MA in Biochemistry
General Program Information
The MA program combines didactic coursework and bench research, the latter culminating in submission of a thesis. Each new student consults with an assigned advisor during the orientation period prior to the start of the Fall Semester to plan the first year’s program, which includes completion of two laboratory rotations prior to finalizing the decision as to the laboratory in which the thesis work will be performed.
Course Requirements
- GMS FC 701, FC 702, FC 703, FC 704, FC 706 (Foundations in Biomedical Sciences)
- GMS BI 854 Biochemistry Seminar
- GMS BI 777 Techniques in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
- GMS MS 700 or GMS MS 570 Biostatistics
- Advanced electives
- Research credits
(See the Courses section for more details.)
Apply for this program online.
Admissions
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree, usually with a major in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry, and have taken courses in general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and calculus may apply for either an MA or a PhD in Biochemistry. Some coursework in biochemistry is also recommended. Students who have completed an MA degree in Biochemistry or a closely related field can apply for a post-MA PhD program. MD/PhD students are also eligible for admission.
A part-time MA program is available to qualified applicants who are employees in laboratories of faculty within the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine (contact the Director of Graduate Studies for further information). A student currently enrolled in an MA program in the Department of Biochemistry may apply for the PhD program if he/she has completed 12 or more graduate credits (including GMS FC 701-6) and has obtained a GPA of 3.25 or better.
The deadline for submission of applications and supportive credentials for admission for the Fall Semester is January 1. Late applications will be considered with prior approval of the department chair or program director. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for additional information.
