BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/MA in Biotechnology

Combining the BA in biochemistry & molecular biology (BMB) with the MA in biotechnology constitutes an efficient way to acquire master’s-level expertise in this exciting multidisciplinary field. The program provides a broad preparation for employment in diverse areas of biotechnology as well as for further graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields.

The MA in Biotechnology is not open to external applicants, but only to CAS students who are pursuing the BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Thus, it is available only as part of a BA/MA dual degree program. The BA and MA are strictly co-terminal.

Course Requirements

Course titles and full descriptions are located in the Courses portion of this bulletin.

The MA in Biotechnology requires the six courses listed below in addition to the 32 required courses for the BA in BMB:

• CAS BI 311
• CAS BI 513
• CAS BI 553
• CAS BB 522
• CAS BB 591, 592. These two semesters (4 credits each) of research at the graduate level are directed by affiliated faculty members of the biotechnology program. Approved externship research work is also accepted in meeting this requirement; CAS BB 592 requires a 10–15 page written report submitted to the program director at the end of the second semester of graduate research.

Courses taken to complete the MA requirements may not be counted toward the advanced electives of the BA, but may be taken before the final year of the program. Because BB 522 and BI 513 are MA requirements, a third BMB advanced elective must be taken (this does not have to be a laboratory course). At least eight courses (32 credits) of the 38 courses required for the BA/MA program must be completed at the graduate level (500 or higher) with a grade of B– or better. No more than 8 credits of graduate research may be applied to the MA requirements. A total of 38 courses are required to complete the BA/MA dual degree program.