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Biochemistry ,BA

Biochemistry, BA

Biochemist, Doctor, Environmental, Forensics, Laboratory, Medicine, Pharmacist, Physician, Pre-Med, Research, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical, chemistry, organic, pre-health

Discover how living things function at the chemical level. Through classes in the arts and sciences, you'll develop strong problem-solving and life skills that can lead to various career options.

Program description

The Bachelor of Arts program in biochemistry combines the study of chemistry, biology and the liberal arts to help you understand how life works at the molecular level. You explore how cells function, and you learn to think critically and solve complex problems. Along with science courses, you take classes in languages and the arts to gain a well-rounded, global perspective.

Through lectures and lab activities, you build both scientific knowledge and practical research skills. You also have the chance to work with professors on real research projects. The program's flexible design lets you shape your studies around your goals --- whether you are working toward a dual degree or focusing on a special interest in science.

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.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Video: Learn about the Biochemistry degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Biochemistry degree program at ASU.

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:

Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100

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.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • 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.
Global opportunities
Global experience

When studying abroad, students gain valuable experience in a diverse set of programs. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation.

With their resumes enhanced by the heightened communication, critical thinking and leadership skills they acquired through study abroad, graduates stand out competitively in their chosen fields.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of fields and sectors, such as medicine and health; chemical and biotechnology industries; pharmaceuticals; environmental and food science; food production; environmental protection; scientific sales and marketing; public service, such as policymaking and teaching; patent law; and many technical areas.

Graduates are also well prepared to apply to medical, dental and pharmacy schools, and other graduate programs.

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.7%
$60,390
4.1%
$170,950
-1.6%
$72,040
3.3%
$256,560
8.7%
$103,410
4.6%
$140,910
20.4%
$135,880
5.8%
$127,410
0.9%
$90,390
9.6%
$130,100
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

Program term definitions

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.

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