MA in Biochemistry

Master of Arts (MA) in Biochemistry

Students may complete the requirements for the MA through either of the following two plans:

• Plan (1): A minimum of 30 credits of course work plus a passing grade in a comprehensive examination.
• Plan (2): A minimum of 24 credits of course work, plus 6 credits from a thesis on an original research problem.

Students must complete a variety of Biology and/or Chemistry courses based on their specific master’s degree plan. See the College Catalog for details.

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8
• Completion of the following undergraduate courses:
  • general chemistry (including qualitative analysis) (one year)
  • quantitative analysis
  • organic chemistry (one year)
  • physical chemistry (one semester lecture and laboratory)
  • biology (one year)
  • biochemistry lecture and laboratory (one semester)
• Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references
• A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words or fewer

*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is currently waived for both the incoming Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 class.

Laboratory managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a laboratory, ensuring efficiency and compliance with safety protocols.

Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000

Academic institutions often hire biochemists for research roles, and salaries can vary based on the institution and funding.

Salary Range: Varies, typically $50,000 – $80,000

Start your own biotech company to develop and commercialize innovative products or services.

Salary Range: Highly variable; potential for significant rewards but also risks.

Clinical research associates manage and monitor clinical trials, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations.

Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000

Biochemists can also work in environmental science, studying the impact of pollutants and developing strategies for environmental conservation.

Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000

Medical Science Liaisons act as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals, providing scientific information and support.

Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000

Quality control professionals ensure that products meet quality standards in industries such as pharmaceuticals or food and beverage.

Salary Range: $60,000 – $90,000

Regulatory affairs specialists help companies navigate regulatory requirements for the approval of products.

Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000

In this role, you could work on research and development projects, contributing to the discovery of new drugs or biotechnological advancements.

Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000

Communicate scientific information to the public, policymakers, or within the scientific community through writing, editing, or other communication channels.

Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000