The department offers a special fifth-year Master of Science program designed to enhance the scientific education of UMass Amherst undergraduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors with strong academic records (minimum recommended GPA, 3.2). Requirements for the Master of Science degree set by the Graduate School apply. Students may complete the requirements of this program in 15 months from receipt of the bachelor’s degree. Applications by students from other universities are not accepted at this time. Laboratory research experience in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology labs prior to admission to the Master of Science program is required. In most cases, an undergraduate research project can be developed more fully to provide the basis for the thesis project. Undergraduate majors interested in this program should discuss it with their undergraduate research mentor in the sixth semester, if possible.