Overview

• The Plan A M.S. program provides an education in biochemistry and molecular biology that focuses on both foundational concepts and current, cutting-edge innovations. In addition to earning 30 credits, completion of a research project, carried out in the lab of a BMB faculty member, is required, as well completion of a Master’s thesis.
• Please note: Plan A M.S. applicants are required to identify a BMB faculty sponsor that will serve as the advisor for their research project and thesis work.

Requirements for Admission

• • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall grade point average of B or above
  • Official transcripts/credential and certified translations (Int’l.) from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required (Colorado State University transcripts are not required)
  • At least one semester of organic chemistry, physics, and calculus will have been completed.
  • At least one semester of Biochemistry with grades of B or better.
  • At least two upper-level courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, such as biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell biology, structural biology, etc.
  • Minimum two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from the student’s research advisor, who must be a current faculty in the BMB department.
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required
  • A written “statement of purpose” that contains 1) a summary of professional/personal goals, 2) statement regarding educational goals, 3) statement explaining how this program will contribute to the applicant’s long-term goals, and 4) factors explaining your choice of this program for graduate study. Limit to 2 single-spaced pages.
  • A completed resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that contains 1) collegiate work (institutions, dates attended, degrees earned); 2) professional employment with dates of service (including military); 3) special skills or competencies (including certifications or licensures); 4) publications, exhibitions, prizes, awards, or other recognition; and 5) service activities (including community and charitable)

Application Deadlines

• • For Fall semester enrollment: May 15th
  • For Spring semester enrollment: September 15th

Curriculum and Coursework Plan

Graduate School requirements for graduation with a Plan A M.S. degree:

• • At least 30 total credits are required
  • A minimum of 24 credits must be earned at CSU (before or after admission into the graduate school)
  • A minimum of 21 CSU credits must be earned after admission into the Graduate School
  • A minimum of 16 CSU credits must be in 500-level or higher courses (before or after admission)
  • A minimum 12 credits of these 16 CSU credits must be in didactic courses (numbered X81 or below)

Plan A Master’s Thesis and Defense

• • The Plan A M.S. program in BMB requires successful completion of an independent research project, carried out the in lab of a BMB faculty member.
  • The project will be decided on by the student together with their research advisor. The project should reflect independent experimentation, data collection, and analysis carried out by the student, with mentorship and advice from their advisor.
  • The project should ideally be completed within 1-3 years, but this timeline may vary, depending on the project outcomes.
  • The student is required to complete a Master’s thesis that describes the background, significance, rationale, results, and conclusions from their project. The final thesis must be approved by all committee members.
  • In addition, the student must orally defect their thesis project in a department seminar. Together, the committee members will decide if the student has met the requirements for conferral of the Master’s degree.

Student Advisory Committee

• The students’ research advisor serves as the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) chair.
• The SAC is composed of at least three members; the student’s research advisor, who serves as chair; at least one additional BMB Department faculty member, and one faculty member from outside the department.
• The SAC advises, counsels, and guides the student in the planning and execution of their research.
• The committee will also read and provide feedback on the Master’s thesis, and evaluate the student’s performance of the oral thesis defense.