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May 12, 2024
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2023-2024 Course Catalog
Biochemistry, M.S. - Online
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The master of science in Biochemistry is an integrated program combining coursework in Biology and Chemistry in an online format. Therefore, graduates will have employment opportunities in Biology and Chemistry, as well as jobs requiring an integrated program. Graduates will also be prepared to enter professional training in medicine, veterinary, pharmacy and allied health schools. The program is ideally suited to members of the armed services whose positions deny them the ability to attend classes at a regional college or university on a schedule that meets their terms and locations of service.
Program Outcomes
The student will:
- Recognize the interconnections between Biology and Chemistry
- Relate medical diagnoses and treatment at the molecular level
- Interpret the relationship between the physical properties of the reactants and products, and the reactivity of biological reactions
- Analyze biological systems using advanced chemical concepts
- Examine equilibrium reactions and their biological use in metabolism
- Formulate the major intersections between the fields of Genetics and Biochemistry
- Evaluate the research literature in Biochemistry
- Assess the contributions various sub-disciplines of Biology have made to Biochemistry
Matriculation Requirements
- Graduate application and nonrefundable application fee
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in Biochemistry or a closely related discipline
- The prerequisites for admissions include a B- or better in: two semesters of Organic Chemistry, two semesters of Physics, and one semester of Calculus
- A science GPA of 2.8 is recommended, but does not guarantee admission
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Letter of intent (as part of the graduate application)
- An initial planned program of study that indicates your course interests
Please contact admissions if you do not meet either GPA requirement.
Progression Standards
In addition to maintaining a 2.67 GPA, students must earn a B- or better in all required coursework. Students must earn a C or better in all elective courses. Failure to meet these requirements will result in probation. Required courses that were completed with a grade less than a B- must be retaken. Students may retake a course only one time. Students failing to have a GPA of 2.67 must increase the GPA to 2.67 within six credits. Students who fail to increase the GPA in six credits or do not earn a B- in a required course in the second attempt will be dismissed. Students who earn a D or an F in any course will be dismissed.
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Degree Requirements (30 credits)
Comprehensive Examination
All students in the program must pass a written comprehensive evaluation after completing a minimum of 24 credits in the graduate program, including all required courses. Most students will complete a comprehensive exam, which is a literature-based analysis of program goals and course objectives from the required courses. Thesis students and will present and defend their thesis as a culminating activity in lieu of a written comprehensive.
Thesis Option
Exceptional students may apply for the thesis option under certain conditions. First, the student must have a GPA of 3.3 without having repeated any courses in the program. Second, the student must have completed the coursework without academic probation. Third, the student must identify: a thesis supervisor at their location; a hypothesis-driven, laboratory-based thesis project; and a USJ thesis advisor; all in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. Any student who has been accepted as a thesis candidate and earns a grade less than a B will be subject to departmental review. The department determines whether the student may continue in the thesis option or be asked to submit a non-thesis plan of study.
Thesis students will complete CHEM 598 - Research Planning Seminar and CHEM 599 - Master’s Thesis in lieu of two of their elective courses on the initial plan of study. CHEM 598 will be completed before research begins and CHEM 599 will be completed after the research project has been completed. Please note that the thesis option typically adds a year of time to completion of the degree program.
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