{"id":32092,"date":"2025-09-05T16:49:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T20:49:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/biochem\/?page_id=32092"},"modified":"2026-01-21T09:16:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T14:16:32","slug":"masters-track-for-employees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/biochem\/program\/masters-track-for-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Master\u2019s track for employees"},"content":{"rendered":"

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics: Master\u2019s Degree for Research Technicians<\/h3>\n

The master\u2019s 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\u2019s participation in the program. The master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The M.S. degree earned by students in the master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

registered for \u201cResearch in Biochemistry (BIOC 902),\u201d the student is expected to spend additional time in the lab working on the thesis project, beyond the regular work week.<\/p>\n

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\u20133 courses, at the in-state tuition level, to complete their degree requirements.<\/p>\n

Information<\/h3>\n

Admissions Requirements and Application<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Graduate School Requirements for Master\u2019s Degree <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Department Degree Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n