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Eastern Illinois University

Biochemistry, Thesis

An intense exposure to the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, with both lecture and research components. Students will work in small groups with their PhD mentor on active internally and externally funded research programs that lead to presentations and peer-reviewed publications. A critical reading course and seminar series ensure comprehensive exposure to literature and preparing student to present professionally.

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Biochemistry, Thesis

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
30 Total, 24 in Major
Careers
Biochemists, Biophysicists, Chemists, Scientists
Biochemistry, Thesis students at EIU

Why Study Biochemistry, Thesis at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Biochemistry, Thesis | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Biochemistry, Thesis at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Biochemistry, Thesis students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The thesis track in the M.S. in Biochemistry gives you an intense exposure to biochemistry and molecular biology, with both lecture and research components. It is a fit if you are research-minded and want to build a strong foundation for a PhD program or a career in industry, government or education.

View in Catalog
$107,353
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Biochemists & Biophysicists
  • Chemists
  • Medical Scientists
  • Medical & Clinical Laboratory…
  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Water Resource Specialists
  • Food Science Technicians

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit InvestigativeInvestigative interest typeYou like digging into how things work. This type of work involves researching and analyzing natural phenomena, living things, health problems or human behavior.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,150 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
15% of lifetime limit

$15,150 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Cesar Ortiz-Ledon
Assistant Professor-Analytical Chemistry Graduate Coordinator
caortiz2@eiu.edu
3460 Physical Science
217-581-2720
Cesar Ortiz-Ledon Message Cesar

Message Cesar

or email caortiz2@eiu.edu directly
Edward Treadwell
Department Chair, Professor - Organic Chemistry, Pre-Medicine Adviser Chemistry Concentration
emtreadwell@eiu.edu
3154
217-581-5906
Edward Treadwell Message Edward

Message Edward

or email emtreadwell@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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