HENRY E. RIGGS SCHOOL OF APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES

Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering
MSBPE

Pursue Academic Excellence

At Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), we created an industry-focused curriculum that integrates active learning to foster collaboration, career readiness, and skill development.

Acquire Hands-On Experience

Level up your expertise by immersing yourself in real-world experiences, such as the Team Master’s Project and industry networking events, and receive mentorship from Amgen Bioprocessing Center Advisory Board (ABCAB) members.

Access Career Opportunities

Our long-standing industry connections allow you to pursue transformative summer internships and careers at leading biopharma and biotech companies.

About KGI’s MS in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering Program

Discover new career potential by earning your Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering (MSBPE) at KGI. Our accelerated one-year graduate program builds on foundational biomanufacturing and bioprocess engineering knowledge, allowing you to explore more advanced technical methodologies.

During your time in the MSBPE program, you benefit from:

  • A career-focused curriculum that deepens your understanding of the biopharmaceutical field and accelerates professional development.
  • Hands-on experience, such as the Team Masters Project (TMP), that turns theoretical concepts into practical knowledge so you can excel in the workforce.
  • Industry connections and mentorship from Amgen Bioprocessing Center Advisory Board members.
  • A 400-hour paid internship in the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology sector that elevates your skill set and helps you transition into leadership roles.

To excel in this rigorous program, you should have a fundamental understanding of biotechnology, biologics, and upstream and downstream processing, along with other disciplines gained in your undergraduate degree. This ensures you grow as a competent professional and position yourself for an unparalleled career.

What You’ll Learn

Designed for those with previous academic or professional experience in biopharmaceuticals, KGI’s MSBPE program offers an expedited graduate education that yields high-impact results.

Curriculum and Courses

Our 30-credit curriculum integrates active learning, including core engineering courses, lab work, data analytics, and a capstone project. You explore advanced concepts, such as upstream bioprocessing and downstream bioseparations, and build familiarity with bioprocess engineering tools. 

With the expertise gained in the biopharmaceutical process engineering program, you graduate ready to take on roles in bioprocess development, quality control, and manufacturing leadership.

Capstone: Team Masters Project (TMP)

As an integral part of earning your MS in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering degree, you participate in a Team Masters Project, an industry-sponsored project that unlocks new professional development opportunities. During your TMP, you collaborate with liaisons and gain transformative real-world experience that will help you shape your future in the biopharmaceutical field.

Recent TMP participants have conducted studies on cell culture, protein purification, modeling, facility design, quality/regulatory, and supply chain sponsored by companies such as Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Catalent, Gilead Sciences, Pfizer, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

MSBPE vs.MEng in Biopharmaceutical Processing

Although KGI’s MSBPE and Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing (MEng) programs both incorporate a hands-on approach to biopharmaceutical education, they serve different student types. 

MSBPE Program

An accelerated one-year program that best suits students with the foundational knowledge of biotechnology, bioprocessing, and upstream/downstream processing from their undergraduate studies or prior work experience.

The MEng Program

Two-year study with a more in-depth exploration of biotechnology. It also covers the industry’s quality and regulatory aspects and gives additional attention to professional development. This program is an excellent academic path for those with less experience in biotech and bioprocessing.

Careers in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering

At KGI, we create our master’s programs with your future success in mind and provide you with ample professional development opportunities and career support. Equipped with a master’s in biopharmaceutical process engineering, you can pursue roles such as:

  • Process development scientist and engineer
  • Manufacturing science and technology specialist
  • Field application scientist
  • Process technology transfer and validation specialist
  • Project manager
  • Quality and regulatory scientist

How to Apply to the MSBPE Program

Excited about the opportunities ahead? Take the next step by applying to the MS in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering program. To position yourself as a competitive candidate, you should submit your application by the priority deadlines listed above. After this deadline passes, we rely on rolling admissions.

When applying, you must include:

  • Online application
  • Personal statement
  • Résumé
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • English language proficiency (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, or iTEP is required for international students) 

After you submit your online application, our team will carefully review your materials. We'll then contact you to schedule an admissions interview, where we can get to know you better and discuss your academic and career goals.

Our Admissions Committee comprises faculty and senior administrators who thoroughly review each application. We consider your application in the context of the total applicant pool and in relation to our general admissions standards and do not use arbitrary GPAs or test score cutoffs.

All admissions decisions are final for the academic year in which they are rendered.

Applying from outside the U.S.? Learn more about our international admissions process.

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Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the MS in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering program, you should have an undergraduate degree in biomanufacturing/biochemical engineering and have completed these courses—or their equivalents—during your undergraduate studies:

  • Introduction to biotechnology
  • Introduction to the fundamental principles of bioprocessing
  • Introduction to upstream processing for biologics
  • Introduction to downstream processing for biologics
  • Introduction to the quality and regulatory aspects of biopharmaceutical processing

Financing Your Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering Degree

Earning a master’s degree at KGI is a worthwhile investment. We provide personalized guidance, transparent information, and helpful resources to ensure you have all the confidence you need to move forward. Whether you’re exploring scholarships or applying for federal aid, we’re ready to support you.

Financing Your Studies

Advance Your Biopharmaceutical Career at KGI

Ready for a graduate education that unlocks your potential? Earning your Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering degree from Keck Graduate Institute enriches your critical thinking and industry expertise and sharpens essential hands-on skills.

Step into a purpose-filled career and make a lasting impact. Start your graduate application today.

Program Overview

Year One

Your MSBPE program incorporates:

  • Graduate courses designed to help you apply relevant skills and knowledge in emerging biopharmaceutical and biotech fields.
  • Advanced technical and management training and professional development.
  • An industry-sponsored Team Master’s Project that helps you translate classroom concepts into real-world expertise.

Summer

As a graduate student, you complete a 400-hour paid internship the summer before or after your first year. To summarize your experience, you also present an internship poster reviewed by a KGI faculty member.

Program Faculty and Staff