Skip to main content

Biochemistry, PHD

On this page:

Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Biochemistry

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Learn to solve biological 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: PHD Biochemistry

The PhD program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be successful, independent scientists who can challenge current societal issues.

Students earning a doctoral degree in biochemistry are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most also choose to join transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

  • biogeochemistry
  • energy and sustainability
  • fundamental chemical biology
  • materials and nanoscience
  • medicine and health
  • structure function and dynamics

Students should visit the prospective student site to learn more about this doctoral program and the graduate research page to learn more about the advanced transdisciplinary research being conducted in the School of Molecular Sciences.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

six graduate-level courses (12--18)
enrollment in a BCH 501/CHM 501 seminar (8)
BCH 792 Research (46--52)
BCH 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
The program consists of coursework and seminars selected by the student in consultation with the student's supervisory committee and based on the student's area of research. Qualifying exams consisting of a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam and a prospectus are required to advance to candidacy. Students must successfully defend their dissertation during a public final oral defense. Students must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or better.

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.

In addition to the admission application, applicants must complete an online supplemental application to the School of Molecular Sciences. The supplemental application is available 24 to 48 hours after submission of the admission application. The personal statement and contact information for the letters of recommendation are submitted as part of the supplemental application. Information about the supplemental application can be found on the department's website. Applications lacking a supplemental application are not reviewed.


Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs

Request information

Apply to a program

Apply now

Visit our campus

Schedule a visit

Application Deadlines

Fall

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
January 1st
Final
Session A/C
In Person
December 15th
Priority


Career Opportunities

The doctoral program in biochemistry prepares students for professional careers in industry, government and academia. Professionals with training achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry have opportunities in five general areas:

  • academia (high school and higher education)
  • entrepreneurship (consulting, startups)
  • government (research, policy)
  • industry (research and development, quality control)
  • nonprofit (policy, public education)

In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates possess high-demand skills like critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, time management and many others.

Some career examples include:

  • chemistry lecturer
  • drug discovery scientist
  • government scientist
  • pharmacology scientist
  • research and development scientist
  • research group leader
  • science consultant
  • university professor

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.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • smsgrad@asu.edu
  • 480/965-4664


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine 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.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
ASU endorsed logo
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
A unit of
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Contact us

Support ASU

Degree Programs
Undergraduate Degrees Graduate Degrees Minors Online degrees
Student life
Academic Advising The Undergraduate Experience
Research
Overview Research Highlights Undergraduate Research Affiliated Centers & Institutes Facilities & Instrumentation
Resources
SMS Webtools Directory
Repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation, sustainability, and global impact
Maps and Locations Jobs Directory Contact ASU My ASU
Copyright and Trademark Accessibility Privacy Terms of Use Emergency COVID-19 Information