Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS
Program Description
Students in the Bachelor of Science program in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry gain in-depth understanding of basic chemistry, biomolecular properties and function, and mechanisms that govern cellular function. They develop the knowledge required to apply chemical and biochemical principles to drug design and functionality, with a specific focus on medicinal chemistry.
The curriculum comprises traditional coursework with a concentration in medicinal chemistry, combining lectures and laboratory sessions to provide a strong foundation in chemistry and biology. The program emphasizes the application of chemical and biochemical thinking to the design and mechanisms of medicines.
Students are encouraged to participate in faculty research groups and labs, which offer hands-on research experiences in the field of medicinal chemistry.
In addition to reviewing 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.
McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program
This degree qualifies for participation in the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship (MLSBE) Program, which prepares academically outstanding students to solve health care challenges as leaders in medicine and biotechnology. With industry-informed, customized support and tight-knit 30-student cohorts, the MLSBE Program gives you the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.
The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to graduate with two degrees — one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of choice. You also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time as a typical four-year degree program.
A new cohort is accepted each fall. Incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to the MLSBE Program after they have submitted their application to ASU. Learn more at mlsbe.asu.edu.
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:
Computational Life Sciences
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)
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.
This degree program is ideal for those who wish to make their applications to medical school more competitive. The program provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate study in biochemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology and toxicology, as well as for careers in drug design and pharmaceuticals, medicine and health, research, food production, environmental protection and several other technical fields.
Those who are 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 preprofessional 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:
Dentists, General
- Growth: 4.4%
- Median Salary*: $155,040.00
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 1%
- Median Salary*: $62,360.00
General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Growth: 2.5%
- Median Salary*: $214,460.00
Pharmacists
- Growth: 2.6%
- Median Salary*: $132,750.00
* 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 Experience
Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in career and personal enrichment. Studying abroad helps students build cultural competency skills as well as heightened skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership that enable them to stand out on their graduate school applications.
Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world, and increase their ability to work with diverse groups of people. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while they stay on track for graduation.
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.
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.
- [email protected]
- 480/965-7667