Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Case Western Reserve University

Program Overview

The B.A. in Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University combines chemistry, biology and biomedical science to help students understand the molecular processes underlying human health and disease. It is particularly suitable for students interested in health sciences, biomedical research, biotechnology, professional schools or careers where a strong scientific foundation can be combined with another area of study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through CHEM 105/111 – Principles of Chemistry I, CHEM 106/ENGR 145 – Principles of Chemistry II, and the accompanying CHEM 113 – Principles of Chemistry Lab. Mathematics through MATH 125/121 and MATH 126/122/124 – Math and Calculus Applications for Life Sciences and introductory physics also establish the quantitative background needed for later biochemical study.

Year 2: Students progress into biological and organic chemistry concepts through BIOL 214/214L – Genes, Evolution and Ecology and BIOL 215/215L – Cells and Proteins, alongside CHEM 223/323 – Introductory Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 224/324 – Introductory Organic Chemistry II. Laboratory training continues through CHEM 233 and CHEM 234 – Introductory Organic Chemistry Labs, giving students practical experience alongside their theoretical studies.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into dedicated biochemistry and molecular science through BIOC 307 – Introduction to Biochemistry, BIOC 308 – Molecular Biology, and BIOC 373 – Biochemistry SAGES Seminar. Students also begin their required BIOC 391 – Research Project, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge within a faculty research laboratory.

Year 4: Students deepen their specialization through two BIOC core courses selected from BIOC 312 – Proteins and Enzymes, BIOC 334 – Structural and Computational Biology, and BIOC 350 – Molecular Basis of Cancer, together with approved technical electives. The degree concludes with BIOC 393 – Senior Capstone Experience, where students communicate the results of their research and complete their undergraduate scientific experience.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical science, proteins and enzymes, structural biology, computational biology, cancer biology, infectious disease, metabolism, computational health science, organic chemistry, biological chemistry, research, scientific communication, quantitative analysis

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of biochemical mechanisms important to human biology and medicine, the relationship between macromolecular structure and function, biological energy transformation, molecular information flow and the biochemical basis of normal physiology and disease. They also develop skills in objective measurement, quantitative analysis, scientific communication and research through experiential learning.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.A. in Biochemistry provides preparation for medical and other professional schools, graduate programs and research or technical positions in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and academic settings. Case Western Reserve University's official program materials emphasize the degree's biomedical research orientation and preparation for careers and further study in health sciences and research.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)

Case Western Reserve University reports that its Biochemistry graduates have progressed to MD programs at more than 90 medical schools over the past 10 years, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Yale and Northwestern, while other graduates have entered PhD and MD-PhD programs at leading universities. University-wide, CWRU reports that 95% of undergraduates are employed, in graduate school or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation, although this figure is not specific to Biochemistry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Research is a defining part of the B.A. in Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University: students are expected to participate in an undergraduate research project in one of the many laboratories across the School of Medicine or affiliated hospitals. Students can begin volunteering in research laboratories as early as their freshman year and must complete BIOC 391 – Research Project for credit by their junior year, giving them sustained exposure to authentic biomedical research rather than relying only on traditional classroom laboratories.

CWRU's School of Medicine provides access to more than 200 biomedical research laboratories, together with specialized research infrastructure covering genomics, microscopy, imaging, cryo-electron microscopy, NMR, mass spectrometry and other advanced technologies. Students can also pursue summer research programs, research presentations and an optional Research Honors pathway with additional mentoring and research funding.

Key practical opportunities include:

Faculty-led research: Students conduct research with faculty engaged in biomedical research across the School of Medicine and affiliated hospitals.
BIOC 391 – Research Project: Students receive academic credit for hands-on laboratory research and are expected to complete at least one semester, with opportunities for up to three semesters.
BIOC 393 – Senior Capstone Experience: Students complete their undergraduate research experience through a senior capstone involving scientific communication; the department's curriculum also describes presentation of research at the Biochemistry Capstone Retreat.
Research Honors: Selected students receive individual faculty mentoring, a yearly $2,000 research allowance, honors-specific activities and encouragement to undertake full-time summer laboratory research.
Summer research: The Hanson Summer Research Scholar Program supported CWRU undergraduates with full-time summer research and a $4,000 stipend in 2026, plus additional housing support.
Advanced research facilities: Students work within an environment offering access to facilities for Integrated Genomics, Cytometry and Microscopy, Imaging Research, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry, Protein and Biophysics, and Small Molecule Drug Development.
Computational research: The curriculum offers BIOC 334 – Structural and Computational Biology, while students can also select STAT 312R – Basic Statistics for Engineering and Science Using R or computer programming courses such as ENGR 131 and CSDS 132.
Biomedical environment: Students benefit from proximity to major clinical and research institutions including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and the VA Medical Center, which are part of the broader research environment available to CWRU Biochemistry students.
Scientific presentations and publications: Early research involvement can increase students' opportunities to co-author scientific publications and present research through their capstone experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Biochemistry prepares graduates for further study and careers spanning biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and academia. CWRU reports that Biochemistry graduates have progressed to medical, PhD and MD-PhD programs, while the department also identifies biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic and research careers as important destinations for graduates.

Typical career directions include Biochemist, Biomedical Researcher, Biotechnology Researcher and Pharmaceutical Researcher.

Students can strengthen their transition into employment or further study through:

Academic and career advising: The Biochemistry department provides department-based advising for professional and graduate careers, helping students plan pathways toward healthcare and research careers.
Research experience: Multiple semesters of faculty-supervised research give students substantial experience that can support applications to graduate programs, medical schools and research-oriented employment.
Employment outcomes: CWRU reports that 95% of undergraduates are employed, in graduate school or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation. The university also reports a median starting salary range of $75,000–$79,000 and median earnings of $94,000 four years after graduation; these are university-wide undergraduate figures rather than Biochemistry-specific figures.
Professional-school outcomes: CWRU reports a 78% medical-school acceptance rate university-wide and notes that its Biochemistry graduates have attended more than 90 medical schools during the past decade.
Industry opportunities: The department specifically identifies biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as career destinations and states that graduates are prepared for research or technical positions in industry and academia.
Research ecosystem: Students can connect their undergraduate work with research taking place across CWRU's School of Medicine, affiliated hospitals and more than 200 biomedical research laboratories.
Broader career pathways: CWRU identifies biomedical knowledge as valuable in areas beyond laboratory science, including finance, consulting, media, intellectual property and education.
Graduation outcomes: Biochemistry graduates have progressed to MD, PhD and MD-PhD programs at institutions including CWRU, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Yale, Columbia, University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into MS and PhD programs in biochemistry and biomedical sciences, as well as professional degrees including MD, DO, DDS and PharmD. CWRU also offers accelerated Bachelor's/Master's pathways, including early admission opportunities to the MS in Biochemistry and the Biochemistry track within the MS in Biotechnology, while its broader graduate environment includes dual-degree options such as MD/PhD and JD/MS.