The Department offers a Ph.D. degree in molecular biology. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in independent research or teaching in biochemistry and molecular biology. The M.S. in biochemistry is also offered with both a thesis and non-thesis option. Faculty research areas include enzymology, protein biochemistry, plant biochemistry and molecular biology, nucleic acids research, microbiobial molecular biology, and use of biochemistry and molecular biology as they relate to bioenergy and biofuels. Emphasis is placed upon application of molecular approaches to solving agricultural problems. Opportunities are available for interdisciplinary research projects with other departments, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, computer science, entomology and plant pathology, biological sciences, food science and technology, animal and dairy science, plant and soil sciences, and veterinary medicine. Program requirements are flexible and geared toward individual student needs.
The bulk of the course work required for the Ph.D. is usually completed in the first two years of graduate study. The remaining time is devoted totally to research. Students designate a dissertation advisor and are encouraged to start their research as soon as possible.
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, housed in Dorman Hall, has the facilities and equipment required for modern biochemical and molecular biological research. Research equipment includes numerous DNA thermal cyclers, recording spectrophotometers, spectrofluorometers, preparative centrifuges, ultracentrifuges, various electrophoretic equipment including a two-dimensional preparative set-up, analytical high-pressure liquid chromatographs, a gas chromatograph, tissue culture and isotope facilities, FPLC, bioloistic gene gun, automated DNA sequencer, X-ray film developer, and a darkroom. Arrangements can also be made with other departments for the use of facilities for scanning and transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, light scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance including a 600MHz instrument. The Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute also provides core equipment such as a mass spectrometer, automated colony picker, and phosphoimager.
Graduate research assistantships are available at $15,100 per year. Numerous employment opportunities are available for spouses at the University as well as the surrounding community.
Student tuition and fees for 2006-2007 were $2275 per semester. A non-resident fee of $2978 is assessed to out-of-state students. However, graduate students holding assistantships have their tuition waived.
The University maintains residence halls for single graduate students. University married-student housing is also available. Off campus housing is plentiful.
The University has a total enrollment of about 16,000 students, 3,000 of whom are graduate students.
Starkville is located in northeastern Mississippi. It is about 2 1/2 hours from Jackson, MS and Birmingham, AL and 3 hours from Memphis, TN. New Orleans and Atlanta are each about 5 hours away. Opportunities for outdoor recreation, including golf, hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, and water-skiing, are available at several sites within a 30-minute drive of the campus.
Mississippi State University was established in 1878 as a state land-grant college. It has since grown to encompass nine colleges and schools. The grounds of the University occupy 4,000 acres.
On-campus entertainment includes the Lyceum series, numerous concerts, and lecture series. Also available are the University- owned 18-hole golf course, a bowling alley, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The University also has an active intramural sports program. The University Union has facilities for various student activities.
Admission is granted each semester. Application must be made to the Registrar. Admission procedures and requirements are available upon request. Application for financial aid must be made by May 1 for Fall entrance.