Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry) ,BS
Biochemistry, Chemist, Dentist, Doctor, Drugs, Laboratory, Medicine, Pharmacist, Pre-Med, Research, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical, hospital, medical, pre-health
Learn about the molecular processes of life and how medicines work at this level to benefit human health. The conceptual and hands-on skills you gain through the molecular and life sciences courses are tailored for pre-health and pre-medical students, serving as your gateway to a dynamic career or medical school.
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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
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.
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 job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.4%
|
$155,040
|
|
|
1.0%
|
$62,360
|
|
|
2.5%
|
$214,460
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$57,380
|
|
|
9.8%
|
$99,930
|
|
|
8.8%
|
$125,590
|
|
|
2.6%
|
$132,750
|
|
|
26.5%
|
$126,010
|
|
|
6.7%
|
$103,810
|
|
|
19.7%
|
$103,260
|
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSC 116
SMSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7667
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
