نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Biochemistry (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Biochemistry is a research degree that normally requires two years of enrolling in 9 credit hours each semester and research in order to complete.

Program Overview

Chemistry and biochemistry faculty have been recognized nationally and internationally for both stellar teaching and research. Students and faculty actively conduct cutting-edge research funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. DoD, and the National Institutes of Health. The department is also home to the nationally-recognized Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center.

Course Work

The degree requirements include 30 hours composed of 21 hours of lecture course work, three hours of departmental seminar, and six hours of thesis research support courses. The M.S. in biochemistry degree includes courses in enzymology, physical biochemistry, molecular biology, and elective courses.

Program Details

• Degree: M.S.
• Hours: 30
• Thesis Option: Thesis
• Location: San Marcos

Program Mission

The programs in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry cultivate students' ability to:

• perform both qualitative and quantitative laboratory procedures
• synthesize, purify, and/or characterize a variety of chemical/biochemical compounds
• search the scientific literature and accurately cite published information
• accurately and thoroughly describe experimental procedures
• critically evaluate and report experimental results
• interpret and solve problems in chemistry and biochemistry

Related Programs

• M.A. in Chemistry
• M.S. in Chemistry

Career Options

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for a variety of career paths, including positions in the following:

• environmental scientist
• toxicologist
• forensic scientist
• science education
• pharmaceutical sales representative
• research assistant
• industrial chemist
• biomedical technician
• analytical chemist
• material scientists/technicians

Program Faculty

As teacher-scholars equally devoted to both roles, department faculty are committed to maintaining and improving the quality of student instruction and have established a research program that emphasizes student involvement. Faculty also focus on grant support and publications and have fostered a service component that benefits the department, college, university, profession, and community at large. Fields of research include: analytical, inorganic, organic, polymer, and physical chemistry and chemical education, as well as protein biochemistry, biomaterials, molecular biology, and biophysics.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.

• Application
  • completed online application
• Application Fee
  • $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
  • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Transcripts & GPA
  • Baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited university.
  • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
  • A 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
• Test Scores
  • GRE not required
  • Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
• Documents
  • statement of purpose discussing your career goals and undergraduate experiences
  • two letters of recommendation regarding your academic potential and undergraduate research experience

Application Deadlines

• Fall - Priority: February 1 (U.S. Citizen), February 1 (International)
• Fall - Standard: August 1 (U.S. Citizen), June 1 (International)
• Spring - Priority: September 1 (U.S. Citizen), September 1 (International)
• Spring - Standard: November 1 (U.S. Citizen), October 1 (International)