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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
City University of New YorkThe B.S. in Biochemistry at The City College of New York combines a rigorous foundation in chemistry and biology with advanced study of the molecular processes underlying living systems, making it particularly suited to students interested in biomedical research, life sciences, medicine and health professions. The 120-credit curriculum develops knowledge across general and organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, mathematics and physics, while also providing opportunities to pursue research and advanced academic pathways.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: Students establish the scientific and mathematical foundation required for the major through courses such as CHEM 10301 General Chemistry I, CHEM 10401 General Chemistry II, BIO 10100 Biological Foundations I and MATH 20100 Calculus I. General education requirements through the Pathways curriculum are also integrated into the early stage of the degree.
Year 2: The curriculum progresses into quantitative and molecular chemistry with courses including CHEM 24300 Quantitative Analysis, CHEM 26100 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 26200 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, CHEM 26300 Organic Chemistry II, MATH 21200 Calculus II and PHYS 20700 University Physics I. Students also continue their biological foundation through BIO 10200 Biological Foundations II or the applicable major requirements.
Year 3: Students move into more specialized chemistry and biochemistry through CHEM 33000 Physical Chemistry I, CHEM 32002 Biochemistry I, CHEM 32004 Biochemistry I Lab and CHEM 37400 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II, alongside advanced biology such as BIO 20600 Introduction to Genetics or BIO 22900 Cell and Molecular Biology. The program also provides scope for research and elective study as students develop their scientific interests.
Year 4: The final stage emphasizes advanced biochemical understanding through CHEM 43500 Physical Biochemistry and CHEM 48005 Biochemistry II, together with the completion of remaining major, research, elective and Pathways requirements. The department also encourages Biochemistry students to pursue Honors Research or Independent Study, providing an opportunity to gain deeper research experience before graduation.
Focus areas
Biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, genetics, biomedical science, quantitative science
Learning outcomes
Students develop a strong foundation in chemical and biological principles, quantitative and analytical skills, laboratory-based scientific understanding, biochemical problem-solving abilities, and preparation for research, health professions and advanced graduate study.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
The department states that students pursuing ACS certification in Biochemistry must complete additional requirements, including Inorganic Chemistry and 5–10 credits of M.A.-level coursework; some of these requirements may be substituted with eligible Honors Research or Independent Study credits.
Reputation (employability rankings)
The official university sources reviewed do not provide a program-specific QS/Guardian employability ranking or a program-specific graduate employment rate for the B.S. in Biochemistry. The department does, however, identify the B.S. programs as preparation for health professions, government service, education, industrial chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology and advanced degrees including Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. and J.D. pathways.
The B.S. in Biochemistry offers students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning through independent laboratory research, research-for-credit courses, summer research programs and interaction with active faculty researchers. Students can work on projects in areas such as biochemistry, biophysics and biodesign, while developing practical skills in experimental design, scientific writing, data analysis and communicating research through oral and poster presentations.
Students can gain experience through:
Honors Research: Eligible students can undertake laboratory or field research under faculty mentorship, with the department offering a three-semester Honors Research sequence for students pursuing departmental honors.
Independent Study: Biochemistry students can use Independent Study courses to conduct laboratory, field or library research for academic credit and potentially develop work suitable for publication.
B3 Research Experience for Undergraduates: The NSF-supported Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biodesign REU places undergraduate students in faculty research laboratories across Chemistry & Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and the CUNY School of Medicine.
Research laboratories: Students can engage with research conducted by faculty in areas including biochemistry and biophysics, with research activity supported through the Science Division and its research institutes.
Scientific communication: Undergraduate researchers gain experience designing and conducting experiments, writing research reports, and preparing oral and poster presentations for scientific meetings.
Summer research: CCNY's ORCA program provides a 10-week summer research immersion with a full-time faculty member and includes financial support through a stipend and supply budget.
Interdisciplinary research: The Science Division collaborates with the Grove School of Engineering, CUNY School of Medicine and external institutions, including the New York Structural Biology Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the American Museum of Natural History.
The B.S. in Biochemistry is designed for students who want to apply their scientific knowledge in life science research, biomedical fields and health professions, while also providing a strong foundation for postgraduate study. The department specifically identifies pathways into medicine and other health professions, biotechnology, pharmacology, industrial chemistry, government service and advanced degrees.
Typical career directions include Biochemist, Biomedical Researcher, Laboratory Researcher and Biotechnology Professional.
Students can also benefit from:
Research and professional development: CCNY provides undergraduate research opportunities through faculty laboratories, Honors Research, Independent Study, ORCA and the NSF-supported B3 REU program.
Health-profession preparation: The department works closely with CCNY's Program in Premedical Studies, which supports preparation for medical, dental and veterinary schools as well as physician assistant and physical therapy advanced-degree programs.
Research environment: The Science Division reports nearly 50 research-active scientists and research activity spanning doctoral programs, research institutes and collaborations with institutions such as the New York Structural Biology Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Advanced research skills: Students undertaking research can develop practical experience in experimental design, laboratory work, scientific writing, data analysis and research presentations.
ACS certification pathway: Students seeking ACS certification can complete the additional Inorganic Chemistry and graduate-level coursework requirements specified by the department.
Accelerated postgraduate study: CCNY lists Biochemistry, MS among its accelerated master's degree options, allowing eligible undergraduates to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree through an accelerated pathway.
Further academic progression: Graduates can continue into master's and doctoral study in biochemistry and related sciences, or pursue professional education in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health professions. The department specifically identifies advanced-degree preparation including Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. pathways.
Further Academic Progression: Students interested in continuing their studies can pursue graduate-level biochemistry or related scientific programs, professional health programs, or eligible accelerated postgraduate options. Biochemistry majors can also apply to CCNY's five-year Chemistry B.S./M.S. program, although the university notes that Biochemistry students admitted to this route must complete the required chemistry courses rather than substitute biochemistry courses.
Freshman admission is based on the applicant’s overall high-school academic average, individual subject grades, academic-course distribution and standardized test scores if provided.
CCNY recommends four years of English, four years of social studies, four years of mathematics, three years of laboratory science, three or four years of a foreign language and one year of performing or visual arts US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.BiochemistBiomedical ResearcherPharmaceutical ResearcherLaboratory ScientistBiotechnology ProfessionalForensic ScientistFood ScientistEnvironmental ScientistChemical Industry ProfessionalMedical ResearcherPharmacologistProfessor
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