Bioprocess Engineering Program Description

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

Program Description

The Master of Bioprocess Engineering (MBPE) degree will provide graduates upon completion of a 9-month program with an understanding and ability to apply Bioprocess Engineering to a number of key technological needs spanning multiple industries. These include methods to produce biofuels, bio-based chemicals, proteins, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value biologics; how to design and/or operate appropriate unit operations (e.g., fermentation systems), mammalian-cell culture systems, and instrumentation to monitor and control biotechnological processes; and how to apply and test bioproduct separation technologies. Unlike other programs, the new program at UC Berkeley will have access to state-of-the-art bioprocessing equipment at the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit (ABPDU), which is part of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory funded by US DOE. Access to the ABPDU will afford you with an integrated didactic experience. As a result, you will be able to immediately apply hands-on knowledge and become specialized in knowing how to relate engineering concepts to biological systems and organisms.

Which program is right for me?

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is home to two professional master's programs, The Product Development Program (PDP) and the Master's of Bioprocess Engineering Program (MBPE). There is some overlap between the programs, please review the infographic below for more information, and email mbpe@berkeley.edu if you have any questions.

PDP MBPE Comparison

>> View PDP and MPE comparison as a PDF

International Students

This program is eligible for OPT and STEM OPT. If you have further immigration questions please contact Berkeley International Office.

CHMENG 275L / Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

The below photos are of students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory, taught at the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU).

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

Students in our CHMENG 275L Advanced Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory