costs, schedules, and scope. Techniques are also taught on how to manage project risk and how to use popular project management software tools.

The foundation of intellectual property and technological innovation is set upon the academic institution within universities throughout the world. However, taking the discoveries from academia into the real world is another hurdle that can only be overcome by a understanding of business and how to create value from complex technology. This knowledge is vital to commercialization and is what drives the adoption of new technology. The MMB program gave me the perfect opportunity to explore biotechnology commercialization by infusing a technical science master's degree with practical business knowledge that is essential in the workplace. While I love the science and enjoy research, I want to find ways for today's cutting edge technology to find its way into society and eventually help those in need.