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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
College of Sciences
Use Science to Improve Mankind
Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
An educational foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology helps science professionals understand disease, develop breakthroughs in treatment, innovate new products and processes, and much more. At AUM, our Department of Chemistry and Department of Biology and Environmental Science have developed the Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program, the only one of its kind in the Montgomery, Alabama area.
This 16-24 month master’s degree program prepares students for careers in biotech, pharmaceutical, and biomedical research fields. This could include food and product development industries, public health agencies, public or private research organizations, medicine, academia, science policy advocacy, and others. This program was designed to enhance your preparation for PhD programs and/or professional schools such as MD, DVM, DO, and others. It could also help you seek promotions with your current employer.
Stipends and/or tuition waivers will be available for students in this program on a limited basis.
The Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program at AUM is a flexible program. It offers three concentrations, each of which will have specific additional course requirements/designated electives:
Regardless of your concentration, the program accommodates both students who intend to be in research-heavy careers and those who don’t. The thesis option requires up to 7 credit hours of research/writing to be included in the 30-credit hour total. The students who opt for the non-thesis option have no research requirements but will choose additional elective courses.
Learn more about these options below.
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Quick Facts
Get to know the MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Are there any electives in this program?
Yes. In addition to the 5 core courses, you could choose from up to 7 elective courses in areas such as Biotechnology, Applied Bioinformatics, Research Statistics, Environmental Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Advanced Cell Biology, Instrumental Biochemistry, and research.
Can I afford this program?
Tuition at AUM is typically lower than many other state universities. In addition, you may qualify for one of our scholarships.
How will this program impact my career?
Depending on your interests and work experience, it could open up a whole new set of career options. After completing undergraduate work in biology or chemistry, some students will complete this program before attending medical school or other professional degree programs.
How long will it take to complete this program?
Depending on several factors (including whether or not you take a full course load every semester) you could complete this master’s degree program in 16 to 24 months.
Why AUM?
Our differences are our strengths!
Award-Winning
AUM is honored to have received many national and regional awards over the years. U.S. News & World Report named AUM one of its Top Public Schools for 2021, and Yahoo! Finance honored us as one of the Most Affordable Universities for 2021.
Affordable
We think a high-quality, graduate education should be affordable. Tuition rates for many of our programs are lower than at comparable universities. In addition, scholarship or other kinds of tuition assistance may be available.
Close-Knit
AUM offers a close-knit community where students and faculty get to know each other by name and develop valuable professional networks. We are able to keep class sizes small to facilitate group projects and personalized learning.
Career-Focused
We understand that one of the main reasons you are here is to expand your career options. That’s why our programs are practical and often apply to your current work situation. You’ll also have the opportunity to get valuable career assistance.
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The Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program offers three concentrations: General Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology (useful for biological and medical scientists who conduct laboratory tests and experiments), and Environmental Science Technology (for careers investigating sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health).
There is a thesis option and a non-thesis option. The thesis option will have more stringent acceptance criteria and research requirements. Students will write and defend a thesis based on original research. Up to 7 credit hours of research/writing credits will contribute to the 30-credit hour total.
The non-thesis option has no research requirements, but students can do research and/or write and present a seminar project to a faculty committee for a maximum of 1 credit hour toward the 30-credit hour total. Additional elective courses will be available to these students.
There are quite a few, including Clinical Researcher, Biology Professor, Research Scientist, Lab Tech, Industry Biotechnologist, Science Policy Analyst/Advocate, Science Writer/Journalist, and Research Consultant.
The coursework will provide a deep, theoretical understanding of the core and focused topics, while the electives will drill down into your elected concentration and include more practical skills.
Program Requirements
No GRE is required. Academic criteria include:
Degree Options
Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth
With this master’s degree, you have many career possibilities. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or another source, if noted).
| Career/Job Title | Entry-Level Education Requirements | Job Growth 2020 - 2030 | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemists and Materials Scientists | Bachelor’s degree | 6% (Faster than average) | $87,180 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | Master’s degree | 8% (Faster than average) | $84,380 |
| Medical Scientists | Doctoral or professional degree | 10% (Much faster than average) | $100,890 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | Doctoral or professional degree | 7% (Faster than average) | $107,460 |
| Physicians or Surgeons | Doctoral or professional degree | 3% (As fast as average) | $239,200 |
Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Available data represents job titles across industries and may not be specific to your job category.
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Quick Facts
College of Sciences
Our academic departments include Biology and Environmental Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Psychology.
Official Degree Name
Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Modality
This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.
