Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, MA

Location(s): Main Campus

The Chemistry and Biological Sciences departments offer the interdisciplinary biochemistry and chemical biology (BCCB) graduate programs. These programs train the student broadly in biochemistry, chemical biology and related fields, and require original research in an area related to biochemistry and chemical biology. The MA program in biochemistry and chemical biology satisfies the needs of students who desire a master’s degree based primarily on coursework. In addition, students will gain experience in teaching biochemistry and an understanding of the ethical conduct of research and scholarship. For students who have an interest in teaching, a certificate of completion in college/university teaching can be awarded if they satisfy certificate requirements as defined by the Chemistry Department, in conjunction with the Graduate School.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the graduate program is highly competitive. A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry or biology is generally required for all applicants. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts; a brief personal statement concerning their research experience, interests and goals; three letters of recommendation; and scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test. International applicants, for whom English is not the native language, are also required to submit proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores). For fall admissions, the program will start reviewing applications Dec. 1. Applications received after this date can be considered in case the fall class is not yet complete. The department does not admit students to start the program in the spring semester.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students must complete at least 36 graduate credits to be recommended for the degree, as follows:

An acceptable research project (at least four credits of BCHM 597 and four credits of BCHM 598)
Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
Two semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry (CHEM 593)
Completion of the two core courses, BCHM 507 and 508, for a total of eight credits
Four graduate courses in biochemistry and chemical biology from the list of approved courses for a total of 16 credits
Public presentation of a seminar on the subject of the research project

Additional Information About the Program

For more information on the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology MA program, please refer to the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology website for more information. To apply to the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology MA program, please visit the University Admissions website.