Medical school and alternatives
Affiliated with the School of Medicine, MU’s Department of Biochemistry provides an interdisciplinary environment in which to study the biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and bacteria. Students can participate in research programs supported by the department, the medical school’s summer fellowship program and research grants.
Biochemistry faculty members participate in the medical school curriculum and help advance the practice of medicine through the application of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
Admission
Admission to the School of Medicine is based on Medical College Admissions Test scores, completion of required coursework, academic performance and letters of reference.
Pre-admission
The MU School of Medicine offers pre-admission opportunities to outstanding undergraduate students through the Bryant Scholars Program and the Conley Scholars Program.
Bryant Scholars Program
The Bryant Scholars Program is designed to encourage students from rural areas to pursue medical education. The MU School of Medicine annually offers pre-admission for up to 10 students who are committed to practicing medicine in rural Missouri. To be considered for the program, a student must be a Missouri resident and must have earned a minimum score of 30 on the ACT or 1300 on the SAT.
Conley Scholars Program
High school seniors in Missouri and nearby states are eligible to apply for the Conley Scholars Program, which ensures acceptance into the School of Medicine upon successful completion of undergraduate work at MU. Students in this program can help conduct medical research and specially tailor their undergraduate coursework to their educational goals. To be considered, a student must have earned a minimum score of 30 on the ACT or 1300 on the SAT and pass an evaluation of academic credentials and personal qualities. To remain in the program, Conley Scholars must meet Honors College requirements and must complete required laboratory courses with a minimum grade of B in each and a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Alternatives to medical school
Biochemistry students who apply to medical school but are not accepted can pursue countless other educational and professional opportunities. Career options for biochemists range from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and forensics to government, education and law.
Students also can seek graduate degrees in biochemistry or in one of CAFNR’s other 17 graduate programs.
