Biochemistry, PhD
Learn to solve biological problems with molecular tools. Become successful in an increasingly postdisciplinary scientific world through this program's distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context. You'll be able to tackle complex challenges in and outside 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
The Doctor of Philosophy program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides you with the training you need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be a successful, independent scientist who can address challenging societal issues.
When you earn a doctoral degree in biochemistry, you are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most also choose to join transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:
- biogeochemistry
- energy and sustainability
- fundamental chemical biology
- materials and nanoscience
- medicine and health
- structure function and dynamics
You should visit the prospective student webpage to learn more about this doctoral program and the advanced transdisciplinary research being conducted in the School of Molecular Sciences.
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:
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
six graduate-level courses (12-18 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
enrollment in a BCH 501/CHM 501 seminar (8 credit hours)
BCH 792 Research (46-52 credit hours)
BCH 799 Dissertation (12 credit hours)
The program consists of coursework and seminars selected by the student in consultation with the student's supervisory committee and based on the student's area of research. Qualifying exams consisting of a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and a prospectus are required to advance to candidacy. Students must successfully defend their dissertation during a public final oral defense. Students must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Create new biochemical knowledge through experimentation or computation.
- Communicate an original contribution to the field of biochemistry, through effective presentation of their research in their dissertation and oral defense.
- Critically evaluate biochemical information.
Create new biochemical knowledge through experimentation or computation.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 must 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 In addition to the admission application, applicants must complete an online supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences. The supplemental application is available 24 to 48 hours after submission of the admission application. The personal statement and contact information for the letters of recommendation are submitted as part of the supplemental application; information about the supplemental application can be found on the department's website. Applications that do not have a supplemental application are not reviewed.
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 | 12/01 | Final* |
*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.
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are prepared for professional careers in industry, government and academia. Professionals with knowledge achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in biochemistry have opportunities in five general areas:
- academia (high school and higher education)
- entrepreneurship (consulting, startups)
- government (research, policy)
- industry (research and development, quality control)
- nonprofit (policy, public education)
In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates have high-demand skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, time management and many others.
Some career examples include:
- drug discovery scientist
- government scientist
- pharmacology scientist
- research and development scientist
- research group leader
- science consultant
- university professor
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.
