Master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Our M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology gives you a thorough understanding of the life sciences at the molecular level. You’ll have advanced training in the principles of biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as access to research opportunities.

Recent graduates from the M.S. program have found technical positions in academic and pharmaceutical company labs, pursued careers in teaching, science writing and editing, found opportunities as scientific consultants in business settings, or have gone on to advanced studies and pursued Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D. and D.D.S./D.M.D. degrees, among other health professions.

What is Biochemistry and Molecular Biology?

Biochemistry is a broad field that intersects with many scientific disciplines. In simple terms, biochemistry studies structures and chemical reactions of cellular and tissue components under physiological and pathological conditions. Molecular biology is a discipline that studies the molecular basis of life. Molecular biological techniques allow for a further understanding of how molecular interactions among chemical and biological molecules control cellular and biochemical processes. 

Biochemistry Careers

With a master’s in biochemistry and molecular biology, you’ll be prepared to work in research and teaching roles or continue your studies in medicine or other professional disciplines. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, agriculture and food and beverage corporations, as well as government agencies, are all committed to scientific advancements that rely on biochemists and molecular biologists to join teams involved with a variety of research.

Program Curriculum

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology curriculum begins with an overview of biochemical processes in areas like metabolism and DNA and RNA synthesis. You’ll also develop basic knowledge in the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The Biochemistry of Gene Expression is a required course and delves into DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and other important topics. As your coursework progresses, you’ll learn about advanced processes in biochemistry such as triglyceride biosynthesis and nutritional metabolism. Our master’s programs allow for integration among different disciplines, and in addition to introductory biochemistry courses and your chosen electives, every biochemistry M.S. student also takes the Mammalian Physiology course.

For our M.S. program, you’ll have the option to choose an academic track tailored to your goals. Students enrolled in Track A are required to submit a literature review, whereas students in Track B are required to complete a research thesis describing their independent research. Students in Track C are trained for a professional career in scientific research and management and are required to complete a capstone project report summarizing their internship experience. Required courses vary between each track. Visit the Biochemistry curriculum for detailed track information and course descriptions.

Biochemistry Research & Department Resources

Our faculty investigators are funded for research from federal and other extramural sources. We are well equipped for modern biochemical and molecular biology research, including instrumentation, tissue culture facilities and shared cores and research resources. There is a strong collegiate spirit in the College and excellent interactions between faculty, students and other biomedical and clinical scientists.

Admissions

We welcome applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds. To be considered for the M.S. program, prior coursework should show above-average academic achievement at the undergraduate level and in any previous work at the graduate level. Strong performance in math and science courses is important, but we do not require specific prerequisites to apply. Apply online after carefully reviewing our application requirements on the M.S. Admissions page.

Biochemistry Department Faculty

The faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are actively engaged in the educational programs in the GSBMS, the SOM and the Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) at NYMC. The faculty have been consistent leaders in the disciplines of cancer treatment and prevention, neurogenerative disease and the formation of toxins that lead to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as understanding the molecular mechanism of stress related disorders. Graduate faculty mentors provide guidance for your original laboratory research and our student-faculty ratio allows for plenty of individual attention. Learn more about our knowledgeable and experienced faculty.