Biochemistry, MS
Biochemistry, Biofuels, Computational, DNA, Diagnostics, Medical Research, Nanotechnology, Science, Solar, analytical, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biological, biophysics, chemistry, molecular, sustainability
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.
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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BCH 597)
Required Core (4 credit hours) Electives (12 or 18 credit hours) Other Requirements (5 or 8 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credits) Additional Curriculum Information The program consists of coursework and seminars as well as a research component (extensiveness dependent upon culminating experience).
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (2)
BCH 591 Seminar (3)
BCH 592 Research (8)
BCH 597 Capstone (3)
BCH 599 Thesis (6)
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.
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- three letters of recommendation
- 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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 02/15 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 09/15 | Final |
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.
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSD 104
smsgrad@asu.edu
480-965-4664
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
