Program Overview

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Biochemistry, MS

The Biochemistry, MS program is designed to provide students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and contribute to research that can address challenging societal issues.

Program Description

The program provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and contribute to research that can address challenging societal issues. Students who earn a Master of Science degree in biochemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences are trained in the fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most students 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

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

The program consists of 30 credit hours and a thesis, or 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BCH 597).

• 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 credit hours)
  • BCH 597 Capstone (3)
  • BCH 599 Thesis (6)

Admission Requirements

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

• General university admission requirements
• U.S. applicants
• International applicants
• English proficiency 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.
• 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
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall
  • Session A/C | In Person | 06/15 | Final
  • Session A/C | In Person | 02/15 | Priority
• Spring
  • Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final
  • Session A/C | In Person | 09/15 | Priority

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Evaluate the quality of biochemistry seminars and publications
• Design their culminating experience around current research and opportunities within a topic of interest
• Communicate the results of their culminating experience through an oral presentation

Career Opportunities

Professionals with training achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in biochemistry have opportunities in six general areas: health care, industry, academia, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship. Some career examples include:

• biotechnologist
• clinical laboratory technician
• drug discovery scientist
• government scientist
• pharmacology scientist
• research and development scientist
• science consultant

Research Areas

The program provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and contribute to research that can address challenging societal issues. Students can 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

STEM-OPT Extension

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.