Biochemistry MS

Use sophisticated laboratory equipment and advanced technology, including a 400-MHz NMR spectrometer, high-pressure liquid chromatographs, fluorescence spectrophotometers and powerful Beowulf supercomputers in our West Center for Computational Chemistry and Drug Design.

Engage in independent research under the guidance of expert faculty. Our faculty specialize in structural biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, computational biochemistry, nucleic acid biochemistry, and drug discovery.

We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for scholars from around the world. Learn more about becoming a graduate student in the U.S. and support services offered through Saint Joseph’s University’s International Student and Scholar Services.

As a biochemistry master’s student, you have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis degree:

Thesis track: For students interested in conducting research

• Required to take a minimum of 30 credits, which includes: 
  • A minimum of 11 research credits
  • 19 credits of core and elective courses (selected in consultation with your research advisor, advisory committee and department’s graduate program director)
• Must participate in the department's seminar program, where both literature and research seminars are delivered to students and faculty on a weekly basis during the semester.
• Must complete an independent, original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member with the guidance of an advisory committee.

Non-thesis track: For students who want to complete didactic coursework only

• The program consists of 31 credits of core and elective courses (selected in consultation with your department’s graduate program director)

Upon entering the Biochemistry MS (thesis track) program, you will register for research rotations with at least two potential research advisors. This laboratory rotation program exposes you to available research opportunities based on your research interests. Once you complete this program, you’ll be eligible to select a research advisor. Once you select your research advisor, an advisory committee is formed, which typically consists of three or four faculty members with appropriate expertise. They will assist you in your research endeavors. 

The equivalent of at least two semesters of full-time research is minimally required to qualify for the MS thesis degree. As a graduate biochemistry student on this thesis track, you’ll be expected to carry out an independent, original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member with the guidance of an advisory committee. With the aid of your research advisor, you’ll write a research prospectus outlining your proposed research program. You’ll present this prospectus and get it approved by your advisory committee before you begin your thesis research. You’ll also be required to present your research findings as part of your degree requirements.

Once you complete your research project, you must write a thesis describing your research accomplishments and successfully defend your thesis at a final oral examination before the members of the advisory committee.

Affordable tuition options start at $900 per credit*. 

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed breakdown. 

Financial aid in the form of scholarships, student loans, graduate assistantships and discount eligibility may also be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

You must meet the following prerequisites to be considered for admission to the master’s in biochemistry program (thesis and non-thesis track):

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, or be currently enrolled in an undergraduate/first-professional degree program at Saint Joseph’s University
• Present transfer credit, earn advanced placement credit by examination or obtain credit in undergraduate courses in:
  • Calculus (2 semesters)
  • Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (2 semesters)
  • Analytical Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Literature of Chemistry (1 semester)
  • Biochemistry with laboratory (1 semseter)
  • At least one semester of any one of the following:
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Cell Biology
    • Advanced Biochemistry
    • Genetics
• Fluent in both spoken and written English (see below for language requirements and required examinations for international applicants)

*GRE scores are optional. You can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

• Apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended. If you attended Saint Joseph’s, we will obtain this transcript for you.
• Submit a ​1000-word (500-word for non-thesis MS applicants) personal statement explaining your short and long term study and career goals. ​Applicants to the MS thesis program must also identify at least two of the program’s faculty whose research interests align most closely with yours. Personal statements may be submitted as part of application via the application portal. 
• Submit resume or CV.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.

The application deadlines for admission to Saint Joseph’s MS in biochemistry program are:

Deadlines for Fall:

• Priority Review for funding consideration for ALL applicants: March 1
• International Student Deadline: June 15
• Domestic Student Deadline: August 1

 Deadlines for Spring:

• Priority Review: October 15
• International Student Deadline: October 15
• Domestic Student Deadline: December 1

International applicants must show proof of English language proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. Check the Graduate Admission page for additional requirements.

Saint Joseph’s Biochemistry MS degree program typically takes three years to finish in the thesis track and two years to finish in the non-thesis track if studying full time and all prerequisite courses have been completed prior to starting the program. Both the thesis and non-thesis tracks require you to complete a minimum of 30 and 31 credits respectively. For thesis students, this includes a minimum of 11 research credits. Non-thesis students only take didactic coursework.

Biochemists explore the complex series of chemical reactions that take place in living organisms. They research and discover scientific breakthroughs that can enhance and expand our lives. Biochemists are also in high demand across the pharmaceutical, medical manufacturing and advanced research sectors.

From cancer research to gene splicing to photosynthetic capture of solar energy, biochemistry leads the way with new ideas. Studying biochemistry teaches you problem-solving, critical-thinking and laboratory skills that will prepare you for biochemistry jobs in academic, industrial and governmental settings. The biochemistry master’s program at Saint Joseph’s also allows you to interact with top faculty in computational biochemistry, drug design, biochemical genetics and more, giving you an opportunity to specialize your research and gain a competitive edge.