MS (Plan "A") Program in Biochemistry

A "Plan A" (terminal) M.S. degree is offered by the Biochemistry Program, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Director. 

No financial resources are provided by the Biochemistry M.S. Program for either tuition or stipend costs, so that these obligations must be borne by the candidate, alone or in conjunction with funds provided at the discretion of the advisor from the sponsoring advisor's budget. Any monetary compensation to M.S. candidates from the sponsoring advisor will be limited to the current stipend for Ph.D. candidates. 

Admission to the M.S. program will not be approved unless a letter from the faculty research sponsor is included with the University application forms. This letter must indicate the nature of the research project or area agreed upon and should state that the faculty member is intending to provide the required advisory input as well as laboratory space, supplies, and equipment necessary to pursue the project. 

At least one year (two semesters) of full-time enrollment or 2 years (four semesters) of part-time enrollment is required (the equivalent of two years of full-time study is usual).³ In the first year, course work requirements are fulfilled (30 hours) with initiation of the research project. The second year is spent in research activity leading to submission of the M.S. Thesis.

The program requires a minimum of 1 additional specific or elective course, totaling 3 credits or more. M.S. candidates are expected to attend the Biochemistry Student Seminars (BCH 501-502). The remaining credits required to meet the 30 credit hours needed for the M.S. degree will consist of credits from student seminar and research credit. Up to 10 hours of course work may be taken prior to formal admission (matriculation) into the program.

In the "Plan A" M.S. program, a research thesis must be developed from an independent research project accomplished under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry. Format and preparation should follow guidelines set forth in the "The Preparation of Doctoral Theses" booklet available in the Department Office.

A Thesis Advisory committee is required for M.S. candidates as described in Section V. The Committee serves a similar purpose to that described for Ph.D. candidates.

The Final Examination is administered by the Thesis Advisory Committee following presentation of the completed thesis. For M.S. candidates, the  chairman of the Examining Committee is appointed by the Graduate Studies Director.

³ Please note that although the Graduate Studies Official Bulletin stipulates one year of full-time enrollment, special requests for part-time study will be considered.