Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, MS

Location(s): Main Campus

The Chemistry and Biological Sciences departments offer 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 MS places major emphasis on scholarly activity, with the expectation of one or more original contributions, published in the peer-reviewed biochemical literature. 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.

Placement Examination

For students entering the MS program, preparedness will be evaluated with placement examinations in biochemistry, organic chemistry and biophysical chemistry.

Students who perform satisfactorily on the two MS placement exams are admitted to graduate courses numbered 500 and above. Students showing deficiencies in specific areas are required to correct these deficiencies, normally by taking appropriate courses at lower levels or by passing subsequent placement examinations.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students must complete at least 34 graduate credits to be recommended for the degree, as follows:

An acceptable research project and thesis (BCHM 599)
Participation for one semester in the graduate seminar (CHEM 592)
Three semesters of Frontiers in Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM 593)
Completion of the two core courses BCHM 507 and 508 for a total of eight credits
An additional two graduate courses in biochemistry and chemical biology from the list of approved courses for a total of eight credits

Choosing Advisors

The student is expected to choose a research advisor by

Exam Requirement

Students must pass an oral examination on the subject of the research thesis.

Thesis Requirement

The student must complete a MS thesis as the final product. The original research for the thesis should be started as early as possible in the student’s graduate education.

Additional Information About the Program

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