MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduates will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values required to enroll in a PhD or MD program, pursue a career in academia or the Biotech industry, or become educators.  

KNOWLEDGE 

• Foundational understanding of advanced biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology pertaining to biomedical sciences
• Understand the theoretical and practical approaches to conduct biomedical research
• Understand how to manage statistical analysis of data

SKILLS 

• Read and analyze primary literature and data
• Present research in verbal and written formats
• Develop a scientific proposal with a strong rationale, hypothesis, and experimental approaches
• Hands-on laboratory techniques that are customizable to each project and each student’s interests in state-of-the-art laboratories

PROFESSIONAL VALUES 

• Conduct ethical and responsible research, while recognizing issues such as plagiarism, research objectivity, and conflicts of interest
• Understand the importance of being a lifelong learner
• Value teamwork in the pursuit of a research goal
• Learn to critically analyze your research results and become adept at applying critical analysis to the other investigators' research

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits during the two-year MS program. Graduate classes are small, providing a highly personalized learning experience. In addition to regular coursework, students must enroll in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Journal Club (which allows students to present seminars on current research articles of their choice) and the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Seminar (a dynamic series in which nationally-recognized investigators present their research and meet with students). Following the first semester, students will identify an advisor, join their lab, and conduct independent, original research projects.

YEAR 1 - FALL 

• Molecular Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Methods in Biological Sciences
• Ethics in Biomedical Sciences
• Research Rotations

YEAR 1 - SPRING 

• Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Elective #1
• Research in advisor's lab

YEAR 1 - SUMMER 

• Research in advisor's lab
• Thesis proposal approval by Thesis Committee

YEAR 2 

• Research in advisor’s lab
• Write and defend MS thesis

Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.

DEADLINES

We accept and evaluate applications for the MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged; we begin evaluating applications in January. The deadline for all application materials is June 15. We prefer applications submitted online rather than through the mail; please expect a 7-10 day delay if you submit your application via mail.  Please note: transcripts and test scores are the only documents that cannot be uploaded with an application.  Instead, please email those directly to: gradapp@luc.edu.  

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION
   
   Apply.  If unable to apply online, mail application to:
   
   Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management
   Loyola University Chicago
   820 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
   Chicago, IL 60611
   
   
2. PERSONAL STATEMENT AND RESUME
   A personal statement and current resume/CV are required.
   
   
3. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
   Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (at minimum) to apply. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work are required for admission.
   
   
4. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
   Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.
   
   
5. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
   Your statement of purpose should be a brief, one page statement explaining your interest in this program and research experience, if any.
   
   
6. INTERVIEW
   A personal interview is required for admission. Interviews will be conducted via video (e.g. Zoom).

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and are required to submit the above documents as well as:

• TOEFL or IELTS scores
• A Declaration and Certification of Finances Form
• Evaluations of international transcripts sent by any member organization of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services).

Please visit our International Student Requirements page for more details!

Questions? Contact Student Program Recruiter Patrick Hulseman.

Request more information about our graduate programs.

Loyola's Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the financial resources to make their education affordable. Tuition includes all research supplies and equipment.

• Cost
• Financial Aid
• Payment

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The MS Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology trains students in the basic science and methodology of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, helping them to apply this knowledge in careers as research assistants in academia, Bioetech, or as educators. Graduates often seek additional education in MD and/or PhD programs. More than half of program graduates work in industry or academia.