Program Details

This program acts as a launchpad for careers centered around scientific investigation and discovery in the broader area of biochemistry and biophysics, whether through further academic pursuit in a PhD program or directly within research-intensive roles across various sectors. These sectors include research & development roles in industry (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical, Food Science, Diagnostics), or in government & non-profit Institutions, among others.

Funding

Thesis and non-thesis master’s students are self-funded in the Department of Biochemistry. Scholarships are available for students to apply for via Aggie One Stop. TA slots in the department are limited, and PhD students are given priority for those positions. Masters students are also welcome to apply to jobs on campus, which can be found at Jobs for Aggies.

What do I need to Apply?

• Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
• Upload unofficial transcripts with your application
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation, submitted online with your application
• Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions.

International Students

Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Visit the Graduate & Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams.

Master of Science – Thesis Option (MS-THO) Program

This MS-THO program acts as a launchpad for careers centered around scientific investigation and discovery in the broader area of biochemistry and biophysics, whether through further academic pursuit in a PhD program or directly within research-intensive roles across various sectors. These sectors include research & development roles in industry (Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical, Food Science, Diagnostics), or in government & non-profit Institutions, among others.

The program is demanding but well-structured for students aiming for a deep dive into biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular genetics research. It combines fundamental knowledge with specialized training, extensive lab experience, and necessary professional skills, culminating in a thesis defense. Some of its features are:

• Strong Academic Preparation: The program expects incoming students to possess a solid undergraduate background, with specific foundational courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and math as prerequisites.
• Emphasis on Research: True to its “Research Thesis Option” (MS-THO) designation, the program heavily integrates hands-on research (BICH 691), dedicating a quarter of the total credits (8 out of 32) to lab work spread across nearly every term
• Tailored Learning: The curriculum progresses from core principles in the first year (like BICH 603 and BICH 631) to more specialized, flexible options later in the degree. Students gain the ability to customize their studies through a selection of advanced 5-week modules in the second semester and dedicated elective credits in the second year, allowing alignment with specific research interests.
• Professional Development: Beyond core science, the program incorporates crucial skills training, including critical evaluation of scientific literature (BICH 608), understanding scientific values (BICH 689), and dedicated courses for refining written and oral scientific communication essential for the thesis.
• Key Admission Step: A notable feature is the requirement for applicants to secure a commitment from a faculty research advisor before being admitted. This ensures immediate lab integration.

In addition to a favorable review of the graduate admissions application, acceptance into the MS-THO program requires matching with a Thesis Research Advisor before formal admission. This advisor must be a Research Active Faculty member within the BCBP Department who agrees to host you in their lab for your MS research. MS-THO students typically spend at least 15-20 hours per week doing research in the lab. Here is the process and what you need to do:

1. Identify & Contact Faculty: As part of your application process, identify the Research Active Faculty in the BCBP Department whose research interests you. You should proactively contact these faculty members to discuss your interest in their research, the possibility of joining their lab for your MS thesis, and their expectations.
2. Rank Your Preferences: After discussions with potential advisors, you must rank your preferred faculty choices in your application.
3. Faculty Ranking: Concurrently, faculty members will rank the prospective MS-THO candidates they are considering advising.
4. Matching Process: A matching algorithm will be used based on both student and faculty rankings to determine your lab placement.
5. Admission Contingency: Successfully matching with a Thesis Research Advisor through this process is mandatory for admission into the MS-THO program. You cannot be admitted without a confirmed advisor match.

Cirriculum Roadmap

Proposed Curriculum for MS-THO (Research) – Total: 32CR

Fall (Year 1)

You will take four courses while you get familiarized with relevant research projects in your thesis research advisor’s laboratory. You will also form a thesis committee, comprised of your thesis research advisor and two more faculty members.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 603	Principles of Biochemistry and Biophysics	3 cr.
BICH 608	Critical Analysis of the Biochemical Literature	2 cr.
BICH 631	Biochemical Genetics	3 cr.
BICH 689	Application of Scientific Values	1 cr.

Spring (Year 1)

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 6XX	Advanced Modules*	6 cr.
BICH 691	Research	3 cr.

You will take our modular course series in the spring and begin to take research credits. Designed with flexibility in mind, the modules allow you to select six 5-week courses to create a course schedule tailored to your research interests.

*Previous module offerings include: Special Topics in Metabolism, Quantitative Analysis in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Quantitative Analysis in Genomics / Molecular Biology, Advanced Ligand Interactions, NMR Spectroscopy, Biochemical Kinetics, and Mechanisms of Cell Division.

Summer (Year 1)

While most MS-THO students continue doing research in the lab during the summer, this is something that you should discuss with your thesis advisor.

Fall (Year 2)

You will take six elective course credits during the Fall of your second year and continue to take Research credits.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
ELECTIVE(S)	Elective(s)	6 cr.
BICH 691	Research	3 cr.

Spring (Year 2)

In the Spring, you will continue to take Research credits. In preparation for your upcoming Thesis Examination, you will enroll in Oral and Written Scientific Communication courses.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 689	Written Communication	2 cr.
BICH 689	Oral Communication	1 cr.
BICH 691	Research	2 cr.
	Thesis Examination

Prepare your thesis according to the University’s format. Complete any required graduation paperwork after passing the Thesis Exam. Submit all necessary forms to the Graduate Program Office for degree conferral.

Master of Science – Non-Theis Option (MS-NTHO) Program

Opting for a coursework-only, non-thesis Master of Science (MS) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics provides several distinct advantages, particularly for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and skills for specific career paths without the intensive research commitment of a traditional thesis. The curriculum’s strong emphasis on structured coursework allows for a broad and deep understanding of diverse biochemical concepts and techniques. Furthermore, this focus on comprehensive coursework is particularly beneficial for students seeking to solidify or expand their undergraduate foundation, especially if they are transitioning to a new field or feel their preparation had gaps in key related areas such as molecular biology, physics, or physical chemistry. By concentrating on mastering subject matter rather than specializing in a single research project, graduates are well-prepared for roles in industry (like quality control, technical support, sales, or process development), government laboratories, or secondary education. Some of its features are:

• Year 1 Fall establishes a necessary baseline with Principles of Biochemistry/Biophysics (BICH 603) and Biochemical Genetics (BICH 631), complemented by essential skills in literature analysis (BICH 608) and scientific ethics (BICH 689).
• Built-in Flexibility for Foundational Gaps: The explicit option to substitute BICH 601/431 for BICH 603/631 in Year 1, pushing these core courses to Year 2, directly addresses the needs of students requiring reinforcement of undergraduate material, making the program more accessible and ensuring a solid footing before tackling advanced topics.
• Emphasis on High-Demand Skills: The inclusion of two semesters of Statistics (STAT 651/652) and Computational Biology (BICH 628) is highly relevant for modern biochemistry and many industry/applied roles.
• Customizable Advanced Learning: The BICH 6XX Advanced Modules (6 credits) in Spring Year 1 offer significant flexibility. Based on guidance on selecting 3 additional elective courses that best support specific career goals (e.g., additional quantitative courses, relevant biology/chemistry topics, potentially even project management or communication) would be beneficial for students.
• Consistent Structure: The program maintains a reasonable and consistent course load (9 credits per semester) across the two years.
• Relevant Advanced Topics: Courses like RNA Biology (BICH 656) or Enzymes (BICH 489) cover important, contemporary areas within the field.
• Capstone project and a final presentation is an added feature to integrate learning and promote analytical thinking. The students will also develop their presentation skills, which are necessary for most career paths.

Cirriculum Roadmap

Proposed Curriculum for MS-NTHO (Coursework-based) – Total: 36CR

Fall (Year 1)

You will take four foundational courses. You will also be assigned a faculty advisor, who will provide guidance throughout your studies.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 603*	Principles of Biochemistry and Biophysics	3 cr.
BICH 608	Critical Analysis of the Biochemical Literature	2 cr.
BICH 631*	Biochemical Genetics	3 cr.
BICH 689	Application of Scientific Values	1 cr.

*In consultation with your advisor, if you need a more solid foundation, arising from gaps in your undergraduate preparation, it is advised that you take the courses BICH603, or BICH631, in the Fall of Year-2, and in their place take BICH601, or BICH431, respectively.

Spring (Year 1)

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 6XX	Advanced Modules*	6 cr.
BICH489	Enzymes	3 cr.

*You will take our modular course series. Designed with flexibility in mind, you will select at least six 5-week courses to create a course schedule tailored to your research interests. *Previous module offerings include: Special Topics in Metabolism, Quantitative Analysis in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Quantitative Analysis in Genomics / Molecular Biology, Advanced Ligand Interactions, NMR Spectroscopy, Biochemical Kinetics, and Mechanisms of Cell Division.

Fall (Year 2)

You will take nine course credits (3 elective) during the Fall of your second year.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 656	RNA Biology	3 cr.
STAT 651	Statistics in Research I	3 cr.
ELECTIVE(S)	Elective(s)	3 cr.

Spring (Year 2)

You will continue to take nine course credits (3 elective) during the Spring of your second year.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
BICH 628	Computational Biology	3 cr.
STAT 652	Statistics in Research II	3 cr.
ELECTIVE(S)	Elective(s)	2 cr.
BICH685	Directed Studies. Capstone Project Presentation (*In-Depth Literature Review and Synthesis)	1 cr.

*In-Depth Literature Review and Synthesis. Conduct a thorough search of primary literature, critically analyze findings, synthesize current understanding, identify key unanswered questions or conflicting data, and propose broad directions for potential future research (without designing specific experiments). Example: “The Role of Post-Translational Modifications in Regulating Enzyme Activity for [Specific Enzyme Class, e.g., Kinases] Implicated in [Specific Disease, e.g., Neurodegenerative Disorders].” The output should be a comprehensive review paper (~5,000 words) and a seminar presentation (10-15 min, followed by Q&A), during a symposium for all graduating MS-NTHO students. You will be expected to provide an outline and then a draft of your paper to your advisor early in the Spring semester of Year 2, before submitting the final version.

Complete any required graduation paperwork and submit all necessary forms to the Graduate Program Office for degree conferral.