Studies in molecular biology focus on the biochemical processes that compose the molecular machinery of life. The pathway that flows from DNA transcription to RNA translation to protein synthesis is one key area of study.

Master-level studies involve specialized study in a field of research or an area of professional practice. Earning a master’s degree demonstrates a higher mastery of the subject. Earning a master’s degree can take anywhere from a year to three or four years. Before you can graduate, you usually must write and defend a thesis, a long paper that is the culmination of your specialized research.