The Plan B 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, a final project is required for graduation.
Requirements for Admission
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- 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
- 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
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- APPLY
- For Fall semester enrollment: May 15th
- For Spring semester enrollment: September 15th
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Curriculum
The Plan B M.S. program is a one-year, non-thesis study of foundational and current innovations in biochemical concepts. Course requirements and a sample course schedule are below.
- Graduate School requirements for graduation with an MS degree (Plan A):
- 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)
Please note that Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department has Differential Tuition associated with the Plan B M.S. program of $120 per credit hour in additional to regular tuition.
The Plan B M.S. program requires successful completion of a final project in the semester of graduation – this project will serve as the “final examination” (GS24 form). The final project is a review-style paper which delves into a biochemistry-related topic of the student’s choice. Detailed guidelines for the final project requirements are provided to students by the M.S. Plan B Advisor. In short, the paper must be between 3000-5000 words and follow the format: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Main Body, with individual sections subtitled, and at least three figures with figure legends, Perspectives and Future Directions, and References. A series of deadlines is provided to the students, with the purpose of keeping the students on track to complete the document, submit to the SAC, and receive feedback prior to the final deadline.
Student Advisory Committee
- The Plan B M.S. Advisor serves as the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) chair.
- The SAC is composed of at least three members; the SAC chair (Plan B M.S. Advisor), at least one additional BMB Department faculty member, and one faculty member from outside the department.
- The SAC is responsible for reading and providing feedback on the Plan B final project
