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
- A science GPA of 2.8 or higher, or completion of six credits in the Biochemistry graduate program with grades of B- or better
- The prerequisites for admissions include two semesters of introductory Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics (all with labs) and two semesters of Calculus
- Two letters of recommendation
- A sealed official undergraduate transcript
- An initial completed planned program of study (a final plan of study created in consultation with the program director must be submitted to graduate admissions prior to registration for the second term)
Progression Standards
Non-Thesis 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.
Thesis Progression Standards:
To progress to a thesis master’s program, the student must have a GPA of 3.3 without having repeated any courses in the program. Thesis students must have completed the coursework without academic probation. 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.
