Master’s Program Overview
The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry offers programs leading to the Master of Science degree in either genetics or biochemistry and molecular biology. We have three paths available to meet different career objectives.
Three Tracks
Non-thesis track
- Time to finish: One year (three semesters including summer)
- Ideal for students preparing to apply to professional schools or seeking employment in industry or government
- Asynchronous online course available to support working professionals and distance learners
Literature thesis track
- Time to finish: Typically two years
- Ideal for students wishing to research a particular topic of interest and further develop writing skills
Research thesis track
- Time to finish: Typically two-plus years
- Ideal for students wishing to do laboratory research but not interested in or ready yet to embark on a Ph.D.
- Special requirement: Must be accepted into the laboratory of a specific supervisor
M.S. Degree Requirements
All three tracks share these common curricular elements:
- At least two core courses in molecular biology, genetics and/or biochemistry (8 hours)
- Statistics (3 hours)
- Science electives (9 hours)
- Communication elective (3 hours)
- Professional skills (3 hours)
- Experiential training — internship, lab courses, thesis research (6 hours)
Tuition and Fees
Master’s students are self-supporting (no teaching assistantships are available)
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Students admitted to the program are required to have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0, in the life sciences, physical sciences or engineering. Competitive applicants have a minimum of 3.4 GPA and strong coursework in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology or related life sciences.
- Application deadlines for Fall and Spring admittance are June 1 and October 15, respectively.
Find Out More
For more information about the program, email Alison Starr-Moss, Ph.D., M.S. coordinator.
- Phone: 864-656-6877
- Office: 40A Life Sciences Building
