Welcome!  For the past two years, the volunteers listed below have worked diligently to develop a program for certifying bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related subjects.   Our objective has been to devise an accreditation program that serves the needs of both students and faculty.  Clicking on the link below will take you to a document describing the version 1.0 of the program, including instructions for how your institution can apply to participate.  

The goals of the ASBMB degree certification program are to provide:  

1. A national, outcomes-based mechanism by which students receiving a B.S. or B.A. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology or closely related major1 are given an opportunity to have their degree certified by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).    
2. A vehicle for recognizing undergraduate BMB programs whose features and infrastructure fulfill the basic expectations of the ASBMB.  
3. Access to an independently constructed and scored instrument for assessing student achievement and program effectiveness.  

The success of this program, and its continued development and improvement, depends on buy in from you and other educators.  Thank you for your interest. We look forward to both your feedback and your participation. 

The ASBMB degree certification program contains two parts: 

1. Applying for ASBMB-recognized status as an institution
2. Applying for ASBMB-receognized status as a graduate receiving a ASBMB-recognized biochemistry and/or molecular biology degree

Institutional Certification Application: 

The following pieces of information are needed to apply for ASBMB-recognized status:

Institution: 

• The name of the degree program and the identity of the participating unit(s).
• Contact person.
• Letter of support from the Dean or equivalent institutional authority.
• Number of BMB degrees awarded each year for the preceding five years.
• Description of instructional facilities, including teaching and research laboratories,
  major instrumentation, and safety infrastructure.
• Evidence of institutional value and support for diversity of faculty and students
• Description of information resources and, where applicable, library facilities.
• Description of professional development programs and opportunities for BMB faculty.
• Description of course availability: timing and capacity.
• Description of safety program as it relates to BMB faculty and students
  Faculty
• List of all faculty directly participating in the delivery of the BMB bachelor’s degree
  program. Please include rank, unit affiliation, curriculum vitae, role in the program, approximate time commitment to the program.
• Names and affiliations of any additional faculty or other key personnel relevant to the
  program, such as faculty who sponsor undergraduate research experiences for BMB majors.

Curriculum 

• Statement of educational goals for BMB majors and outline of overall educational
  approach/philosophy (limit one page).
• Brief description of the curriculum for BMB majors, including required courses and
  electives, and a short description of how each relates to the core concepts.
• Description of required STEM experiential learning component, including laboratory
  classes or equivalent, including contact hours (400 minimum).
• Description of undergraduate research opportunities, coop, and/or internship
  programs available to BMB majors and/or mechanisms for assisting students in obtaining such opportunities.
• Description of how the BMB program promotes communication skills
• Description of how the program fosters the development of teamwork skills
• Description of academic and career advising resources and programs.
• Brief description of the internal assessment methods used by the BMB program.

Send completed application materials to: 

ASBMB Degree Certification
c/o Weiyi Zhao
11200 Rockville Pike, Suite 302
Rockville, MD 20852

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Degree Certification

Once a program has been approved as an ASBMB-recognized degree granting program, its students become eligible for an ASBMB-certified degree.  To qualify for degree certification, students must:

1. Be in their final year of study for their BMB degree
2. Exhibit a satisfactory performance on the ASBMB assessment instrument

For more information about the ASBMB assessment instrument and detailed information regarding the ASBMB BMB Certification program, please consult the Accreditation Program Descrption: Download the full Accreditation Program Description.  

ASBMB DEGREE CERTIFICATION WORKING GROUP 
Cheryl Bailey, HHMI
Suzanne Barbour, Virginia Commonwealth University 
J. Ellis Bell, University of Richmond 
Benjamin Caldwell, Missouri Western State University 
Peter J. Kennelly, Virginia Tech 
Debra Martin, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota 
Joseph Provost, San Diego University 
Quinn Vega, Montclair State University 
Adele Wolfson, Wesleyan University 

Questions?  Contact exam@asbmb.org.