Biochemistry (M.S.)

Research Infrastructure

The Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics at South Dakota State University boasts state-of-the-art research infrastructure housed within the Avera Health and Science Center’s laboratory and research wing. The department features specialized core facilities to support its innovative research programs, including the Core Mass Spectrometry Facility and the Core Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility. These cutting-edge facilities are readily available to graduate students, faculty, and even industry partners, providing invaluable hands-on experience and driving forward research in fields ranging from advanced materials to cancer biology. In addition to these core facilities, a wide array of specialized instrumentation is maintained within individual faculty laboratories, ensuring the department possesses ample modern resources to conduct transformative, real-world research. 

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

• Thesis: 31 Credit Hours 

Core Requirements

• BIOL 743 - Cell Biology (COM) Credits: 3
• BIOS 662 - Advanced Molecular Biology Credits: 3
• CHEM 548 - Biophysical Chemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 705 - Principles of Biochemistry Credits: 3
• CHEM 707 - Chemical Communication Skills Credits: 2
• CHEM 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1 (2 credits required)
• CHEM 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
• GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: General and subject score are recommended but not required
TOEFL iBT: 4
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

The priority deadline for applying for admission for the fall semester is December 1. A secondary deadline is January 15. The department typically does not admit students for the spring semester unless applicants have secured funding for their graduate education. Support can come from three sources:

• Research assistantship from a professor in the department
• Personal or family funds
• Scholarship from the government or an organization

In addition to the materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics requires the following application materials:

• A one- to two-page personal statement which includes a description of undergraduate research, work experience, or other factors demonstrating a propensity toward graduate studies. The personal statement should also include a statement of the applicant’s career goals. The applicant may upload this statement while completing the Graduate School’s online application.
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably at least one from faculty at the applicant’s undergraduate institution. Letters should come from faculty who are directly familiar with the applicant’s academic work. They must address the applicant’s scholarly potential and may also speak to the applicant’s potential for graduate studies in the discipline. Letters should come directly from the recommenders, who may submit their letters electronically along with the personal recommendation form provided by the Graduate School. The Graduate School will email recommenders detailed instructions for submitting their recommendations using the contact information provided by the applicant.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to twelve (12) graduate-level credits may apply to the undergraduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .