Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I

Required Courses (Major Map)

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Learn about the molecular processes of life, how medicine works at the molecular level to benefit human health, and build your problem-solving skills. The skills you gain through the molecular and life sciences courses in this program help prepare you for a variety of careers.

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.




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 Biochemistry)

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:

Dentists, General


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: 155040

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

General Internal Medicine Physicians


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: 214460

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians


  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: 57380
  Bright Outlook

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists


  • Growth: 9.8%
  • Median Salary*: 99930
  Bright Outlook

Optometrists


  • Growth: 8.8%
  • Median Salary*: 125590
  Bright Outlook

Pharmacists


  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: 132750

Physician Assistants


  • Growth: 26.5%
  • Median Salary*: 126010
  Bright Outlook

Biochemists and Biophysicists


  • Growth: 6.7%
  • Median Salary*: 103810
  Bright Outlook

Veterinarians


  • Growth: 19.7%
  • Median Salary*: 103260
  Bright Outlook

* 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

Each of the more than 300 Global Education program options provide 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 allow 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 staying 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 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. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.