5-Year BS/MS Pathway

Five-Year BS in Biochemistry Plus MS in Biotechnology Pathway

Undergraduate students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Research Emphasis) and Master of Science in Biotechnology in just five years. The combination of these two degrees prepares graduates for success in biotechnology careers. Biochemistry majors admitted to the MS in Biotechnology program can take up to 9 units of 500-level graduate coursework during their senior year, finishing the remaining 30 units for the master’s degree over the next year (e.g., 6 units in the summer term, 9 units in the fall term, and 15 units in the spring term).

Students interested in completing this five-year pathway should apply to APU as a biochemistry major and by the end of their sophomore year declare the research emphasis. During their junior year (after completing BIOL 280 with C- or better), students must apply to the MS in Biotechnology program. The graduate application fee will be waived. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered for the MS program and five-year pathway. Once a student has been accepted into the MS program, they can begin their graduate coursework in their senior year, according to the course requirements indicated in the catalog. For more information about this pathway, contact biologyandchemistry@apu.edu.

Entry requirements differ among graduate schools and jobs. Students are responsible for researching the requirements of graduate programs and professions in which they are interested.