Biochemistry - B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kent State University

Program Overview

Kent State University’s Biochemistry B.S. explores the chemical processes underlying biological systems, combining chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics with hands-on laboratory learning. It is well suited to students interested in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine or further study in biochemistry and related scientific fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin by building a strong foundation in the natural sciences through Biological Foundations, General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory, alongside mathematics such as Analytic Geometry and Calculus I. In the second semester, General Chemistry II, General Chemistry II Laboratory and Probability and Statistics for Life Sciences strengthen students’ understanding of chemical principles and quantitative scientific reasoning.

Year 2:
The second year introduces students to the biological and organic chemistry concepts that underpin biochemistry. Students study Elements of Genetics, Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, followed by Cell Biology, Inorganic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II, giving them a deeper understanding of molecules, cells and chemical reactions in living systems.

Year 3:
Students move into more specialised biochemical and analytical study through Analytical Chemistry I, Analytical Chemistry Laboratory I, Biochemistry: Biomolecule Structure and Function and Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences. They then progress to Biochemistry: Metabolism and Gene Expression and Elementary Physical Chemistry Laboratory, developing their understanding of biological molecules, metabolic processes, gene expression and experimental techniques.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced applications and gives students opportunities to tailor their studies through major electives. Core study includes General Microbiology, Advanced Biological Chemistry Laboratory and Physical Biochemistry, helping students bring together biochemical theory, laboratory practice and advanced scientific analysis as they prepare for professional employment or postgraduate study.

Focus areas

Molecular basis of life, biochemical processes, biomolecule structure and function, metabolism and gene expression, genetics, cell biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, microbiology, laboratory science, pre-medical and pre-professional preparation.

Learning outcomes

Graduates are expected to apply broad chemical and biochemical knowledge professionally, plan and execute chemical and biochemical experiments, and prepare and deliver written and oral scientific reports.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

With the appropriate selection of elective courses, students in Kent State’s Biochemistry B.S. can meet the minimum requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The programme also offers a Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry/Pre-Podiatric Medicine concentration for students pursuing selected healthcare and professional-school pathways.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Kent State’s official programme catalogue provides employment and salary information for occupations relevant to Biochemistry rather than publishing a programme-specific QS or Guardian ranking. For example, its 2026–2027 catalogue lists biochemists and biophysicists at a U.S. median wage of $103,650, medical scientists at $100,590 and biological technicians at $52,000, using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Kent State places a strong emphasis on laboratory and research experience in Biochemistry. Students can work with faculty mentors through independent research, develop practical experimental skills and access specialised analytical and scientific instrumentation, with research facilities supporting techniques ranging from chromatography and spectroscopy to mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing.

Students can build this practical experience through opportunities such as:

Individual Investigation (CHEM 40796): Students can undertake independent research under faculty mentorship, with the possibility of expanding their work into a senior thesis.
Advanced Biological Chemistry Laboratory: A required upper-level laboratory course provides advanced practical experience in biological chemistry.
Analytical Instrumentation Facility: Students have access to research environments using NMR, GC, GC/MS, HPLC, HPLC/MS, DSC, TGA, elemental analysis, FT-IR and UV-Vis techniques.
Research instrumentation: Department facilities include chromatographic, spectroscopic, light-scattering, thermal-analysis and mass-spectrometric equipment, as well as single-crystal and powder X-ray diffractometers.
Proteomics Core Facility: The facility supports research involving isolation and purification, fractionation and DNA sequencing.
Interdisciplinary research: Chemistry and Biochemistry students and faculty collaborate with the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Biological Sciences, including access to specialised imaging and microscopy facilities.
Summer research: Kent State offers Chemistry and Biochemistry research opportunities in which students can work with faculty mentors on summer research projects.
Scientific communication: Undergraduate researchers may present their research at professional conferences and potentially contribute to scientific journal publications.
Kent State University Libraries: The programme catalogue also directs students to the university’s library resources as part of the academic support available to students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Kent State University’s Biochemistry B.S. provides a foundation for students who want to enter scientific careers or continue into graduate and professional education. The university specifically identifies industrial research and development, government research laboratories and academia as potential destinations, while the department also highlights pathways into medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

Typical career roles include biochemist, biological technician, medical scientist and research scientist. Kent State also identifies careers such as biochemical engineer, DNA analyst, genetic engineer, quality control technician and science writer and communicator.

Students can build their career prospects through several university-supported opportunities:

Career and research preparation: Kent State's Chemistry and Biochemistry Department encourages undergraduate research, allowing students to work directly with faculty mentors and develop practical research and scientific communication skills. Students may present their work at professional conferences and potentially contribute to scientific publications.
Undergraduate Research: Kent State's Office of Student Research provides faculty- and graduate-student-mentored research opportunities designed to help students apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills and prepare for graduate and professional opportunities.
Employment and salary information: The 2026–2027 Kent State catalogue lists U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures for relevant occupations. Examples include $103,650 median annual pay for biochemists and biophysicists, $100,590 for medical scientists, $106,950 for bioengineers and biomedical engineers, and $52,000 for biological technicians. These are occupation-level U.S. figures, not guaranteed Kent State graduate salaries.
University–industry exposure: Kent State's Chemistry and Biochemistry Department states that its graduates work in local industry and Fortune 500 companies across the country, providing evidence of graduate progression into industry as well as further study.
Research partnerships: Students can participate in the department's research environment and the NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programme, which is administered jointly with Kent State's Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and provides hands-on research experience in Chemistry and AMLCI laboratories.
ACS certification pathway: With the appropriate elective-course selection, Biochemistry B.S. students can meet the minimum requirements for American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, giving the degree additional professional relevance for students pursuing chemistry and biochemistry careers.
Graduate outcomes: Kent State reports that many Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduates continue into graduate programmes or professional degrees in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, while others enter industry and research careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Biochemistry B.S., students can progress to graduate study in biochemistry, chemistry and related scientific fields or apply to professional programmes. Kent State specifically offers an accelerated pathway in which eligible Biochemistry students can apply early to the M.S. in Chemistry and double-count 9 graduate credits toward both degrees. Students interested in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, physician assisting or podiatry can follow the programme's Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry/Pre-Podiatric Medicine concentration.

Students interested in pharmacy also have a specific pathway with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED): after three years at Kent State, eligible students may apply to NEOMED, and 20 NEOMED credit hours can be transferred toward completion of the Kent State Biochemistry requirements.

The department also offers M.A., M.S. and Ph.D. programmes in Chemistry, giving Biochemistry graduates opportunities to continue into advanced scientific study and research.