Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Masters Program

Ensure Your Future in Biotechnology

Are you ready to turn your passion for science into a high-impact career? We are looking for five exceptional Master’s students each year to join a transformative, interdisciplinary training program.

You won’t just earn a degree—you’ll join a research community! From an immersive two-week onboarding experience to dedicated faculty mentoring, we provide the environment you need to thrive. Whether it’s through exclusive networking events or peer support, this program is designed to ensure you excel. Join us in shaping the future of the global biotechnology workforce.

North Carolina State University was awarded an NSF S-STEM grant entitled “Expanding Participation and Promoting Excellence in Biotechnology Careers Through the Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Masters Program“. This program empowers high-achieving, low-income graduate students to thrive in STEM. 

Why Choose the IBMP?

• Dual-Layer Mentorship: Access dedicated support from both the Biochemistry Department and IBMP faculty in other participating departments that are committed to your personal success.
• Peer-Powered Success: Join a collaborative student cohort that provides a built-in network of academic and social support.
• Equity-Focused Funding: Targeted financial assistance is available to help low-income students focus on their research.
• The Two-Week Launchpad: A dedicated onboarding experience designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate life and graduate-level rigor.
• Cross-Disciplinary Discovery: Tackle research projects led by faculty across multiple departments, mirroring the collaborative nature of the modern biotech industry.
• Whole-Student Support: Full integration with campus resources, from mental wellness and peer mentoring to comprehensive career development.
• Industry Connections: Build your professional network through specialized seminars and 1-on-1 mentorship with industry veterans in your second year.
• Accelerated PhD Pathway: High-performing Master’s students have a direct internal track to transfer into the PhD program.

Academic Program & Requirements

The Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master’s Program (IBMP) is a research-intensive, two-year journey. Our curriculum is designed to ground you in advanced biochemical theory while giving you the flexibility to specialize in your area of interest.

The IBMP Curriculum

Students complete a total of 30 credit hours of coursework and independent research. Coursework includes 18 graded credit hours of graduate-level coursework (typically six 3-credit courses) and 12 credit hours or more of independent research. This curriculum is split between a core mastery of biochemistry and elective specialization.

Core Biochemistry Requirements (9 Credits)

All scholars build foundational biochemistry knowledge through our three primary graduate courses:

• BCH 701: Metabolism and macromolecular structure 
• BCH 703: Genome integrity and dynamics of gene expression
• BCH 705: Signal transduction and cellular regulation 

Research-Driven Electives (9 Credits)

The remaining three courses are tailored to your career goals. You will select these in close consultation with your research advisors to ensure your classroom learning directly supports your laboratory discoveries.

Research & Professional Development

Beyond the classroom, the IBMP focuses on transforming students into independent scientists through:

• Literature Analysis: Dive deep into recent scientific breakthroughs in specialized seminars.
• Seminar Series: Engage with world-class experts through the Department of Biochemistry seminars and share your own progress in student-led forums.
• Interdisciplinary Application: Apply core biochemical principles to complex challenges across diverse campus departments.

The Master’s Thesis

The culmination of your two years of research is the Master’s Thesis. You will work under the guidance of your faculty mentors to produce a formal written thesis and deliver a public presentation of your findings—the formal culmination of your work as you enter your professional career or further doctoral studies.

Explore Our 2026 Interdisciplinary Research Projects

Our program offers a unique, collaborative environment where Master’s scholars work at the intersection of diverse scientific fields. Each project is designed to provide scholars with hands-on experience in high-demand technical skills, from microbial genomics to mass spectrometry. By working across departments, you will build a versatile professional network and a unique scientific toolkit.

• Metabolic Regulation by the Gut in Metabolic Syndrome
  • Bridging Biochemistry & Veterinary Medicine
  • Mentors: Drs. Xiaojing Liu & Ian Williamson
  • Investigate the complex signaling between the gut microbiome and host metabolism to unlock new insights into one of today’s most pressing health challenges.
• Non-Invasive, Real-Time Metabolic Profiling of Cancer Cells
  • Bridging Biochemistry & Chemistry
  • Mentors: Drs. Melanie Simpson & Thomas Theis
  • Utilize state-of-the-art Hyperpolarized NMR to visualize the inner workings of cancer cells in real-time, pushing the boundaries of diagnostic precision and metabolic tracking.
• Redox-Driven Rumen Microbiome Optimization
  • Bridging Plant/Microbial Biology & Animal Science
  • Mentors: Drs. Lye Zhe & Vivek Fellner
  • Tackle global sustainability by optimizing cattle production through the lens of microbial redox chemistry—a project at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
• Viral Triggers of Extracellular Polysaccharide Overproduction
  • Bridging Applied Ecology & Biochemistry
  • Mentors: Drs. Brad Taylor & Trino Ascencio-Ibañez
  • Uncover the biochemical mysteries of the diatom Didymosphenia geminata, exploring how viral infections disrupt aquatic ecosystems and drive polysaccharide spikes.
• Visualizing Fructose Metabolism, Mitochondrial Function, and Histone Dynamics
  • Bridging Physics & Biochemistry
  • Mentors: Drs. Sharonda LeBlanc & Arion Kennedy
  • Deploy advanced biophysical imaging techniques to map how dietary sugar reshapes cellular function at the mitochondrial and epigenetic levels.

Eligibility & Financial Support

In addition to generous stipend support, the IBMP – which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) – covers tuition and medical benefits through the Graduate Student Support Plan.

To qualify for financial support, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Financial Need: Candidates must demonstrate low-income status. This is verified via the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which should be completed alongside your Graduate School application.
• Residency Status: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawfully admitted permanent resident.
• Application: Completion of the standard NC State Graduate School application for the Biochemistry Masters program is required.