Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MS

Admission Requirements

Application Website

Application Deadlines

Applicants do not need to send their official transcripts until they are offered admission into the program.

In addition to the minimum requirements of the Graduate School, the following are suggested requirements:

• BS or BA degree in a life science related field, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00. Pre-requisites include mathematics through one year of calculus, chemistry (including organic chemistry and laboratory), general physics, and one year of biology (including laboratory). It is highly recommended that students will have taken two semesters of biochemistry, and one semester each of genetics, cell biology, physical chemistry, and English composition. Students accepted into the program without a pre-requisite may be asked to take the appropriate upper level undergraduate course prior to undertaking specific graduate level courses.
• Personal Statement: What would you consider your special qualifications to be? What do you propose to do with your advanced degree professionally? Discuss briefly your experience in biochemistry and cell biology outside the classroom.
• Three letters of recommendation from people who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work and independent research.
• International Students: A proficiency in the English language is required. If your native or primary language is not English, you must take an English proficiency test. To be considered for admission, an applicant must present an acceptable score on the TOEFL or IELTS test. IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no subsection below 6. TOEFL: Paper-based test: 550; computer based test: 213; or Internet-based test: 90. Under special circumstances, lower scores may be considered.

Degree Requirements

Research-based thesis option (30 credits). The research-based thesis option requires 30 credits comprised of 24 credits in core courses and 6 elective credits. Thesis research can be conducted in the laboratory of Biochemistry and Cell Biology faculty, in the research laboratories of faculty from other Departments at Stony Brook, and at Brookhaven National Laboratory, or through research internships under the guidance of approved mentors at local biotechnology firms. This option requires completion of a written, research-based project.

Literature-based thesis option (30 credits). The literature-based thesis option requires 30 credits comprised of 24 credits in core courses and 6 elective credits. This option requires completion of a written, literature-based project.