×
Biochemistry Student Working in Lab

Master's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

A two-year, thesis-based program, the Master of Science (MS) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary program offering students opportunities to explore research in a wide range of topics, including cancer etiology and therapeutics, molecular virology, eukaryotic gene transcription and regulation, molecular immunology, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics, and molecular cardiology. With faculty from every basic science department on campus, we offer customized educational and research experiences to meet each student's goals.

Study at One of the Nation's Top Biochemistry Programs

Our Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Masters Degree program has once again been recognized by Best Value Schools, ranking #5 among the "Best 15 Masters in Biochemistry!". This reflects our commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and student success, making our program an exceptional choice for aspiring biochemists.

Our Commitment To You

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

Curriculum

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

Course Catalog

Admission

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:

Please visit our International Student Requirements page for more details!

Questions? Contact Student Program Recruiter Patrick Hulseman.

Request more information about our graduate programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Faculty

Click here to view our faculty.

Outcomes

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.

News & Events

2024 Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cancer Biology Retreat

2024 Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cancer Biology Retreat

The annual Loyola University Chicago Biochemistry, Molecular and Cancer Biology Retreat was recently held at the picturesque Brookfield Zoo.

Read More
Super Resolution Microscope

Super Resolution Microscope

Super-Resolution Microscope acquired by Health Sciences Campus is a game-changer for research in Loyola's Graduate Biomedical Programs.

Read More
St Albert's Day

St Albert's Day 2024

Salutes student research in the Graduate School, Stritch School of Medicine, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and Parkinson School of Public Health.

Read More

A two-year, thesis-based program, the Master of Science (MS) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary program offering students opportunities to explore research in a wide range of topics, including cancer etiology and therapeutics, molecular virology, eukaryotic gene transcription and regulation, molecular immunology, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics, and molecular cardiology. With faculty from every basic science department on campus, we offer customized educational and research experiences to meet each student's goals.

Study at One of the Nation's Top Biochemistry Programs

Our Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Masters Degree program has once again been recognized by Best Value Schools, ranking #5 among the "Best 15 Masters in Biochemistry!". This reflects our commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and student success, making our program an exceptional choice for aspiring biochemists.

News & Events