Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry to Master of Science in Chemical Biology

Saint Louis University's bachelor's-to-master's program in chemical biology provides a strong foundation in chemistry and branches out into medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and molecular biology. A five-year course schedule is provided to SLU undergraduates that demonstrates how to complete the undergraduate B.S. degree in biochemistry or biology together with a master's degree in chemical biology. The master's degree can either be a coursework-based M.A. degree or a thesis-based M.S. degree. This program provides excellent preparation for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Existing SLU undergraduates pursuing a B.S. in biochemistry or B.S. in biology-biological chemistry and molecular biology majors may apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s Master’s (ABM) program after completing 75 credits (typically during the spring semester of their third year) if they have a GPA of 3.00 or higher, commensurate with the admission standards for the master’s program in chemical biology. The application will include a personal statement and three letters of support, of which at least two must be from members of the SLU faculty.

If accepted into the program, students who have completed 90 undergraduate credits (typically during their fourth year) may apply up to 15 credits of graduate-level courses (5000-level and up) towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, assuming a grade of B or better. Students targeting a coursework M.A. degree will be mentored by the chemical biology program coordinator. Students targeting a thesis-based M.S. will take CHEB-5110 in the summer after having completed 90 credits (typically between years three and four) and select a research mentor.

Prior to 120 credits, students enrolled in the program will need to adhere to the continuation standards of their undergraduate major. After 120 credits (typically the fifth year), the chemical biology master’s level program continuation requirements apply.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

To ensure a successful academic experience at Saint Louis University, we require international applicants to demonstrate they are proficient in the English language by submitting scores from any one of the following standardized tests:

IELTS minimum score of 6.5; Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) minimum score of 80; Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) minimum score of 550; PTE minimum score of 54; Duolingo minimum score of 125.