Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS
Learn how life works at the molecular level and how medicine helps keep people healthy. Through hands-on science courses, you'll build skills that prepare you for medical school or a career in health and science.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in medicinal biochemistry, you explore how chemistry and biology come together to create life-saving medicines. You learn how molecules work inside cells and how scientists design drugs that fight disease.
Through engaging lectures and hands-on lab work, you build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology and medicinal science. You learn how to think like a scientist, using chemistry and biochemistry to understand how medicines are made and how they work in the body.
You also have the chance to join research labs and work with faculty on real-world projects.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program
This degree qualifies for participation in the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program, which prepares academically outstanding students to solve health care challenges as leaders in medicine and biotechnology. With industry-informed, customized support and tight-knit 30-student cohorts, the MLSBE Program gives you the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.
The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to graduate with two degrees --- one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of their choice. You also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time that a typical four-year degree program requires.
A new cohort is accepted each fall. Incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to the MLSBE Program after they have submitted their application to ASU.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| CHM 117 General Chemistry for Majors I |
| CHM 118 General Chemistry for Majors II |
| BCH 240 Quantitative Reasoning in Biochemistry |
| CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I |
| CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I |
| CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
- Clearly communicate their findings from a basic chemical experiment.
- Analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.
Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in career and personal enrichment. Studying abroad helps students build cultural competency and heightened skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership that enable them to stand out on their graduate school applications.
Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world, and increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while they stay on track for graduation.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentist | 5.7% | $170,950 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Medical Doctor (MD) | 4.0% | $256,560 | Learn more |
| Medical Lab Technician | 2.7% | $62,930 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Optometrists | 9.5% | $136,570 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | Learn more |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | 21.1% | $135,880 | Learn more |
| Scientist/Biochemist | 12.3% | $127,410 | Learn more |
| Veterinarian (Vet) | 9.4% | $130,100 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
A solid undergraduate education in biochemistry with an emphasis in medicinal chemistry provides the necessary background for career paths in chemical, medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and for careers in governmental regulation, health care, research and other areas.
This degree program is ideal for those who wish to strengthen their applications to medical school. The program provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate study in biochemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and toxicology, as well as for careers in drug design and pharmaceuticals, medicine and health, research, food production, environmental protection and several other technical fields.
Those who are planning careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine or research in these or related fields also often pursue the medicinal chemistry concentration with supporting work in biology and chemistry as the route for preprofessional training.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSC 116
SMSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7667
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
