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Biochemistry, MS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Biochemistry

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No
To become successful in an increasingly post-disciplinary scientific world, you'll want to learn how to solve biological problems with molecular tools. This program, with its distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context, allows you to tackle complex challenges in and out of the lab.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Biochemistry

Students who earn an MS degree in biochemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences are trained in the fundamental aspects of the discipline, but most also choose to learn by joining transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

  • biogeochemistry
  • energy and sustainability
  • fundamental chemical biology
  • materials and nanoscience
  • medicine and health
  • structure function and dynamics

The master's degree program in biochemistry provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and contribute to research on current challenging societal issues.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BCH 597)
  • 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (4 credit hours)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)

Electives (12 or 18 credit hours)

Other Requirements (5 or 8 credit hours)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (2)
BCH 591 Seminar (3)
BCH 592 Research (8)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credits)
BCH 597 Capstone (3)
BCH 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 or CHM 501. Students will choose one of the culminating experience options listed above. The credit hours required for the electives and other requirements depend on the culminating experience chosen, as all students must complete 30 credit hours for this degree program. Students who choose the thesis option complete 12 credit hours of electives as well as BCH 592 for eight credit hours. Students who choose the capstone option complete 18 credit hours of electives as well as two additional credit hours of CHM 501 or BCH 501 and three credit hours of BCH 591.

The program consists of coursework and seminars as well as a research component (extensiveness dependent upon culminating experience).

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
February 15th
Final

Spring

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
September 15th
Final


Career Opportunities

Professionals with training achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in biochemistry have opportunities in five general areas: industry (research and development, quality control), academia (high school and higher education), government (research, policy), nonprofit (policy, public education), and entrepreneurship (consulting, startups). In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates possess many high-demand skills, like critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.

Some career examples include:

  • chemistry lecturer
  • drug discovery scientist
  • government scientist
  • high school teacher
  • pharmacology scientist
  • research and development scientist
  • science consultant

The American Chemical Society also provides helpful resources and a more exhaustive list of possible careers on their website at https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • smsgrad@asu.edu
  • 480/965-4664


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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