Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS
Learn to solve medicinal problems with molecular tools, and prepare to succeed in an increasingly postdisciplinary scientific world. With its distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context, this program equips you to tackle complex challenges both in and beyond the lab.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
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 Master of Science program in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences, you are trained in the fundamental aspects of the discipline while joining transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:
- fundamental chemical biology
- medicine and health
- structure function and dynamics
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CHM 593 or BCH 593), or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (BCH 597)
Required Core (4 credit hours) Concentration (3 credit hours) Electives (9 or 15 credit hours) Other Requirements (5, 6 or 8 credit hours) Culminating Experience (2, 3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students choose an applied project, capstone or thesis. The credit hours required for the electives and other requirements depend on the culminating experience. Students who choose the applied project complete 15 credit hours of electives and six credit hours of BCH 592, which may include up to six additional credit hours of BCH 592. Students who choose the capstone option complete 15 credit hours of electives, two additional credit hours of CHM 501 or BCH 501, and three credit hours of BCH 591. Students who choose the thesis option complete nine credit hours of electives and eight credit hours of BCH 592. The program consists of coursework, seminars and a research component. Elective coursework is selected based on the research area and in consultation of the research advisor.
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)
CHM 535 Medicinal Chemistry (3)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry (2) or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (2)
BCH 591 Seminar (3)
BCH 592 Research (6 or 8)
BCH 593 Applied Project or CHM 593 Applied Project (2)
BCH 597 Capstone (3)
BCH 599 Thesis 6)
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 and CHM 501 special topics.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate the quality of biochemistry seminars and publications.
- Design their culminating experience around current research and opportunities within a topic of interest.
- Communicate the results of their culminating experience through an oral presentation.
Evaluate the quality of biochemistry seminars and publications.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applicants interested in pursuing the accelerated degree program should review the requirements and submit a pre-application found on the School of Molecular Sciences website before submitting a formal graduate admission application to the degree program.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/15 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 03/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/15 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
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.
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 estimateCareer opportunities
Professionals with knowledge and skills gained in this program have opportunities in six general areas: health care (prephysician training, medical or clinical laboratory support), industry (research and development, quality control), academia (high school and higher education), government (research, policy), nonprofit (policy, public education) and entrepreneurship (consulting, startups). In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates have vital, high-demand skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.
Some career examples include:
- biotechnologist
- clinical laboratory technician
- drug discovery scientist
- medical lab technician
- pharmacology scientist
- research and development scientist
The American Chemical Society provides helpful resources and a comprehensive list of possible careers on its website athttps://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.
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
|
PSD 104
smsgrad@asu.edu
480-965-4664
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.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
