The thesis plan is the preferred method of attaining the M.S. in Biochemistry. Preference in admissions is given to those students who have already identified a faculty Research Advisor under whose direction the thesis research is conducted. By the sixth week of the first term in residence, a master's committee is appointed for each student consisting of the student's faculty research advisor and two additional faculty members chosen by the Graduate Advisor. This committee has the responsibility for approving or disapproving the master's thesis. By the end of the first term, the student is required to submit a brief written research proposal for approval by the master's committee.
Students have five academic year terms after the submission of the proposal to complete the degree.