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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
We offer a thesis (M.S.) graduate program, designed to prepare you for your future career in scientific research, industry, and further academic study. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and professional development, thesis-based M.S. students combine coursework with cutting-edge research.
Our Goal...
Is to help you expand your knowledge on your chosen career, provide a strong academic foundation for your future and foster independence scientific thinking while also strengthening your communication skills with our mentorship.
Your Objectives....
While in this program you will be able to gain research experience, improve your scientific writing while also customizing your degree the way you want it with our amazing faculty mentor and cohort of fellow steps that prepare you for future opportunities.
First Semester
You'll begin outlining your thesis and forming a committee—laying the groundwork before the proposal is officially filed.
Second Semester
You’ll work closely with your chosen research advisor to write the thesis introduction and prepare a formal research plan, which will be submitted and presented orally to the department faculty.
Third Semester
You'll consult with your thesis committee to provide updates on project progress.
Fourth Semester
You and the committee will focus on completing the thesis document, submitting it for review, applying for graduation, and preparing for the final defense to wrap up the program.
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The Length of The Program
Students typically complete the program in 2 years (at 9 hrs/sem), gaining comprehensive experience through coursework, thesis research, and participation.
Ready to Get Started?
What to Expect During the Thesis Process...
Students pursuing the thesis track will follow a structured process with several important steps.
From outlining your thesis structure to submitting a formal proposal, defending your work, and completing the final submission—each stage plays a vital role in your academic journey.
Structure
The M.S. Thesis Committee is composed of at least three members:
- Chair (usually the student’s research supervisor)
- Co-Chair (if applicable)
- Committee Member 1
- Committee Member 2
Proposal, Defense, and Submission
You’ll be required to complete approximately three key forms as part of your thesis journey: the Thesis Proposal, Defense, and Final Submission forms.
Each plays an important role in guiding you through the process and ensuring successful completion of your degree.
Note: Use Adobe Sign to complete these steps. Sign and date the form first, then save as a PDF before uploading it for signatures.
Thesis Proposal
This form describes the proposed thesis work that must be completed.
As part of this form, students must submit an expanded abstract that describes the content, scope, and methods of the proposed research.
It also requires signatures of all committee members, the departmental graduate advisor, and the department chair.
Thesis Defense
(Comprehensive Examination)
This form is to be completed after a successful thesis defense, consisting of a public oral presentation and a closed inquiry session with the thesis committee.
It also requires signatures of all committee members, the departmental graduate advisor, and the department chair.
The Master’s Comprehensive Examination Report Form must be completed and submitted via email to the Graduate College.
Thesis Submission
This form is to be completed after the committee approves the written thesis document.
It also requires signatures of all committee members, the departmental graduate advisor, and the department chair.
The Thesis Submission Approval Form must be completed and submitted via email to the Graduate College.
Please Note
For all of these forms, the student and thesis advisor are responsible for collecting all departmental signatures and sending the completed forms to the Graduate College.
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Wrapping up a Thesis?
As you get closer to finishing your thesis, you will need to collect signatures from your committee and our department.
Use Adobe Sign to make this step easier.
Composition of Thesis Committee
Two of the three committee members must be members of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. A current committee member list can be found on the M.S. program Canvas site.
Students are expected to compose their thesis committee of faculty who have expertise in scientific fields and experimental techniques that are relevant to the student’s proposed project.
If the research-supervising faculty is not in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, they may serve as a Co-Advisor, but a member of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry must be a Co-Advisor and will serve as the Thesis Committee Chair.
To officially form a thesis committee, the student must submit a completed Thesis Proposal Form to the Graduate College.
Laboratory Safety
Within your first 4–6 weeks in the program, you’ll receive an email with instructions for completing a required online lab safety training.
This certification is essential and must be kept current throughout your appointment.
Below are the different resources for you.
The Department of Environmental Health, Safety, Risk & Emergency Management (EHSREM) oversees the safe practices in all departments and positions. A thorough set of resources for these safe practices and safety policies is available through them.
As of 2018, the University has a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to direct the safe use of all chemicals per OSHA Laboratory Standards. Your research laboratory will also have a lab-specific CHP, which your research supervisor will provide.
Institutional laboratory safety training is required of all researchers, including employees, research credit-enrolled students and volunteers. Information about the training programs offered by EHSREM.
Funding and Scholarships
Graduate students have access to a variety of internal scholarships and fellowships.
You can apply for internal awards like the Thesis Research Support Fellowship (up to $2,000) and the Test Fee Scholarship (up to $200) to help offset research and testing costs and more!
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Dive Deeper Into the Curriculum!
We’re dedicated to supporting your future success.
For program details and admission requirements, explore the resources available through the Graduate College.
Explore Your Course Requirement Options
Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Biochemistry
Course Requirements
| Required Courses | ||
| CHEM 5110 | Seminar in Chemistry (Taken 3 times) | 3 |
| CHEM 5381 | Physical Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 5384 | Current Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 5386 | Proteins | 3 |
| CHEM 5387 | Nucleic Acids Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 5395 | Fundamentals of Research | 3 |
| Prescribed Electives | ||
| Choose 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| CHEM 5310 | Medicinal Chemistry | |
| CHEM 5312 | Organometallic Chemistry | |
| CHEM 5313 | Principles and Applications of Mass Spectrometry | |
| CHEM 5320 | Modern Molecular Modeling | |
| CHEM 5321 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | |
| CHEM 5330 | Physical Chemistry | |
| CHEM 5333 | Spectroscopy | |
| CHEM 5341 | Inorganic Chemistry | |
| CHEM 5351 | Introduction to Polymers and Polymer Synthesis | |
| CHEM 5353 | Polymer Processing and Characterization | |
| CHEM 5355 | Physical Chemistry of Polymers | |
| CHEM 5365 | Separation Methods in Chemical Analysis | |
| CHEM 5382 | Enzymology | |
| CHEM 5383 | Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics | |
| CHEM 5385 | MPMetabolism | |
| CHEM 5390 | Supramolecular Chemistry | |
| BIO 5300 | Neurobiology | |
| BIO 5311 | Cancer Biology | |
| BIO 5480 | Cytology and Micro-technique | |
| BIO 7361C | Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics | |
| MSEC 7301 | Practical Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship | |
| MSEC 7302 | Leadership Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship | |
| MSEC 7325 | Principles of Technical Project Management | |
| MSEC 7340 | Biomaterials and Biosensors | |
| Thesis | ||
| CHEM 5399A | Thesis | 3 |
| Choose a minimum of 3 hours from the following: | 3 | |
| CHEM 5199B | Thesis | |
| CHEM 5299B | Thesis | |
| CHEM 5399B | Thesis | |
| CHEM 5599B | Thesis | |
| CHEM 5999B | Thesis | |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
An oral thesis defense is required to serve as the comprehensive examination. The thesis committee will decide whether the student passes or fails the defense. Should the student fail, a second oral defense is allowed.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.