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HomeEducationUndergraduateBS Biochemistry Combined Masters Programs

Biochemistry Major Combined Graduate Degree Options

Accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees

Biochemistry majors are eligible to apply for one of three accelerated graduate programs:

Biochemistry, BS/Biochemistry and Cell Biology MS (Administered by the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) see below for details.

Biochemistry, BS/Chemistry, MS (Administered by the Department of Chemistry)

Biochemistry, BS/Masters in business administration MBA(Administered by the College of Business)

These programs allow students to use graduate courses taken as an undergraduate toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, thus reducing the normal time required to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees (typically the MS is reduced from 3 to 2 semesters). To be eligible, students must be accepted into the combined degree program in their junior year (see program specifics), and are required to be admitted to the MS/MBA degree programs. 

In addition to the accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Biochemistry Majors after completion of their BS, can also pursue a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook. This MS program can be completed in three semesters, and provides excellent opportunity for students to pursue independent research and advanced studies in Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

Accelerated Biochemistry and Cell Biology B.S./M.S. Degree Program

For more information contact Dr. Neta Dean, Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BCB) M.S. Program Director, or visit the BCB graduate program website.

GOALS OF ACCELERATED B.S./M.S. DEGREE PROGRAM

Biochemistry and Cell Biology are the core disciplines underpinning biological research in health sciences.  This five-year accelerated B.S./M.S. program is intended for those desiring entry into research-based positions or more advanced Health Science related degree programs (e.g. Ph.D., M.D.) or for students who are undecided about their career path in the biomedical sciences.

This program aims to provide students the theoretical foundation as well as the practical lab experience needed for successful entry into today’s job market.  The M.S. starting salary levels among biologists are significantly higher than B.S. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This accelerated combined Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BCB) BS/MS program allows a Stony Brook Biochemistry major to complete both their BS and MS degree in five years, saving the student one semester and providing continuity. If completed separately the Biochemistry BS is typically completed in four years and the BCB MS is three semesters. In this accelerated program, students will take 6 credits of graduate level courses in their fourth year that will satisfy requirements of both BS and MS degrees.  In addition, students will have the opportunity to perform intensive lab research in both their fourth and fifth years, a length of time sufficient for acquiring strong research skills. In their 5th and final year, students will complete the remaining 24 credits required for the BCB MS, including Graduate Research, Graduate Cell Biology, and MS thesis submission.

Eligibility requires a GPA of 3.0 or better overall and a minimum grade of B in all 300-level biochemistry major requirements, and completion of BIO 361. Both BIO 361 and BIO 362 must be completed by the end of the student’s third year.

PLANNING AHEAD:

Junior Year: After grades are posted for BIO 361 (Biochemistry I)…

  • Identify your research advisor based on your area of interest and a broad range of active research areas. Eligible students should contact the UG BCH and/or BCB MS Program Director to discuss their intent to apply for this accelerated program and for aid in finding a lab.
  • Complete the  Five-Year B.S./M.S. Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology Application Form. The form outlines a detailed program of coursework for completion of the B.S. degree and the M.S. degree, including Senior Research (BIO 487), two 500-level graduate courses, which will be taken during the fourth year, and the research project/MS thesis that will be completed in the fifth year of the program. The completed form must be signed by the Applicant, Proposed Faculty Research Advisor, and then submitted along with a current unofficial transcript to the Biochemistry and Cell Biology Department Office (room 450 Life Science Building) for review by the BCB Undergraduate Program Director and the BCB MS Graduate Program Director.

Fall semester of Senior Year

  • Enroll in BIO 487 Research in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Enrollment in BIO 487 requires completion of permission to enroll form.
  • Plan your Senior year program of study to include two of the following graduate 500 level courses. The first course should be MCB 503 Molecular Genetics or MCB 520 Graduate Biochemistry (3 credits), and the second should beBCB 552 Advanced Laboratory Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (3 credits). These 6-credits of graduate coursework (MCB 503 or MCB 520, and BCB 552) will satisfy the two-advanced electives in Biology/Chemistry required for the BCH major, and will also be applied to your graduate M.S. degree and satisfy requirements of the BCB MS program .
  • Submit the “Permission for Undergraduate Students in an Accelerated or Combined Degree Program to Enroll in Graduate Course” form  on the Graduate School website to indicate the two graduate courses you intend to take in the Fall Term of your senior undergraduate year.
  • During the Fall Term of your senior year, you will be asked to fill out the form again for the graduate-level course you will take in the Spring Term. Consult with your research advisor to decide upon the appropriate sequence of courses.
  • To declare your intent to complete an accelerated degree program, complete the  “Accelerated Program Declaration/Area of Interest Declaration” Form

Spring semester of Senior Year 

  • For continuation into the fifth year and the M.S. degree phase of the program. The coursework identified on the Five-Year B.S./M.S. Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology Application Form must be completed by the end of the senior year, and the student must continue to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and a minimum grade of B in Biochemistry major requirements. The internal Biochemistry& Cell Biology Department application is followed by an official application for the BCB MS program to the Graduate School in spring of the senior year (before April 15).
  • Students must submit the Application Form to Graduate School for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in the final term as an undergraduate, before the last day of classes.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR UNDERGRADUATE YEARS 3-4 and GRADUATE YEAR 5

             BS-MS suggested schedule

* Replaces Upper-level BIO/CHE course requirement for the Biochemistry major

**  For a list of level 500 and above MS elective options, go to the MS page

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