B.S. in biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lehigh University

Program Overview

Lehigh University’s Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is an interdepartmental program combining chemistry and biological sciences, giving students a strong foundation in the chemical and physicochemical processes occurring in living organisms. It suits students interested in laboratory science, biotechnology, healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, or advanced study, with coursework spanning chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, biochemistry, and laboratory research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as CHM 040/CHM 041, Concepts, Models and Experiments I & II, or the corresponding introductory chemistry sequence, alongside BIOS 041/BIOS 042, Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory. Mathematics and physics requirements also begin early, with courses such as MATH 051, Survey of Calculus I, and PHY 010/PHY 012, General Physics I and Laboratory.

Year 2: The curriculum moves further into molecular and chemical systems through CHM 110/CHM 111, Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, and CHM 112/CHM 113, Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II. Students also develop biological foundations through BIOS 115, Genetics, while continuing mathematics and physics requirements.

Year 3: Students begin studying biochemistry in greater depth through BIOS 371, Elements of Biochemistry I, and BIOS 372, Elements of Biochemistry II, connecting chemical principles with biological processes. Advanced chemistry requirements include CHM 194, Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences, and CHM 307, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, or CHM 364, Bioinorganic Chemistry.

Year 4: Students consolidate their preparation through BIOS 377, Biochemistry Laboratory, an advanced laboratory experience, and approved Biological Sciences electives. The program also allows students to develop practical scientific expertise through research opportunities supported by the interdepartmental program and participating faculty.

Focus areas: molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, genetics, biological research

Learning outcomes: understand chemical processes in living organisms, integrate chemistry and biological sciences, apply laboratory and scientific methods, analyze biological and chemical systems, develop research skills, prepare for scientific and health-related careers

Professional alignment (accreditation): Lehigh identifies the B.S. in Biochemistry as an interdepartmental Bachelor of Science offered through the College of Arts and Sciences; the program is distinct from Lehigh’s ACS-approved B.S. in Chemistry, so an ACS accreditation claim should not be applied to the biochemistry degree.

Reputation (employability rankings): Lehigh reports that 92% of its Class of 2025 graduates were employed, continuing education, or pursuing military or volunteer service within six months; the university also reports a $77,000 average starting salary, 88% internship or experiential-learning participation, and 577 unique employers hiring graduates. For the College of Arts and Sciences, the reported average starting salary was $60,000, with Math & Natural Sciences graduates averaging $62,425. Lehigh also reports a #23 ranking in LinkedIn’s 2026 U.S. list for Best Colleges for Long-Term Career Success and #12 in PayScale’s Best Universities for a Bachelor’s Degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Lehigh University’s B.S. in Biochemistry is designed around hands-on laboratory experience, interdisciplinary study, and opportunities to participate in active research. The program is managed jointly across Biological Sciences and Chemistry, and students are encouraged to pursue independent study and honors research while working directly with faculty and graduate students; coursework also develops the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The university provides access to specialized biological and chemical instrumentation, giving students exposure to techniques used in molecular, cellular, biochemical, and analytical research. These opportunities include:

Biochemistry Laboratory: The curriculum includes BIOS 377 Biochemistry Laboratory, giving students dedicated laboratory experience within the biochemistry major.
Undergraduate Research: BIOS 361 Undergraduate Research is an approved advanced laboratory option, while the department actively encourages independent study and honors research with faculty and graduate researchers.
Molecular Modeling: Students can take BIOS 237 Introductory Molecular Modeling and Simulation, providing computational exposure relevant to molecular and biochemical investigation.
Advanced Biological Instrumentation: Shared Biological Sciences equipment includes flow cytometry, gel/blot imaging, UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, plate readers, qRT-PCR systems, an Agilent Bioanalyzer, chromatography systems, electroporation equipment, and tissue-sectioning instruments.
Chemistry Instrumentation: Lehigh's chemistry facilities support biochemical research with mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, diffraction and scattering, as well as research equipment including HPLCs, GC-MS, protein chromatography, cell-culture facilities, and spectrometers.
Research Laboratories: Iacocca Hall houses Biological Sciences research laboratories and upper-level teaching labs, while the STEPS building includes 50 research and state-of-the-art teaching labs and computer labs.
Group and Team-Based Learning: Lehigh's life-science curriculum emphasizes working independently and as part of a team, while related chemistry coursework includes interactive group approaches and project groups in laboratory courses.
Industry-Connected Research Environment: Iacocca Hall provides a university–industry research environment where Biological Sciences, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and other disciplines work alongside researchers from different fields.
Specialized Research Facilities: Students benefit from the university's shared research infrastructure, including the Health Research Hub, which supports cell/tissue culture, optical microscopy and imaging, and microfabrication for biological research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Lehigh University’s B.S. in Biochemistry combines chemistry and biological sciences to prepare graduates for careers across biomedical science, healthcare, laboratory research, pharmaceuticals, and related industries. Lehigh specifically identifies career paths including clinical biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biomedical science, clinical research, forensic science, and scientific laboratory work.

Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as biomedical scientist, clinical research associate, analytical chemist, or scientific laboratory technician.

Career support: Lehigh’s academic departments provide faculty advising and research opportunities, while the university’s career resources can support students in connecting their academic preparation with employment and further professional opportunities.
Employment and salary figures: Lehigh’s official B.S. in Biochemistry sources identify career areas and graduate pathways, but do not state a program-specific employment rate or salary figure.
Research and industry preparation: The program is managed jointly by faculty in Chemistry and Biological Sciences and provides research possibilities; Lehigh reports that 70% of chemistry and biochemistry majors participate in research, with projects involving areas such as diagnostic assays, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, catalysts, and smart surfaces.
Professional value: Lehigh’s biochemistry degree provides an interdisciplinary foundation spanning chemistry and biological sciences, supporting progression into biomedical, healthcare, research, and laboratory careers.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter scientific and healthcare-related employment or use the degree as preparation for graduate and professional education. The Biological Sciences department specifically highlights preparation for graduate school, professional training, and health-related industries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can pursue graduate study in biochemistry, chemistry, biological sciences, molecular and cellular biology, or related life-science disciplines. The degree can also support progression into professional health programs, while Lehigh’s interdisciplinary preparation is designed to provide a strong foundation for advanced work in the life and health sciences.