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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. Become successful in an increasingly post-disciplinary scientific world with this program's distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context, allowing you to tackle complex challenges in and out of the lab.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)

Students earning an MS in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry from the School of Molecular Sciences 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 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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 including the required applied project (research paper) course (CHM 593 or BCH 593)

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 (15 credit hours)
three 500-level courses (9)
additional coursework or BCH 592 Research (6)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
BCH 592 Research (6)

Culminating Experience (2 credit hours)
CHM 593 Applied Project or BCH 593 Applied Project (2)

Additional Curriculum Information
The program consists of coursework and seminars as well as a research component. Elective coursework is selected based on the research area and in consultation of the research advisor.

Admission requirements

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 prior to 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
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 11/15Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 04/15Priority
Career opportunities

Professionals with training achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry have opportunities in five general areas: 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 possess vital, high-demand skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.

Some career examples include:

  • chemistry lecturer
  • drug discovery scientist
  • high school teacher
  • medical lab technician
  • pharmacology scientist
  • research and development scientist

The American Chemical Society also provides helpful resources and a more exhaustive list of possible careers on their website at https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
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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