Master’s track for employees
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics: Master’s Degree for Research Technicians
The master’s program for employees in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics enables laboratory employees to pursue a master’s degree on a part- time basis while working full-time in the Department. The faculty member in whose laboratory the employee works will normally be their research advisor and must agree to the employee’s participation in the program. The master’s program is designed to help research technicians increase their level of participation in and contribute to the scientific activities of their current laboratories. The degree also provides an important credential for employees who wish to become competitive for higher level technical positions or move into new career directions.
The M.S. degree earned by students in the master’s program is a terminal degree, and it is important for prospective students in the program to understand that participation in this program is not an entry into the Ph.D. program of the Department.
Successful completion of the M.S. degree in this program requires a considerable commitment of time and energy over the forty hours per week expected of a laboratory technician. Time spent in class, attending seminars, and studying for and taking examinations is over and above the forty hours per week that is owed to the advisor/employer as a technician. When a student starts working on the thesis project, a portion of the research may be done during the regular work week if the advisor/employer agrees to that arrangement. However, whenever a student is
registered for “Research in Biochemistry (BIOC 902),” the student is expected to spend additional time in the lab working on the thesis project, beyond the regular work week.
While much of the required coursework can be taken under the tuition waiver program for full-time employees of the University, it is not possible to complete the M.S. degree in a timely manner without paying any tuition. Most students end up paying tuition for 2–3 courses, at the in-state tuition level, to complete their degree requirements.
Information
Admissions Requirements and Application
Graduate School Requirements for Master’s Degree
Department Degree Requirements
- Complete required coursework
- Attend at least 1/3 of weekly department seminars
- Complete written comprehensive exam
- Form thesis committee/thesis project approval
- Meet annually with thesis committee
- Thesis research and thesis defense
Curriculum
Biochemistry Track (minimum of 30 credit hours)
Required
- BIOC 701 Seminar in biochemistry (2.0)
- RCR 888 course (1.0)
Minimum of 6 core credits from options listed below
- BIOC 631 Molecular and cellular biology (4.0)
- BIOC 655 Principles of cellular and molecular biochemistry (3.0)
- BIOC 706 Human disease (3.0)
- BIOC 740-745 series (1.0 credit each)
Elective credits (choose from any graduate-level course in a discipline supporting biomedical research training)
BIOC 902 Research in Biochemistry and Biophysics (1-3 credit hours)
BIOC 993 Thesis course (enroll in 3 to 6 credits)
Biophysics Track (minimum of 30 credit hours)
Required
- BIOC 704 Seminar in biophysics (2.0)
- RCR course (1.0)
Minimum of 6 core credits from the options listed below
- BIOC 650-652 (1.0 each) (required)
- Biophysics spring modules (1.0 – 2.0 credits each)
Elective credits (choose from any graduate-level course in a discipline supporting biomedical research training)
BIOC 902 Research in Biochemistry and Biophysics (1-3 credit hours)
BIOC 993 Thesis course (enroll in 3 to 6 credits)
Published on August 31, 2025, see Holly Shepherd for more information.