Graduate degrees in biochemistry are offered through the Molecular Biosciences interdisciplinary graduate programs. Our graduate studies culminate in the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees and we prepare students for careers in biological and biomedical research, industry, and teaching. We aim to train scientists for critical analysis and solution of biochemical problems at the molecular level.
The University's biochemistry faculty has deep and diverse expertise into the structures and roles of macromolecules in complex biological systems. It prepares students for careers in research or teaching and fosters a cooperative, personal working environment among students and faculty.
Application Deadlines: Dec 15 (Fall) | June 15 (Spring)
The University's biochemistry Ph.D. is part of its campus-wide, interdisciplinary Molecular Biosciences Graduate Programs. Students in these programs benefit from exposure to faculty members from both the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR) and the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Students have opportunities for multidisciplinary interactions with graduate students and faculty members in related departments, including:
The academic environment is lively and highly interactive, as represented by a diverse, interdisciplinary seminar program sponsored in conjunction with other related departments. The program of study includes lecture courses, laboratory rotations, journal club presentations and discussion groups, a qualifying written and oral examination, dissertation research and one or more semesters of teaching experience.
Application Deadlines: Dec 15 (Fall) | June 15 (Spring)
The diverse research expertise of our faculty has the common theme of understanding the structures and roles of macromolecules in complex biological systems. Students have an opportunity for multidisciplinary interactions with graduate students and faculty members in related departments, including the departments of agriculture, nutrition, veterinary sciences, biochemistry, biology, physiology and anatomy, microbiology and immunology, and pharmacology and cell biology. The academic environment is lively and highly interactive, as represented by a diverse, interdisciplinary seminar program sponsored in conjunction with other related departments.
The program of study includes lecture courses, laboratory rotations, journal club presentations and discussion groups, a qualifying written and oral examination, thesis research, and one or more semesters of teaching experience. First-year students take a core curriculum and gain research experience by rotating through student-selected research laboratories. Laboratory rotations facilitate the choice of a thesis advisor.
Master's research projects are selected by the student in consultation with a major thesis advisor and an advisory committee. The requirements for the master's degree are generally completed in two years or less. The program, which is designed to prepare students for careers in research and/or teaching, emphasizes a cooperative, personal working environment among students and members of the faculty.
Career prospects are bright for someone trained in the molecular life sciences. Projections for the next 20 years indicate that there will be thousands of unfulfilled science and engineering jobs. A large fraction of that shortage will be in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. Areas of career choices include:
View the program timeline and curriculum, admissions requirements, funding information and how to find an advisor.
Ready to apply to the Molecular Biosciences Ph.D. program?
Visit the Graduate School's admission page to begin your application.