Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (MS)

Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics 
Unit: School of Medicine (GM)
Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Program Webpage
Academic Plan Code(s): BIOCMS

Program Information

The Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics program is two-to-three-year course of study designed for students interested in:

• A master's of science degree leading to job opportunities in science that do not require extensive research experience or credentials, e.g., pharmaceutical representatives, medical insurance providers, scientific writing.
• Preparation for professional school, e.g., medical, dental, or legal.
• Combined programs to form hybrid or dual science/business or science/public health degrees, such as an MS/MBA or MS/MPH programs.
• Gaining practical training in laboratory technique and data analysis as the basis for a career in biotechnology or academic research.

As teachers and scientists, the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics subscribe to the following missions:

• Provide up-to-date and high-quality classroom and laboratory instruction in the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology to students at the university.
• Conduct and publish research or other scholarship in areas that advance knowledge within a discipline, contribute to improving the human condition, and contribute to teaching.
• Train pre- and post-doctoral individuals in biomedical research.

Admission Requirements

All applications must be submitted online to the Graduate School. 

Only complete applications will be reviewed. A complete application must have all the following:

• Transcripts of all course work
• At least two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty in a scientific discipline, such as biology or chemistry
• A personal statement of interest

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Executive Committee of the department. We use a holistic review process and use the GPA and relevant experience to select applicants likely to be successful in our program.

Final decisions for admissions will be made in April-May of each year.

Program Requirements

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Laboratory work (BIOC 613) may be considered an elective to count towards a non-thesis, course-based degree option.

Thesis/Final Paper

Thesis 
A MS research thesis is required for the thesis option. Students, with the consent of their committee, may choose between a traditional research thesis format or a thesis in which the methods and results sections are replaced by manuscripts ready for submission for publication in a refereed journal.

In either case, the thesis must conform to the Graduate School Standards for Preparation of Theses and Dissertations. 

Paper
A paper based on literature research or laboratory research (rotation research) is required for the non-thesis, lab option. The topic will be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the paper evaluated by two faculty. 

A paper based on literature research is required for the non-thesis, coursework option. The topic will be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the paper evaluated by two faculty. 

Schedule of Course Offerings