M.S. Thesis/Project

The Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program offers students with a choice of culminating activities to complete the M.S. Degree.

• Thesis Option: This research-intensive option is designed to provide graduate training leading to positions, such as laboratory managers and technicians, and to prepare students for further training in doctoral programs. The nature of the project is determined by the major advisor, the student, and in consultation with the supervisory committee. The thesis must be the result of independent and original research by the student, and must constitute a significant contribution to current knowledge in Biomolecular Sciences, typically equivalent to a peer-reviewed publication. Ideally, the thesis research should be submitted for publication prior to the final thesis defense. The curriculum and thesis research for the Masters of Sciences in Biomolecular Sciences (thesis option) typically takes between two to three years to complete.
• Project Option: This option provides students with a good preparation for a Ph.D. program or a more advanced career. The nature of the project is determined by the major advisor, the student, and in consultation with the supervisory committee. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, (1) writing and submitting a review article, (2) completing a research project with a written summary plus oral defense to their supervisory committee, (3) completing an internship relevant to the student’s ultimate career goals (e.g. intellectual property, bio-business) integrated with benchwork plus a written report. The intensive curriculum leading to a Masters of Science in Biomolecular Sciences (project option) can typically be completed in one and a half to two years, with no thesis.