Bioprocessing Science (BS)

NC State’s Bioprocessing Science BS gives students plenty of opportunities to move beyond textbooks and gain practical experience with the technologies and processes used in modern biomanufacturing. Students work with bioreactors, recombinant DNA techniques, analytical methods, quality-control processes, and bioprocess design, helping them understand how biological products are developed and manufactured in real-world settings.

A major part of this practical training takes place through NC State’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), where students can work with industry-relevant equipment and simulated manufacturing environments. The program also connects students with laboratory courses, pilot-plant facilities, research activities, and external learning experiences that help them build technical and professional skills:

• Upstream Biomanufacturing Laboratory: BBS 426 gives students hands-on experience with 30-liter bioreactors, including agitation, oxygen transfer, sterilization, media preparation, and recombinant E. coli cultivation for protein production.

• Biomanufacturing equipment: BTEC provides access to 30-liter and 300-liter stainless-steel bioreactors, disposable bioreactors, automated process-control systems, and analytical laboratory equipment.

• CGMP training: Students can gain exposure to a simulated Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) production environment, helping them understand the standards used in regulated biomanufacturing.

• Biotechnology laboratory techniques: Courses such as BIT 410 Manipulation of Recombinant DNA develop practical skills related to recombinant DNA and biotechnology.

• Advanced laboratory electives: Students can explore techniques including BIT 465 Real-time PCR Techniques, BIT 466 Animal Cell Culture Techniques, BIT 464 Protein Purification, BIT 476 Applied Bioinformatics, and BIT 477 Metagenomics.

• Analytical and quality-control training: FS 403 Analytical Techniques in Food & Bioprocessing Science and FS 416 Quality Control in Food and Bioprocessing give students experience with analytical approaches and quality-control practices.

• Bioprocess design: FS 475 Problems and Design in Food and Bioprocessing Science allows students to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to bioprocessing problems and design challenges.

• External learning experience: BIT 492 External Learning Experience provides an opportunity to receive academic credit for approved experiential learning outside the traditional classroom.

• Professional preparation: FS 471 Professionalism & Project Preparation in Food & Bioprocessing Science helps students prepare for professional environments and project-based work.

• Pilot-plant facilities: NC State’s food and bioprocessing facilities include pilot plants supporting teaching and research in areas such as aseptic processing and packaging, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, and other food and bioprocessing applications.

• Research environment: Department facilities support research in areas including engineering, chemistry, nutrition, flavor, and food safety, allowing students to connect their classroom learning with active research.

• Industry-focused learning: Courses introduce students to biomanufacturing terminology, regulatory requirements, compliance, and the professional practices used in the industry.

NC State’s Bioprocessing Science BS gives students a focused foundation for careers in biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, biomanufacturing, food processing, and related industries. Graduates can move into areas such as research and development, process development, manufacturing, quality control, and technical sales, while further study can open doors to advanced research and specialist roles.

Typical career roles include Bioprocessing Scientist, Biomanufacturing Specialist, Quality Control Specialist, and Process Development Specialist. Graduates can also explore opportunities in research and development, process supervision, quality assurance, procurement, distribution, and technical sales:

• Career support: NC State’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) provides career guidance, including resume and cover-letter support, mock interviews, networking advice, and help identifying internships, co-ops, and employment opportunities.

• Industry career fairs: BTEC organises industry-focused career fairs where students can connect directly with employers recruiting for research and development, process development, manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, validation, commissioning, and engineering positions.

• Strong industry connections: BTEC works with major biotechnology and biopharmaceutical organisations, including Amgen, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, Genentech, GSK, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Sartorius, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and United Therapeutics.

• Industry advisory board: BTEC’s industry advisory board includes representatives from organisations such as Amgen, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Genentech, KBI Biopharma, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sartorius, and Steris, providing industry input into areas such as curriculum, training, certification, and facilities.

• Professional networking: The NC State ISPE Student Chapter gives students opportunities to connect with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, prepare for interviews, and take part in company networking events.

• Salary information: NC State’s published national average salary for bachelor’s-level Biological Sciences graduates is $47,839, based on the NACE Summer 2024 survey. NC State does not publish a separate Bioprocessing Science-specific salary figure, so this broader Biological Sciences figure should not be treated as the expected salary for Bioprocessing Science graduates.

• Industry-focused preparation: Students graduate with practical knowledge of biomanufacturing processes, laboratory techniques, quality systems, process development, and industry practices, giving them a strong technical foundation for employment in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical environments.

• Professional value: Although the Bioprocessing Science BS does not have separate professional accreditation listed for the program, its specialised curriculum and extensive industry-focused training provide students with skills directly relevant to modern biomanufacturing careers.

Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue careers across biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, food and bioprocessing, research and development, manufacturing, quality control and assurance, process supervision, procurement, distribution, sales, and government. Students who continue to postgraduate study can also progress toward research, teaching, and more specialised scientific or technical positions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can continue their education in areas such as biomanufacturing, biotechnology, biological sciences, bioprocess engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and related fields. NC State’s Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center offers graduate options including the Master of Science in Biomanufacturing (M.S.) and Master of Biomanufacturing (M.R.), with opportunities to specialise in areas such as upstream or downstream biomanufacturing. Students can also pursue graduate certificates in Upstream Biomanufacturing or Downstream Biomanufacturing to develop more specialised expertise.