Accelerated B.S./ M.S. Biochemistry Program

An accelerated B.S./M.S. program provides exceptional undergraduate students an opportunity to obtain both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biochemistry in five years. The goal of the program is to develop scientists who possess in-depth knowledge of biochemical methods and analytical techniques and who are capable of performing independent study and research.

Application process

Before applying for the accelerated B.S./M.S. program, students should talk with the Biochemistry Graduate Program Director, Dr. Timothy Durrett. Applicants should be conducting research in a lab on campus with a research mentor who is willing to supervise their M.S. degree program.

Students should apply via Slate after they have completed their second year and before they have taken BIOCH 755, 765, and 775. There is no application deadline for this program. The application must include three letters of recommendation, including one from their undergraduate research mentor. Minimum standards for admission and retention in the program are a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in required math and science courses.

Degree requirements

Course requirements

The total number of hours required for graduation from the accelerated B.S./M.S. biochemistry program is approximately 150 credit hours.

The course requirements for the B.S. in Biochemistry degree are described in the K-State Undergraduate Catalog. Talk with our biochemistry advisor, Devon Hoffman-Colburn, about the three different B.S. degree tracks, and other options such as electives and overlays.

The following biochemistry courses count toward the B.S. and M.S. degrees. They need to be taken after acceptance into the accelerated program, and they must be taken as graduate level courses.
BIOCH 755 - Biochemistry 1 (3 credits)
BIOCH 765 - Biochemistry 2 (3 credits)
BIOCH 775 - Molecular Biophysics (3 credits)

The following graduate level courses are required for the M.S. degree.
Bioch 806 - Biochemistry Seminar (1 credit)
Upper level Biochemistry, Biology or other appropriate electives as approved by the student’s M.S. supervisory committee (12-14 credits)
Bioch 899 - Research in Biochemistry 1 (6 - 8 credits)

Research requirement

Must do research leading to a satisfactory M.S. thesis

Thesis requirement

Must write and defend a Master's thesis