St. Louis, USA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
A master’s degree in chemical biology provides advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology and pharmacology. The core of this degree includes organic and medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology and can be tailored to match a student’s particular interests within the field of chemical biology.
Program Highlights
Saint Louis University's master’s degree in chemical biology provides excellent preparation for further studies toward a Ph.D. or transitioning to a professional career in the life sciences industry. Employment opportunities include a variety of jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and materials industries.
Graduate students in SLU's chemical biology program have access to a number of research tools, including:
- Bruker 400 and 700 MHz NMR spectrometers
- Bruker-EMX EPR, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectrometers
- Research-grade spectrofluorometers
- GC-MS, LC-MS, and specialized mass spectrometers
- Computational facilities with modern molecular modeling software
- Bruker CCD X-ray diffractometer facility
- Core facilities in the School of Medicine (e.g., protein, microscopy, etc.)
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.
Curriculum
SLU's Master of Science in Chemical Biology offers specialization in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology, with cross-disciplinary activity strongly encouraged.
The requirements for the thesis-based M.S. degree include:
- A minimum of 24 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework (exclusive of thesis research)
- Six credits of thesis research (CHEB 5990)
- A thesis
- A public oral presentation and a private oral examination
Required coursework includes medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology taught by faculty from the corresponding departments. Electives are chosen to complement a student’s interests and the research program that they join.
Many graduate courses in chemistry are scheduled in the evening, allowing students to complete the degree part-time. This flexibility allows students to tailor a program of study to suit their needs.
For students who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in completing the doctoral program in chemistry, there is a mechanism to transition into the Ph.D. program after the master's requirements are completed. A total of 39 credits are required, including 12 credits from dissertation research credits. Students will develop an appropriate coursework track with a mentor that will be approved by the graduate program director and/or the department chair.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Graduate students are active in the research areas of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and pharmacology. Research groups regularly publish in top-ranked journals and present at national and international conferences.
Program Outcome
- Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature in chemical biology.
- Graduates will be able to apply the major practices, theories, or research methodologies in chemical biology.
- Graduates will be able to apply chemistry principles to biology.
- Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations in both oral and written forms.
- Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly and professional integrity in chemical biology.
Career Opportunities
Chemical biology graduates are employed in a diverse array of fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, patent law, biomedical engineering and academic research.
English Language Requirements
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Program Admission Requirements
Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Download the GMAT mini quiz to get a flavour of the questions you’ll find in the exam.