{"id":18973,"date":"2026-03-18T12:10:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T16:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/?page_id=18973"},"modified":"2026-04-28T14:42:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T18:42:23","slug":"interdisciplinary-biochemistry-masters-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/graduate\/interdisciplinary-biochemistry-masters-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Masters Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-media-divider ncst-media-divider has-reynolds-400-box-color box-position-left\"><div class=\"ncst-media-divider__container\"><div class=\"ncst-media-divider__image-container\"><div class=\"ncst-media-divider__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/11\/Matteo.jpg)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"707\" class=\"wp-image-18837\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/11\/Matteo.jpg\" alt=\"Graduate student lunch\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/11\/Matteo.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/11\/Matteo-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/11\/Matteo-1024x483.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/11\/Matteo-768x362.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ensure Your Future in Biotechnology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you ready to turn your passion for science into a high-impact career? We are looking for five exceptional Master\u2019s students each year to join a transformative, interdisciplinary training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You won\u2019t just earn a degree\u2014you\u2019ll join a research community! From an immersive&nbsp;<strong>two-week onboarding experience<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>dedicated faculty mentoring<\/strong>, we provide the environment you need to thrive. Whether it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"ncst-aside-container\">\n  <div class=\"ncst-aside-contents\">\n    <a\n    class=\"ncst-content-card wp-block-ncst-spotlight-box has-reynolds-400-background-color\"\n    href=\"mailto:rbrose2@ncsu.edu?cc=jjbaryck@ncsu.edu&amp;subject=NC&#160;State IBMP\"\n    data-ua-cat=\"Content Card\"\n    data-ua-action=\"Content Card Click\"\n    data-ua-label=mailto:rbrose2@ncsu.edu?cc=jjbaryck@ncsu.edu&amp;subject=NC&#160;State IBMP\n  >\n  \n\n    \n    <div class=\"content-card__text-container\">\n      \n                          <h3 class=\"content-card__headline\">Have questions? Contact Us<\/h3>\n              \n\n      \t      \t        <p class=\"content-card__teaser\">E-mail the IBMP Director and the  Director of Graduate <span class=nowrap>Programs.&nbsp;<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-light\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            \n            <use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-light\">\n        <\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t      \t    \n          <\/div>\n\n  <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>North Carolina State University was awarded an NSF S-STEM grant entitled &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/awardsearch\/show-award\/?AWD_ID=2527658\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Expanding Participation and Promoting Excellence in Biotechnology Careers Through the Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Masters Program<\/strong>&#8220;<\/a>. This program empowers high-achieving, low-income graduate students to thrive in STEM.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Choose the IBMP?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dual-Layer Mentorship:<\/strong>&nbsp;Access dedicated support from both the Biochemistry Department and IBMP faculty in other participating departments that are committed to your personal success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Peer-Powered Success:<\/strong>&nbsp;Join a collaborative student cohort that provides a built-in network of academic and social support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equity-Focused Funding:<\/strong>&nbsp;Targeted financial assistance is available to help low-income students focus on their research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Two-Week Launchpad:<\/strong>&nbsp;A dedicated onboarding experience designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate life and graduate-level rigor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-Disciplinary Discovery:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tackle research projects led by faculty across multiple departments, mirroring the collaborative nature of the modern biotech industry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Whole-Student Support:<\/strong>&nbsp;Full integration with campus resources, from mental wellness and peer mentoring to comprehensive career development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Industry Connections:<\/strong>&nbsp;Build your professional network through specialized seminars and 1-on-1 mentorship with industry veterans in your second year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accelerated PhD Pathway:<\/strong>&nbsp;High-performing Master\u2019s students have a direct internal track to transfer into the PhD program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-mini-story ncst-askew-media-text has-green-400-background-color\"><div class=\"ncst-askew-media-text__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-text-column\"><h2 class=\"ncst-text-column__heading\">New Grant to Grow Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master\u2019s Program<\/h2><p class=\"ncst-text-column__teaser\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button is-style-secondary\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/news\/new-grant-to-grow-interdisciplinary-biochemistry-masters-program\/\" class=\"btn ncst-block__button-link\" data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\" data-ua-cat=\"Button Block\" data-ua-action=\"Button Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/news\/new-grant-to-grow-interdisciplinary-biochemistry-masters-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"text\">Read more&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\">\n<svg class=\"wp-block-ncst-wolficon wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"565\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2022\/11\/DSmith_Slidealyzer-1024x565.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2022\/11\/DSmith_Slidealyzer-1024x565.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2022\/11\/DSmith_Slidealyzer-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2022\/11\/DSmith_Slidealyzer-768x424.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2022\/11\/DSmith_Slidealyzer.jpg 1450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Academic Program &amp; Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master\u2019s Program (IBMP)<\/strong>&nbsp;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The IBMP Curriculum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students complete a total of&nbsp;30 credit hours of coursework and independent research. Coursework includes&nbsp;<strong>18 graded credit hours<\/strong>&nbsp;of graduate-level coursework (typically six 3-credit courses) and <strong>12 credit hours or more<\/strong> of independent research. This curriculum is split between a core mastery of biochemistry and elective specialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Core Biochemistry Requirements (9 Credits)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All scholars build foundational biochemistry knowledge through our three primary graduate courses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>BCH 701:<\/strong>&nbsp;Metabolism and macromolecular structure&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BCH 703:<\/strong>&nbsp;Genome integrity and dynamics of gene expression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BCH 705:<\/strong>&nbsp;Signal transduction and cellular regulation&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Research-Driven Electives (9 Credits)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The remaining three courses are tailored to your career goals. You will select these in close consultation with your&nbsp;<strong>research advisors<\/strong>&nbsp;to ensure your classroom learning directly supports your laboratory discoveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Research &amp; Professional Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the classroom, the IBMP focuses on transforming students into independent scientists through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Literature Analysis:<\/strong>&nbsp;Dive deep into recent scientific breakthroughs in specialized seminars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seminar Series:<\/strong>&nbsp;Engage with world-class experts through the Department of Biochemistry seminars and share your own progress in student-led forums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interdisciplinary Application:<\/strong>&nbsp;Apply core biochemical principles to complex challenges across diverse campus departments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Master\u2019s Thesis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The culmination of your two years of research is the&nbsp;<strong>Master\u2019s Thesis<\/strong>. You will work under the guidance of your faculty mentors to produce a formal written thesis and deliver a public presentation of your findings\u2014the formal culmination of your work as you enter your professional career or further doctoral studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-big-fact has-reynolds-400-background-color\"><div class=\"big-fact__container\"><h2 class=\"big-fact__heading\">Secure Your Spot in the Fall 2026 IBMP Class!<\/h2><p class=\"big-fact__support\">Interdisciplinary Research. Dedicated Mentorship. Full Support for eligible scholars.  Application deadline: May 15, 2026.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button is-style-secondary\"><a href=\"https:\/\/applygrad.ncsu.edu\/apply\/\" class=\"btn ncst-block__button-link\" data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\" data-ua-cat=\"Button Block\" data-ua-action=\"Button Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/applygrad.ncsu.edu\/apply\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"text\">Apply now!<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\">\n<svg class=\"wp-block-ncst-wolficon wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore Our 2026 Interdisciplinary Research Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our program offers a unique, collaborative environment where Master\u2019s scholars work at the intersection of diverse scientific fields. Each project is designed to provide scholars with hands-on experience in&nbsp;<strong>high-demand technical skills<\/strong>, from microbial genomics to mass spectrometry. By working across departments, you will build a versatile professional network and a unique scientific toolkit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Metabolic Regulation by the Gut in Metabolic Syndrome<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Bridging Biochemistry &amp; Veterinary Medicine<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentors:<\/strong>&nbsp;Drs. <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/people\/xiaojing-liu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Xiaojing Liu<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.organoidian.org\/team\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ian Williamson<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investigate the complex signaling between the gut microbiome and host metabolism to unlock new insights into one of today\u2019s most pressing health challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-Invasive, Real-Time Metabolic Profiling of Cancer Cells<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Bridging Biochemistry &amp; Chemistry<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentors:<\/strong>&nbsp;Drs. <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/people\/melanie-simpson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melanie Simpson<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/chemistry.sciences.ncsu.edu\/thomas-theis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thomas Theis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utilize state-of-the-art&nbsp;<strong>Hyperpolarized NMR<\/strong>&nbsp;to visualize the inner workings of cancer cells in real-time, pushing the boundaries of diagnostic precision and metabolic tracking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Redox-Driven Rumen Microbiome Optimization<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Bridging Plant\/Microbial Biology &amp; Animal Science<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentors:<\/strong>&nbsp;Drs. <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/plant-and-microbial-biology\/people\/zhe-lyu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zhe Lyu<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/animal-science\/people\/vivek-fellner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vivek Fellner<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tackle global sustainability by optimizing cattle production through the lens of microbial redox chemistry\u2014a project at the forefront of agricultural innovation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Viral Triggers of Extracellular Polysaccharide Overproduction<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Bridging Applied Ecology &amp; Biochemistry<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentors:<\/strong>&nbsp;Drs. <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/applied-ecology\/people\/bwtaylo3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brad Taylor <\/a>&amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/people\/trino-ascencio-ibanez\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trino Ascencio-Iba\u00f1ez<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uncover the biochemical mysteries of the diatom&nbsp;<em>Didymosphenia geminata<\/em>, exploring how viral infections disrupt aquatic ecosystems and drive polysaccharide spikes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visualizing Fructose Metabolism, Mitochondrial Function, and Histone Dynamics<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Bridging Physics &amp; Biochemistry<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentors:<\/strong>&nbsp;Drs. <a href=\"https:\/\/physics.sciences.ncsu.edu\/people\/sharonda-leblanc-phd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sharonda LeBlanc <\/a>&amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/people\/arion-kennedy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arion Kennedy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deploy advanced biophysical imaging techniques to map how dietary sugar reshapes cellular function at the mitochondrial and epigenetic levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Eligibility &amp; Financial Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to generous stipend support, the IBMP &#8211; which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) &#8211; covers tuition and medical benefits through the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grad.ncsu.edu\/student-funding\/graduate-student-support-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Graduate Student Support Plan<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To qualify for financial support, applicants must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Financial Need:<\/strong>&nbsp;Candidates must demonstrate low-income status, verified via the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>FAFSA&nbsp;(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)<\/strong><\/a>. The FAFSA should be completed concurrently with your Graduate School application. The NC&#160;State Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid currently defines &#8220;low income&#8221; as a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 6,500 or less.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Residency Status:<\/strong>&nbsp;Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawfully admitted permanent resident.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Application:<\/strong>&nbsp;Completion of the standard <a href=\"https:\/\/applygrad.ncsu.edu\/apply\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>NC&#160;State Graduate School application<\/strong><\/a> for the Biochemistry Masters program  is required.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s students each year to join&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":707,"featured_media":0,"parent":1870,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-18973","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/707"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18973"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19090,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18973\/revisions\/19090"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/molecular-and-structural-biochemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}