Applied Biochemistry Major
The applied biochemistry B.S. prepares you to apply chemistry and biology to solve real-world challenges in health, research and technology through hands-on learning and modern scientific tools. Develop the skills needed for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research laboratories and health-related fields, or pursue graduate study in chemistry, biology and health sciences.
What Will I Learn?
Biochemistry combines biology with organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. We will equip you with versatile skills that open doors in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and beyond.
Biochemists explore:
- The chemical basis of biological structures
- Chemical processes used by living organisms to obtain energy from nutrients
- Fundamental, chemical changes occurring due to disease
Choose from One of Three Concentrations
Customize your applied biochemistry degree to match your interests and career goals. Each concentration combines hands-on laboratory experience with the latest tools and technologies to prepare you for careers in science, healthcare, biotechnology and related fields.
- American Chemical Society-Approved — Earn certification from the American Chemical Society (ACS) and build a strong foundation for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as graduate programs in chemistry, chemical biology and related fields
- Biotechnology — Prepare for careers in biotechnology, academic research labs, medicine-related fields, and grad programs in areas such as biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, immunology, health sciences among others
- Computational Biochemistry — Combine biochemistry and computational tools used in modern research. Prepare for a career in pharmaceutical and chemical industries including drug design, or advanced degrees in computational chemistry, biochemistry, data analysis and related fields
What is Unique About Our Program?
- Right-Sized Classes — Our classes are designed to be just the right size — small enough that you’ll get to know your professors and classmates, but large enough to benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and research opportunities not often available for undergraduate students.
- Personalized Faculty Mentorship — Our dedicated faculty are here to guide you every step of the way, offering one-on-one mentorship to guide you in your academic and career goals.
- Hands-On Research Opportunities — From your first year, you’ll have the chance to participate in cutting-edge research, including projects funded by prestigious NSF grants.
- Collaborative Learning Environment — Whether you're in the lab or the classroom, you’ll be challenged to think critically, solve real-world problems and work as part of a team.
What Are My Career Opportunities?
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) offers a career center with many career and internship-related resources. Many graduates of the biochemistry major pursue careers in:
- Teaching at the high school and college level
- Research and development
- State health departments
- Fish and wildlife
- Analytical labs
- Agriculture
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Forensics
- Food science
- Molecular biology
- Health sciences:
- Medicine
- Veterinary medicine
- Dentistry