MS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

The BCMB graduate program offers a Master's and a PhD option, with students able to join research teams across the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the Bourns School of Engineering and the School of Medicine.

Faculty: College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Duration: Normative time 3 quarters (Plan II) if prerequisites completed as an undergraduate | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

Plan I (thesis): at least 36 quarter units, 24 graduate level, plus thesis accepted by a three-faculty committee. Plan II: at least 36 units, 18 graduate level, plus a comprehensive exam.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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