Graduate Degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Department of Biological Sciences

Graduate Degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, MS

Option I: The Master of Science with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a 30-hour research degree that requires 24 hours of formal course work, special problems, and seminars at the 5000 and 6000 levels, plus a 6-hour thesis. Students have the opportunity to conduct research leading to a thesis in disciplines involving biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, metabolism, proteins and enzymology, and analytical chemistry in microbial, plant, and animal systems.

Option II: The Master of Science, Professional Science Master's (PSM) with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a non-thesis degree that allows students to pursue training in biochemistry and molecular biology while simultaneously developing workplace skills valued by employers. The PSM degree option requires 36 hours of graduate credit at the 5000 and 6000 course level beyond the bachelor's degree, including a 4- to 6-hour internship. Candidates are required to complete a curriculum composed of core and elective biochemistry and molecular biology courses, and additional non-science professional development courses selected from business, public administration, communication, philosophy, economics, and writing. The course of study is selected with the guidance of a graduate advisory committee. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive exit exam is required.

Apply Now

THECB Marketable Skills

1. Explain complex ideas and concepts

2. Adapt protocols to new applications

3. Data retention and retrieval

4. Basic experimental design

5. Laboratory health and safety experience

Learn more about specific degree requirements for the MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the graduate catalog.

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, PHD

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a research program of 72 hours of graduate credit at the 5000 and 6000 levels beyond the bachelor's degree or 42 hours beyond the master's degree, including a 12-hour dissertation. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) program is designed to provide a broad, graduate-level foundation in the disciplines of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, cell biology, and research tools, followed by advanced study and research to foster professional specialization in molecular biology, cell biology, metabolism, proteins and enzymology, and analytical chemistry in microbial, plant, and animal systems.

Apply Now

THECB Marketable Skills

1. Professional communication in biochemistry environments

2. Perform basic and applied research

3. Advanced research methodologies

4. Data projections/predictions

5. Serve as principal research investigator

Learn more about specific degree requirements for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the graduate catalog.

Learn more about the new Laboratory Rotations option for incoming PhD students in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Learn more about some of the Faculty in the Department of Biological Science who mentor students toward graduate degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.