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Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS

Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS

ACCELERATED, Biochemistry, Biology, Dental, Drugs, Medicinal, Pharmacy, Pre-Med, approved for STEM-OPT extension, chemistry, med school, medical, medical school, molecular

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.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)

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

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
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

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:


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.

Degree requirements

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)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)

Concentration (3 credit hours)
CHM 535 Medicinal Chemistry (3)

Electives (9 or 15 credit hours)

Other Requirements (5, 6 or 8 credit hours)
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)

Culminating Experience (2, 3 or 6 credit hours)
BCH 593 Applied Project or CHM 593 Applied Project (2)
BCH 597 Capstone (3)
BCH 599 Thesis 6)

Additional Curriculum Information
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 and CHM 501 special topics.

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.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

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.

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.
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
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:

  • 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.
Career 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

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.

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.

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