Skip to main content
Physical & Mathematical Sciences:
Chemistry and Biochemistry >
Program:
Biochemistry
MS

Biochemistry

Application Deadline

  • Fall: Jan 13
  • Contact Information

    C-100 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602-5700
    (801) 422-9794
    chemgradsec@chem.byu.edu
    Website
    Admission Requirements
    Required Tests

    None

    Additional Requirements
    • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent preparation in biochemistry
    • Resume
    • Application fee exemption deadline: December 20, 2024
    Program Requirements
    The Biochemistry MS degree provides specialized study on an advanced level. The degree includes about one year of course work beyond the BS degree and a thesis based upon a significant research project. The research will be in areas of biochemical and molecular biological emphasis, such as host pathogen interactions, bioprobes and sensors, signal transduction, or protein structure and function. The added preparation in theory and practice allows the MS biochemist to assume responsibility and supervision beyond that normally given a BS or BA biochemist. The MS degree is adequate preparation for some industry and junior college teaching positions. It is generally not a prerequisite for a PhD degree program.

    Requirements for Degree.
    • Credit hours (30): 24 hours of course work and research plus 6 thesis hours (Chem 699R).
    • Required courses: Chem 692R and 594R (multiple semesters), 601, 694 and other courses as required by the area of emphasis and as specified by committee.
    • Semi-annual progress review, examinations, and presentations.
    • Thesis.
    • Final oral examination consisting of two parts: (A) public presentation of original research described in thesis; (B) comprehensive examination on course work, research, and thesis.
    Program Outcomes
    Productive and Ethical Contributors
    Graduates of this program will demonstrate the necessary skills to become productive and ethical contributors to scientific research. They will be prepared to further their educations through additional graduate training, enter industry, and/or begin an academic career. This broad outcome is further elaborated in outcomes stated below.

    Critical Evaluation of Current Research
    Program graduates will understand and critically evaluate current research in biochemistry. Coursework that builds upon the students' undergraduate education will provide the initial steps to achieve this outcome. Continued critical reading of current literature is essential for reaching this outcome.

    Proficiency in Laboratory Techniques
    Program graduates will demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques necessary to contribute to knowledge in biochemistry.

    Effective Writing, Communication and Presentation
    Program graduates will learn to effectively write scientific manuscripts describing their research and to make oral presentations of their research at scientific meetings.

    Research Skills
    Program graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct research that contributes in a meaningful way to current knowledge in their chosen subdiscipline of chemistry or related areas.

    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 10.0
    International 3.0
    Male 6.0
    Female 4.0
    LDS 8.0
    BYU Undergraduate 1.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.2
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 3.6
    Admitted Per Year 2.6
    Percent Admitted 72.22
    Average GPA 3.72