Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), BS

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Learn how life works at the molecular level and how medicine helps keep people healthy. Through hands-on science courses, you'll build skills that prepare you for medical school or a career in health and science.

Program Description

In the Bachelor of Science program in medicinal biochemistry, students explore how chemistry and biology come together to create life-saving medicines. Students learn how molecules work inside cells and how scientists design drugs that fight disease.

Through engaging lectures and hands-on lab work, students build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology and medicinal science. They learn how to think like a scientist, using chemistry and biochemistry to understand how medicines are made and how they work in the body.

Students also have the chance to join research labs and work with faculty on real-world projects.

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 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 students the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.

The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing students to graduate with two degrees --- one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of their choice. Students also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time that a typical four-year degree program requires.

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.

Learning Outcomes

  • Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
  • Clearly communicate their findings from a basic chemical experiment.
  • Analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

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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
Be part of the data-driven revolution in the life sciences. Today's breakthroughs rely on powerful computational methods that extend beyond the bench, enabling once impossible discoveries. In this program, you'll gain advanced skills in data analysis, modeling and informatics that complement experimental approaches, preparing you to tackle complex biological questions.

Computational Life Sciences Program Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)
Learn to solve medicinal problems with molecular tools, and prepare to succeed in an increasingly postdisciplinary scientific world. With its distinct emphasis on structure, properties and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context, this program equips you to tackle complex challenges both in and beyond the lab.

Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry) Program 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 strengthen their applications to medical school. 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: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $172,790.00

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: -1.6%
  • Median Salary*: $64,580.00

General Internal Medicine Physicians

  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: $236,350.00

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

  • Growth: 1.7%
  • Median Salary*: $61,890.00

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

  • Growth: 8.7%
  • Median Salary*: $100,590.00
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Optometrists

  • Growth: 8%
  • Median Salary*: $134,830.00
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Pharmacists

  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: $137,480.00
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Physician Assistants

  • Growth: 20.4%
  • Median Salary*: $133,260.00
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Biochemists and Biophysicists

  • Growth: 5.8%
  • Median Salary*: $103,650.00
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Veterinarians

  • Growth: 9.6%
  • Median Salary*: $125,510.00
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* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Sun Icon Bright Outlook | Leaf Icon Green Occupation


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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 and 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.

Learn about online options

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


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.
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