Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) ,BS
Biochemistry, Chemist, Dentist, Doctor, Drugs, Laboratory, Medicine, Pharmacist, Pre-Med, Research, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical, hospital, medical, pre-health
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.
In the Bachelor of Science program in medicinal biochemistry, students explore how chemistry and biology come together to create life-saving medicines. Students learn how molecules work inside cells and how scientists design drugs that fight disease.
Through engaging lectures and hands-on lab work, students build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology and medicinal science. They learn how to think like a scientist, using chemistry and biochemistry to understand how medicines are made and how they work in the body.
Students 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, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to 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 students the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.
The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing students to graduate with two degrees --- one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of their choice. Students 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.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This video provides an overview of the Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
4.1%
|
$170,950
|
|
|
-1.6%
|
$72,040
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$256,560
|
|
|
1.7%
|
$62,930
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$103,410
|
|
|
8.0%
|
$136,570
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$140,910
|
|
|
20.4%
|
$135,880
|
|
|
5.8%
|
$127,410
|
|
|
9.6%
|
$130,100
|
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSC 116
SMSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7667
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.
