Combined B.S./M.S. Degree in Biochemistry

Combined B.S./M.S. Degree in Biochemistry

Department of Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences 

The Department of Biochemistry at Ohio State is proud to offer a combined B.S./M.S. degree in Biochemistry.  This relatively new program began in Autumn, 2003 and has already had several students successfully graduate using this option.  The curriculum for this accelerated combined degree is designed to allow for the completion of both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biochemistry in five years.

(Note: Completion of the two separate degrees independently would typically take at least six years.)

Admission:

The options for admission into the combined B.S./M.S. degree program are as follows:.

• Two options (from the Graduate School) for admission to the dual degree program:
  
  • The first option is called ASC-7.  This option has certain restrictions. A) The undergraduate student must have completed 135 hours including all of the GEC requirements. B) A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required.

    
    There is a singular advantage with this route is that the student can be admitted to the M.S. program as soon as their 135 hr requirement is fulfilled.  A student might be able to commit to the M.S. program at the end of their sophomore year.

  • The second option is called the Senior Petition.  The student must be a senior and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Under this plan, a student can transfer a maximum of 15 credits taken during the senior year towards completion of the M.S. degree requirements.
    

Because the combined B.S./M.S. degree program demands considerable effort and commitment from the student, admission to this program will likely be restrictive.

Curriculum:

The general curriculum for the first two years is similar to that taken by Biochemistry majors working towards a B.S. degree.  However, the curriculum generally becomes more accelerated thereafter.  Students in the combined B.S./M.S. degree program will usually begin taking graduate level courses in the third year of the program.

• Two options are available with regard to the nature of the degree itself:

  • Research Option (designated "Biochem" program):  The students selecting this option will conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member and use the findings for fulfilling the thesis requirement of a Masters degree.

  • Biotechnology Emphasis Option (designated "Biotech" program): Alternatively, the student can choose to spend the last six months of the program in a participating biotechnology company and work as an intern. A stipend will be provided by the Biotech company during the period of internship.

• Either option will offer career enhancement opportunities well beyond what is possible with the regular B.S. degree.
  

Details of the curriculum and the suggested five-year course sequence are available in the PDF format.  [Open Brochure]

Regardless of which route is adopted by the student, he/she will qualify for both the B.S. and M.S. degrees as and when they complete the requirements for each degree.  So, the student could obtain a B.S. at the end of year 4 and an M.S. degree at the end of year 5.

Application Process and Information:

Students interested in applying for the combined B.S./M.S. Degree Program are strongly encouraged to first consult with Dr. George Wang, Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee, (wang.892@osu.edu) to obtain further information about the program eligibility requirements and the application process.  The application includes a completed degree application form and three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your academic abilities.