Biochemistry, Non-Thesis Option, M.S.

Non-Thesis Master’s Program

This option is provided for students who desire a stronger foundation in chemistry for professional schools or personal knowledge. This option requires completion six additional credit hours of coursework beyond that required for the thesis option as well as preparation of a master’s report.

During the first semester of enrollment and in consultation with the graduate advisor, the student will select a general area in which to write a report and a member of the faculty to supervise it. The report is a result of independent study and may involve extensive literature search, laboratory work, or review of an area. The report must follow the general guidelines for writing a thesis and is subject to the advisor’s approval.

Admission

To be admitted to graduate programs an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and an adequate background in chemistry or biochemistry. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is required; however, students with industrial experience in chemistry and averages below 3.0 may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the graduate advisor and with permission of the Graduate School.

Applicants must achieve acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries who have not received a degree from a United States university must satisfy English proficiency requirements, including a minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based exam, or 550 on the paper exam. Applicants from non-English speaking countries may submit a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS exam in place of a TOEFL score.

General Requirements

Upon admission, students will confer with the appropriate graduate advisor to plan course sequencing and discuss research or report options.

Satisfactory progress in coursework and a 3.0 G.P.A. in all graduate courses is required to remain in good academic standing.

Students without the necessary prerequisite undergraduate courses will be required to take those courses to make up the deficiencies.

No more than six hours of transfer credit beyond the bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may contribute toward fulfilling these requirements. No more than six hours of independent study will be allowed. No more than 40 percent of the degree program’s total credit hours may come from 6000-level courses.

Curriculum Requirements