The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers an M.S. degree program that is separate from our participation in the Ph.D. program, which is administered through the College of Medicine.
The M.S. program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to obtain positions within the private and government research sectors. Our M.S. program is also designed to provide the background necessary for entry into competitive Ph.D. or other professional school (MD, DVM, DDS, etc.) programs.
The M.S. Program only admits students each fall semester. It is anticipated that students will complete their Master’s within six semesters of starting the program. Highly motivated students may complete the requirements in less time.
Program Requirements
The M.S. program is a thesis-based program that requires a total of 30 credits for graduation. These 30 credits are to be earned in two categories:
- At least 12 credits of didactic classroom coursework. Graduate-level courses (5000 and above) can be earned from courses offered by the Department (see graduate courses), or other Departments within the College of Medicine or the University.
- At least 18 credits of research-based coursework. Degree work in this category consists of required journal clubs, independent study, supervised thesis research.
Research Requirements
Research will be conducted in the laboratory of a faculty member of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As part of the acceptance process to the program you will be matched with a faculty member who will act as your mentor throughout your time in the program. Your mentor will also be responsible for providing the necessary laboratory space and supplies for conducting your graduate research.
The Master’s thesis project requires successful completion of an original research project approved by the student’s graduate supervisory committee, a written thesis that describes this work and adheres to the guidelines of the Graduate School, and a public defense of the thesis project for the graduate supervisory committee and other members of the Department.
Admission Standards
Applicants to the Master’s degree program must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School and BMB program outlined below. The MS Program only admits students each fall semester.
Admission standard
GPA
The minimum requirements for graduate admission at the University of Florida include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all upper division (Junior/Senior) courses. Please use the “Self-Reported GPA Computation and Worksheet (PDF) for Graduate Applications” to calculate your upper division GPA. Although the university minimum GPA for admission is 3.0, the average GPA of entering classes of our program is approximately 3.5.
ADMISSION STANDARD
GRE
Effective for the next admission cycle (starting January 15 for the 2025/2026 academic year), GRE scores are not required. If applicants voluntarily submit GRE scores, they will neither be advantaged nor penalized in the admission process on the basis of the GRE scores.
For admissions prior to fall 2025: Applicants must submit a score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general exam. Subject exam scores are not required. Cumulative GRE scores (verbal and quantitative reasoning) for successful applicants are typically greater than 300. GRE exam must be taken within the past five years. (University of Florida, institution code 5812).
ADMISSION STANDARD
Coursework
Required coursework prior to admission to the M.S. program includes General chemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, and General Biology. Additional recommended coursework includes biochemistry, microbiology and genetics.
ADMISSION STANDARD
Research Experience
Prior laboratory experience is desired but not strictly required for admission to the M.S. program.
ADMISSION STANDARD
UF Graduate School Admissions
Please review the University of Florida Graduate School admission requirements linked below. Note the requirements listed in the sections designated “How to Apply”, “International Students” and “Postbaccalaureate Students”.
Financial Support
Stipend and tuition support are not provided to students enrolled in the M.S. degree program. However, your mentor will provide you both laboratory space and supplies to conduct your graduate research. For more information on federal, state and university aid programs and a limited number of privately funded scholarships, visit The Office for Student Financial Affairs at UF.
Application Deadline: January 15
January 15: COMPLETED applications, including GRE scores, official transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be submitted by this date for students wishing to enter the program for the following Fall semester. Please note, we may consider late applications but only after fully reviewing those that are complete by the January 15th deadline.
Combined B.S./M.S. Program
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) offers a combined Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) and Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree program available to UF undergraduate students that major in a Biochemistry-related discipline in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) or in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
In the final year of completing the B.S. degree requirements, students will join the laboratory of a faculty associated with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and enroll in up to 12 graduate level course or research credits that will count towards both B.S. and M.S. degrees. The identity of course and research credits will be determined with assistance of the undergraduate advisor and the M.S. program director. In order to gain admission to the B.S./M.S. combined-degree program, students submit a “Combination Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Request” to the BMB MS program.
After completing the Bachelor’s degree, students formally apply to the M.S. program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Program Contact
Interested students are welcome to make an appointment to visit our outstanding facilities and meet with our faculty. In doing so, you will learn about the stimulating intellectual and educational environment that is provided by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department.
Jorg Bungert Ph.D.