MASTER’S DEGREE IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (BMB)

The master’s degree is offered by BMB to provide strong research training for students who are interested in a research career in academia, medicine, or industry, in related careers in which first-hand research experience is an asset, or as a prelude to more advanced degrees.

PREREQUISITES: A B.S. or B.A. degree, usually with a major in Biology, Chemistry, or in approved cases, Physics or Mathematics, with an GPA of at least 2.6. Students are admitted by approval of the Graduate Committee. International students must have a minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 79 (Internet based) is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 6.5 is required on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or 85 is required on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). Other Graduate School Admissions policies are found at http://www.gradadmissions.wayne.edu/intl_students.php.

REQUIRED (CORE) COURSEWORK: 14 credits formal coursework, mostly in year 1; 16 research credits, mostly in year 2.
RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS:The successful completion of an original research project is an essential part of the M.S. program and requires a full-time commitment in the summer following Year 1 formal coursework and in Year 2.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE: This committee is selected at the end of the initial year of coursework, and is composed of the Advisor to the candidate and two other members of BMB.

THE MASTER’S THESIS:This thesis is written under the supervision of the Advisor, its approval by the committee is a requirement for completion of the degree.

THE FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION:This exam covers the research, thesis, and major course work. The student’s advisor chairs the examination but does not vote.

HOW TO APPLY:Evaluation for admission is based on academic achievement evidenced by an official transcript, GRE test scores, and letters of reference from three faculty involved in the applicant's educational experience. Applicants must include a signed personal statement describing their reasons for applying. Domestic applications should be completed by June 1^st, International applications should be completed by May 1^st. See http://www.gradadmissions.wayne.edu/intl_students.php for other requirements that might apply to you.

Send application materials to:Yanna Marsh; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 4374 Scott Hall, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201; ymarsh@med.wayne.edu ; Email questions with subject heading “Masters applicant” to Dr. Robert Akins; rakins@med.wayne.edu
Checklists:

Domestic students: http://gradadmissions.wayne.edu/files/domchecklist.pdf

Canadian students: http://gradadmissions.wayne.edu/files/intlchecklist.pdf

International students: http://gradadmissions.wayne.edu/files/intlchecklist.pdf

Additional Graduate School information:

http://www.gradschool.wayne.edu/index.asp

http://www.gradschool.wayne.edu/siteindex.asp

Costs of the Master’s Degree (2008-2009 rates)

(http://apps.reg.wayne.edu/tuition/calculate)

MI resident cost for 30 graduate credits and fees ~$14,730

Non-resident cost for 30 graduate credits and fees ~$30,431

On-campus housing costs per academic year: ranges from ~$5000 to $6346 (apartment to suite)

Optional meal plans range from $520 – 1370 per semester

Registration information:

http://reg.wayne.edu/students/registration.php