Graduate Program

Biochemistry at the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) provides world-class training that can open the door to a wide variety of career opportunities in the life sciences. As a nationally ranked top 10 biochemistry department among public medical schools, we offer outstanding training that will help you achieve your goals. Whether you desire to work in academia or industry, agriculture or medicine, the multidisciplinary research of our 40 doctoral faculty can provide training in your area of interest. Our highly interactive program is an integral part of a campus-wide network of research programs including life sciences, genetics, nutrition, plant biochemistry and structural biology.

It is difficult to convey the spirit of a group of highly motivated scientists. We can give you but a slight taste of our activities. Be assured we are at the forefront of the Life Sciences' revolution, and the training you receive will prepare you to be a full participant in Biochemistry's future growth.

We invite you to click on any of the general areas below to learn more about our faculty and their research programs:

The Columns and Jesse Hall, University of Missouri-Columbia

Tiger Plaza with Jesse Hall in the distance, on campus

Why MU Biochemistry?

MU Biochemistry is nationally ranked within the top 10 of public medical schools in research funding. Our department consists of faculty from both the College of Food and Natural Resources and the School of Medicine. This unique merging of strengths in one department provides a combined wealth of expertise that spans Agricultural, Life Sciences and Biomedical Research.

Training and Research Facilities:
The MU Biochemistry Graduate Program is designed to provide training in laboratory research, seminar preparation and delivery, scientific writing, problem solving and research grant writing. MU and the Biochemistry Department provide state-of-the-art facilities that encourage multidisciplinary and collaborative research. We are currently in a growth phase with a recently completed $65 million Life Sciences Building and a $10 million addition and renovation of Schweitzer Hall. One of the new research laboratories will house a $2.1 million 800 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer.

About MU:
The University of Missouri-Columbia was founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River and the first state university in Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase territory. MU provides all the benefits of two universities in one — it's a major land-grant institution and Missouri's largest public research university.

Learn more at: http://www.missouri.edu/about/

About Columbia:
Columbia, Missouri, is an active, growing community of more than 90,000 residents. Located in central Missouri, Columbia is just 125 miles from both St. Louis and Kansas City. Money Magazine has often ranked Columbia among the top cities in its "Best Places to Live" survey, based on the city's highly educated work force, strong economy, low cost of living, award-winning schools and unique opportunities for recreation, dining and shopping. The District is the center of Columbia's nightlife and a great place for shopping. Located adjacent to the MU campus, it features 110 unique shops and 70 bars and restaurants in 43 square blocks. During June and September, the District acts as host to the Columbia Twilight Festival, a family friendly event that features local artists, street musicians and other activities.

Learn more at:
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/OurTown/
http://www.offbeattravel.com/columbia-missouri.html

Memorial Union, University of Missouri-Columbia

Memorial Football Stadium, on campus

Financial Support for Graduate Students

All Biochemistry graduate students are guaranteed a stipend while they are making acceptable research progress. Additionally, tuition, health insurance fees, and incidental fees are covered for all qualifying full-time graduate students in Biochemistry. Our graduate student stipend is highly competitive by national standards, considering the low cost of living in Columbia (http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costofliving.html).

Rock Bridge State Park, Columbia

Katy Trail, Columbia

Program of Study

Timeline of Graduate Study:
The average graduation time in the PhD program is just over 5 years and various milestones are shown below.

Rotations:
Starting in the Fall semester of the first year, students begin their graduate studies by engaging in three laboratory rotations with the aim of identifying a lab in which to conduct their PhD thesis research. By the end of the second semester, most students will have chosen a lab for thesis research.

Thesis Committee:
During the second semester, students will assemble their thesis committee in consultation with their thesis advisor. This committee will meet with the student once yearly to provide advice on courses and research.

Handbook:
More information about the program of graduate study can be found in our Graduate Student Handbook (PDF).

Downtown, Columbia

Missouri River, Columbia

How to Apply

Those wishing to apply to our program should have an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or one of the life sciences. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) and a GRE score of greater than 1200 are usually recommended.

Deadlines:
The deadline for receiving completed applications is Jan. 15, 2008 for admission starting Fall 2008. An application is not considered complete until all requested information has been received.

Application Process:
The following is a checklist of the documents required for applying to the Biochemistry Program. Student should first apply to the Biochemistry Program (no application fee) using either our online application system or the downloadable pdf form. Once an applicant has been offered admissions into the program they must apply to the MU Graduate School and pay an application fee ($45 U.S.A.; $60 International). Biochemistry will submit all original transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores to the MU Graduate School on behalf of the applicant.

Where to mail your documents:
Biochemistry Graduate Admissions
University of Missouri - Columbia
117 Schweitzer Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Where to send electronic submissions:
gradprogram@missouri.edu

Student Recreation Center, University of Missouri-Columbia

Public Library, Columbia

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us! We are here to help you through this process.

Michelle Betz and Melissa George
Biochemistry Graduate Admissions Support
Phone: 573-884-8742
Toll-free: 800-647-2414
Fax: 573-882-5635
E-mail: gradprogram@missouri.edu