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 postdisciplinary scientific world, you'll want to learn how to solve biological problems with molecular tools. Through this program, with its distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context, you'll be able to tackle complex challenges in and outside the lab.
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
This 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.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
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)
Additional Curriculum Information
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 or CHM 501. Students 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; all students must complete 30 credit hours for this degree program. Students who choose the thesis option complete 12 credit hours of electives and BCH 592 for eight credit hours. Students who choose the capstone option complete 18 credit hours of electives; two additional credit hours of CHM 501 or BCH 501; and three credit hours of BCH 591.
The program consists of coursework, seminars and a research component (extensiveness depends on the culminating experience).
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
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 six general areas: health care (prephysician training, medical or clinical laboratory support), 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 have many high-demand skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.
Some career examples include:
- biotechnologist
- clinical laboratory technician
- drug discovery scientist
- government scientist
- pharmacology scientist
- research and development scientist
- science consultant
The American Chemical Society provides helpful resources and a more comprehensive list of possible careers on its 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.
