Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS
Program Description
Students in the BS program in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry take courses in areas including basic chemistry, the properties and function of biomolecules, and the mechanisms of cellular function to living organisms. Within the medicinal chemistry concentration, students learn how to apply chemical and biochemical thinking to the design and function of medicines.
In addition to 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.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
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Math Intensity:
Substantial
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
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 and master's degree with:
Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS
Set yourself up for sustained success in medical school, pharmacy school or other higher education in the health care professions by taking advanced graduate coursework, gaining research experience and earning both your BS and MS degrees in five years.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
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. It also confers critical skills for pharmacy and medical school.
Many students who intend to apply to medical school take biochemistry with a medicinal chemistry emphasis in order to make their applications more competitive, and this degree program is ideal for such students. The program provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate study in biochemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, toxicology and for careers in drug design and pharmaceuticals, medicine and health, research, food production, environmental protection and several other technical fields.
Students 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 pre-professional training.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Dentist
- Growth: 2.8%
- Median Salary*: $158,940
High School Teacher
- Growth: 3.8%
- Median Salary*: $62,870
Medical Doctor (MD)
- Growth: -0.6%
- Median Salary*: #
Medical Lab Technician
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
Medical Scientist
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $91,510
Optometrists
- Growth: 4.3%
- Median Salary*: $118,050
Pharmacist
- Growth: -3.3%
- Median Salary*: $128,710
Physician Assistant (PA)
- Growth: 31.3%
- Median Salary*: $115,390
Scientist/Biochemist
- Growth: 4.0%
- Median Salary*: $94,270
Veterinarian (Vet)
- Growth: 15.9%
- Median Salary*: $99,250
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
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.