Chemical Biology, M.A.

A master’s degree in chemical biology from Saint Louis University provides advanced instruction and training in synthetic organic chemistry, biology and pharmacology. 

SLU's M.A. in chemical biology provides excellent preparation for transitioning to or enhancing a professional career in the life sciences industry. Employment opportunities include a variety of jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and materials industries. The core of this degree will include organic and medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology and can be tailored to match the student’s particular interests within the field of chemical biology.  

Program Highlights

Saint Louis University's chemical biology M.A. program offers students:

• Coursework taught by faculty from the departments of chemistry and biology and pharmacology and physiology in the School of Medicine
• Small class sizes
• Can be completed in a part-time manner as many courses are offered in the evenings

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Arts in Chemical Biology offers specialization in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology, with cross-disciplinary study strongly encouraged.

The requirements for the non-thesis M.A. degree include:

• A minimum of 30 credits of post-baccalaureate coursework
• A private oral examination

Required coursework includes medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology taught by faculty from the corresponding departments. Electives are chosen to complement the student’s interests.

Many graduate courses in chemistry are scheduled in the evening, allowing students to complete the degree as part-time students. This flexibility allows students to tailor a program of study to suit their needs.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Graduate students are active in the research areas of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and pharmacology.

Career Options

Chemical biology graduates are employed in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, patent law, biomedical engineering and academic research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess sufficient GPA and TOEFL (if applicable) scores and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, usually in chemistry, biochemistry or biology, although other science majors will be considered.

Admission normally requires undergraduate coursework including (minimum credits in parentheses):

• Calculus (4)
• Organic chemistry with labs (8)
• Physics with labs (8)
• Physical chemistry (3)
• Biochemistry (3)
• Biology (6)

Students who do not meet these criteria may complete these prerequisites as part of their graduate program, though not for graduate credit.

Application Requirements

• Application form 
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Goal statement
• Interview (desired)

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadlines

Students who want to be considered for the summer and fall semesters must submit their application by Jan. 15. Students who wish to be considered for the spring semester should apply by Oct. 15.

Review Process

A three-person committee votes on whether to accept applicants.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Graduates will be able to assess relevant literature in chemical biology.
2. Graduates will be able to apply chemistry principles to biology.
3. Graduates will be able to articulate arguments or explanations in both oral and written forms.
4. Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly and professional integrity in chemical biology.

Non-Course Requirements

A private oral examination.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

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Selected from 5000 level courses in consultation with student’s research mentor. Electives should be selected from chemistry, biology, pharmacology, or biochemistry departments. Electives can also be fulfilled by taking 5000-level courses in other disciplines with approval by a program coordinator and the student’s committee.

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PPY 5110 Introduction to Pharmacology (1 cr) and PPY 5120 Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I (2 cr) may be taken in place of PPY 5410 Molecular Pharmacology (3 cr).

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Students in the coursework M.A. program have will commonly take one to two courses a semester, which means the timeline will vary for each student. 

†

CHEM 5630 Introduction to Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (3 cr) is only offered every other fall.

‡

Electives (must take at least four courses): Electives can be fulfilled by taking 5000-level courses in chemistry, pharmacology or biology.  Electives in other disciplines such as math, computer science, and engineering may be taken with approval by a program coordinator and the student’s committee.

For additional information about our program, please contact

Christopher Arnatt, Ph.D.
Program coordinator, chemical biology
(314) 977-8290
chemicalbiology@slu.edu