Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry is dedicated to excellence in biochemical research, with faculty members pursuing cutting-edge research in a variety of disciplines with a common theme of "how living cells work". Our research utilizes modern techniques, including analysis of molecular structure, bioinformatics, high throughput proteomics, and genetics to answer basic questions about how biological molecules determine cellular functions. An integral component of the program is one-on-one training from faculty members to graduate students, such that they develop their full potential as scientists.

The master’s degree in biochemistry positions you to:

• Become more competitive for laboratory professions in academia or industry
• Strengthen your skills and knowledge base for medical or dental school
• Continue in a doctoral program in biochemistry or other biomedical science

The Biochemistry MA is a course-and-research-based program. Laboratory rotations provide you opportunities to collaborate and hands-on experience in lab techniques. Once you have chosen a lab, you will carry out research and submit a project summary to your mentor. Most MA candidates complete the degree requirements in 18 months to two years.

The master’s degree in biochemistry requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, including 12 credit hours of research. The graduate school requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B in every required course.

Required Courses

• BCH 503 Biochemical Principles, 4 credits

• BMS 501 Cell Biology I, 4 credits

• BCH 504 Doctoral Student Seminar, 1 credit/2 semesters

• BCH 505 Laboratory Rotation, 3 credits

Two of the following courses:

• BMS 502 Essentials of Genetics and Genomics, 3 credits

• BCH 507 Protein Structure and Function, 2-3 credits

• BCH 508 Gene Expression, 2 credits

• BCH 512 Developmental Genomics and Stem Cell Biology, 2 credits

• BCH 519 Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, 3 credits

• BCH 603 Cellular Signaling in Health and Disease, 2 credits

• BCH 607 DNA Replication and Repair, 2 credits

You must submit these official credentials directly to the program:

• official transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended
• three letters of recommendation
• a resume
• a personal letter stating career objectives and research experience. Research experience is highly desirable.
• Official GRE score report

A bachelor’s degree is required to enter the program. Admission is based on:

• a grade point average of B (3.0) or better
• examination scores
• letters of recommendation
• academic performance
• research experience

Recommended undergraduate courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, physics and mathematics, including calculus and statistics.

International applicants must also present a valid TOEFL or IELTS score. It is university policy that test dates be no older than two years when students enter a program.

National Awards

• Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Grants for Graduate Study, Research or English Teaching Assistantships Abroad
• The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF)

University Awards

• Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program
• Graduate Opportunity Program (GOP)
• Graduate Tuition Scholarship
• Presidential Fellowship