Biochemistry, MS

Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Field of Study: Biochemistry

Program Overview

The field of biochemistry encompasses an extremely broad and ever-growing variety of topics focused on studying biomedically-relevant problems from a molecular point of view. Biochemists make fundamental discoveries that enhance understanding of human health and disease, and contribute to the development of therapeutics.

The Department of Biochemistry in the School of Medicine offers a 15-21 month Master of Science (MS) degree. The program combines classroom and optional research experiences to prepare students for employment or further study. This degree may be combined with other degrees such as the JD/MS program.

Biochemistry MS students follow a number of career paths after graduation: entry into PhD and professional programs in the health sciences; employment in academic, government, hospital, and industrial laboratories; and employment in non-research jobs for which biomedical knowledge is crucial, in industries such as education, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consulting, intellectual property, and media.

Biochemistry courses include lecture and laboratory courses, and the opportunity to be engaged in biomedical research. Students acquire knowledge about topics that are fundamental in biochemistry, cover techniques and practices in biotechnology, and current studies in cancer biology, infectious diseases, metabolism, and drug discovery. Students typically enroll in 9 credit hours for each of the first three semesters, and complete a total of 30 credit hours for the program.

Current CWRU students who want to pursue the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program can apply for early admission to the Biochemistry MS. Successful applicants must meet both the School of Graduate Studies requirements and Biochemistry MS requirements for early admission.

Applicants who are not current CWRU students must have a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree. Course prerequisites for admission are one year each of chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology and physics. Students with excellent qualifications who lack some of the prerequisites may be conditionally admitted and allowed to make up the deficiencies. Please visit the Biochemistry Department’s website for details about the application process.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will understand the central biochemical mechanisms that are important in human biology and medicine.
• Students will learn biochemical approaches that align with the understanding of normal physiology and disease.
• Students will become familiar with common experimental methods and documentation used in academic and industrial biomedical research laboratories.
• Students will have the opportunity to undertake experimental biomedical laboratory research including formulating hypotheses, applying methods and techniques, and obtaining, analyzing, and reporting data.
• Students will learn to read scientific literature, and to develop, write, and defend a novel biomedical research proposal.

Graduate Policies

For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The Biochemistry MS program requires 30 credit hours of which at least 18 credit hours must be graded coursework.  The required courses provide students with a strong foundation in biochemistry fundamentals and techniques, as well as flexibility in constructing a program that meets their interests.  Students may choose to complete an optional concentration by choosing courses appropriately.  Many students obtain hands-on research experience by working in the laboratory of a faculty mentor and taking up to 9 credit hours of BIOC 601.  All courses must be at the 400-level or higher; elective courses must be on the pre-approved list or be approved by the graduate program director.  The final requirement is completion of EXAM 600.

CWRU undergraduate students may apply for early admission to the Biochemistry MS program as part of the Combined Bachelor's/Master's program. Student applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, have passed BIOC 101, and have completed any 3- or 4-credit BIOC 300-, 400-, or 500-level course with a grade of B or A.

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Many students take up to 3 credit hours of BIOC 601 in any semester as part of their required 15 credit hours of electives.

Concentration Requirements

Molecular Structure and Function Concentration

Cancer Biology Concentration

Infectious Disease Concentration

Metabolism Concentration

Experimental Biotechnology Concentration

Sample Plan of Study 

Dual Degrees

• Biochemistry, MS/Business Administration, MBA
• Biochemistry, MS/Law, JD
• Biochemistry, MS/Patent Practice, MA