Biochemistry, BA

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

Arizona State University’s Biochemistry, BA combines chemistry, biology and the liberal arts to help students understand how living systems function at the molecular level while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. It suits students interested in scientific research, healthcare, biotechnology or graduate study, while its flexible BA structure allows students to complement their science studies with language, arts and other areas of interest.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific and academic foundation through courses such as CHM 117 General Chemistry for Majors I and CHM 118 General Chemistry for Majors II, supported by the corresponding laboratory courses CHM 111 and CHM 112. Students also begin ASU's general education and composition requirements, creating the foundation for more advanced chemistry and biochemistry study.

Year 2: Students progress into organic chemistry and laboratory work through CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I, CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II and CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II. The BA also requires second-language proficiency, allowing students to develop a broader liberal-arts and global perspective alongside their scientific training.

Year 3: Students move into advanced biochemical and analytical concepts through courses such as CHM 325 Analytical Chemistry, BCH 341 Physical Chemistry with a Biological Focus and BCH 461 General Biochemistry I. At this stage, students can also begin developing research experience through ASU's School of Molecular Sciences research opportunities and the BCH 392 Introduction to Research course.

Year 4: Students complete the advanced biochemistry sequence with BCH 462 General Biochemistry II and BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory, together with upper-division BCH or CHM electives. Students interested in research can continue through BCH 492 Honors Thesis Research and BCH 493 Honors Thesis, while ASU also provides opportunities for study abroad and accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's study.

Focus areas:

Biochemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular science, biological chemistry, laboratory science, scientific research, liberal arts, global studies, health sciences and biotechnology.

Learning outcomes:

Students learn to predict molecular structure and reactivity using organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry; clearly communicate experimental findings; and analyze chemical data using common statistical methods. The curriculum also develops practical laboratory and research skills through hands-on experiments and opportunities to work with faculty on real research projects.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Biochemistry BA is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). ASU also identifies the degree as preparation for medical, dental, pharmacy and other graduate programs, while its STEM-OPT eligibility can provide qualifying F-1 international students with an additional 24 months of U.S. work authorization after the standard OPT period.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Arizona State University was ranked No. 2 among U.S. public universities for graduate employability in the 2023–2026 Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, and No. 14 among all U.S. institutions in the 2026 results. ASU also reports that it has been ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for innovation by U.S. News & World Report for 11 consecutive years through 2026; these are university-wide measures rather than rankings specifically for the Biochemistry BA.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biochemistry BA combines lectures with laboratory activities and opportunities to participate in faculty-led research, allowing students to apply biochemical concepts to real scientific problems. Through the School of Molecular Sciences, undergraduate researchers can use state-of-the-art equipment, work with faculty mentors in interdisciplinary research groups, receive academic credit and potentially publish or present their findings at scientific meetings.

Students can build practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: BA Biochemistry students can undertake research for credit through BCH 392 Introduction to Research, while Barrett Honors students can progress through BCH 492 Honors Thesis Research and BCH 493 Honors Thesis.
Faculty research laboratories: Students can approach School of Molecular Sciences faculty working across areas such as chemistry of biology, medicine and health, energy and sustainability, environmental and biogeochemistry, and materials and nanoscience.
Advanced scientific equipment: The School provides access to specialized research infrastructure, including the Magnetic Resonance Research Center, with high-field NMR instruments used for characterization and structure determination of proteins, DNA, biomolecules and chemical compounds.
Research credit and laboratory commitment: BCH 392 can be taken for one to three credits, with the School specifying minimum laboratory commitments of 45, 90 or 135 hours per semester respectively.
Scientific presentation and publication: Undergraduate researchers can gain experience presenting research at scientific meetings and may have opportunities to publish research results.
Interdisciplinary research: Students can conduct biochemistry-related research not only within the School of Molecular Sciences but also through other ASU units and research institutions in the Phoenix area, subject to the relevant approval requirements.
Study abroad: ASU's global programs allow Biochemistry BA students to earn ASU credit while studying abroad, adding international academic experience without necessarily delaying degree progress.
Laboratory-intensive coursework: Required courses such as CHM 237, CHM 238 and BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory provide direct laboratory experience as part of the degree requirements.
School of Molecular Sciences facilities: Students benefit from the School's research facilities and instrumentation supporting molecular characterization, biochemical research and interdisciplinary scientific investigation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry BA prepares graduates for career paths spanning medicine and health, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental and food science, scientific communication, public service and technical fields. ASU specifically lists progression to medical, dental, pharmacy and other graduate programs, while research experience can strengthen preparation for advanced scientific study.

Typical career directions include Scientist/Biochemist, Medical Scientist, Chemical Technician and Medical Doctor, alongside pathways such as dentist, pharmacist, physician assistant and veterinarian.

Students can develop their professional pathway through:

Career development and advising: The School of Molecular Sciences provides undergraduate advising and supports students pursuing scientific research and health-profession pathways. Its undergraduate programs are designed to prepare students for research, health professions, teaching, forensics, regulation and policy.
Career and salary information: ASU lists occupations including Chemical Technician ($60,390 median salary), Medical Scientist ($103,410), Scientist/Biochemist ($127,410), Medical Doctor ($256,560), Dentist ($170,950), Pharmacist ($140,910), Physician Assistant ($135,880), High School Teacher ($72,040), Technical Writer ($90,390) and Veterinarian ($130,100). ASU notes that these are example occupational figures rather than guaranteed entry-level salaries and that some careers require advanced degrees, certification or licensure.
Research opportunities: Students can work with faculty mentors, use advanced equipment, receive research credit and potentially publish or present scientific findings, giving them experience relevant to research careers and graduate applications.
Industry and professional sectors: ASU identifies biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental and food science, food production, environmental protection, scientific sales and marketing, public service, policymaking and technical fields as potential employment areas for Biochemistry graduates.
Employability: ASU's 2026 institutional reporting places the university No. 2 among U.S. public universities for graduate employability in the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey. This is a university-wide employability measure rather than a Biochemistry-specific placement statistic.
Professional-school preparation: The program provides scientific preparation for applications to medical, dental, pharmacy and other health-related graduate programs.
STEM-OPT pathway: The Biochemistry BA is listed as STEM-OPT-extension eligible, allowing qualifying F-1 international graduates to potentially receive a 24-month extension of standard 12-month OPT; ASU notes that this benefit does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue into master's and doctoral programs in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular sciences, biological sciences and related research fields, or pursue professional education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health disciplines. ASU also lists an accelerated bachelor's plus master's pathway associated with this degree, allowing eligible high-achieving students to complete bachelor's and master's study in as little as five years; students can also pursue concurrent degrees where curriculum overlap permits.