Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lehigh University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at Lehigh University is an interdepartmental program that brings together chemistry and biological sciences to explore the chemical and molecular processes that make life possible. It is well suited to students interested in biomedical research, biotechnology, health sciences or graduate and professional study, with coursework spanning organic chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, programming and advanced laboratory science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics. Courses such as Honors General Chemistry I, Honors General Chemistry II, Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory introduce the fundamental concepts and laboratory skills needed for advanced study.

Year 2: The second year moves into more specialized chemistry and biological sciences while continuing the mathematics and physics foundation. Students take Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II, Genetics, and supporting courses such as Survey of Linear Algebra or Calculus III.

Year 3: Students begin working directly with the chemistry of biological systems through advanced biochemistry and analytical science. Key courses include Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Elements of Biochemistry I, Elements of Biochemistry II and Biochemistry Laboratory, alongside Introduction to Programming with Python or an approved alternative.

Year 4: The final year allows students to deepen their scientific expertise through advanced laboratory work, biological science electives and advanced chemistry. Students complete Advanced Laboratory coursework and can choose subjects such as Advanced Inorganic Chemistry or Bioinorganic Chemistry, giving them the opportunity to shape their studies around research and career interests.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, genetics, bioinorganic chemistry, biological sciences, biochemical laboratory science, molecular modeling and simulation, scientific programming and biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an integrated understanding of chemical and biological processes, gain laboratory and analytical skills, learn to work with scientific data and programming tools, and develop the ability to approach biological and chemical problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Biochemistry is an interdepartmental degree offered through Lehigh's College of Arts and Sciences. Lehigh identifies its separate B.S. in Chemistry as an ACS-approved degree; the B.S. in Biochemistry is not identified as ACS-certified, so ACS certification should not be attributed to this program.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)

Lehigh's Class of 2025 recorded a 92% successful outcome rate, including graduates who were employed, continued their education, or entered military or volunteer service within six months. Across the university, the average starting salary for the Class of 2025 was $77,000, while the College of Arts and Sciences reported a $62,425 average starting salary for Math & Natural Sciences; these are university/college-level figures rather than Biochemistry-specific results.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Lehigh's B.S. in Biochemistry gives students substantial opportunities to apply classroom science through laboratory courses and faculty-guided research. The curriculum includes dedicated chemistry, biochemistry and advanced laboratory work, while students can also join research groups where they collaborate with faculty, graduate students and other researchers. Lehigh's research environment includes specialized instrumentation for biochemistry and molecular science, giving students exposure to authentic research settings rather than limiting learning to lectures and textbooks.

Students can build practical experience through:

Biochemistry Laboratory: BIOS 377 provides dedicated laboratory training within the major, complementing the biochemical concepts covered in Elements of Biochemistry I and II.
Organic Chemistry Laboratories: CHM 111 and CHM 113 provide laboratory experience alongside Organic Chemistry I and II.
Advanced Laboratory: The degree requires four credits of advanced laboratory work, allowing students to progress toward more sophisticated experimental techniques and research-style activities.
Programming and molecular modeling: Students can fulfill the programming requirement through CSE 012 Introduction to Programming with Python, ENGR 010 Applied Engineering Computer Methods, or BIOS 237 Introductory Molecular Modeling and Simulation.
Faculty research: Lehigh welcomes undergraduate students into research laboratories, with opportunities ranging from research assistant roles and faculty-led projects to independent research and honors work.
Early research participation: The university states that first-year students are welcome in research labs, while motivated students can begin deeper research earlier than the typical junior or senior-year research experience.
Research areas: Lehigh's Biological Sciences research includes DNA/RNA structure and function, computational and molecular modeling, and mechanisms of signal transduction, all closely related to biochemistry.
Research instrumentation: Chemistry research facilities provide access to specialized capabilities including mass spectrometry, molecular spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and diffraction and scattering.
Iacocca Hall: The building houses Biological Sciences research laboratories and upper-level teaching laboratories, alongside research activity in bioengineering and chemical and biomolecular engineering.
Research funding and presentation: Students can apply for university, college, department or faculty research funding and may have opportunities to present their work at conferences or pursue publication.
Independent and honors research: Students interested in deeper research can develop independent projects with faculty mentors, while honors students complete an independent research project and present and document their findings.

Facilities and research resources: Iacocca Hall, Biological Sciences research laboratories, upper-level teaching laboratories, Chemistry research facilities and specialized analytical instrumentation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry provides a strong foundation for careers that combine biological science, chemistry and laboratory research, while also supporting students who plan to continue into advanced or professional education. Lehigh identifies biochemistry graduates working in areas including clinical biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biomedical science, healthcare science, clinical research, forensic science and scientific laboratory work.

Typical career directions include Clinical Biochemist, Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Research Associate. Students may also pursue roles as forensic scientists, healthcare scientists, research scientists or scientific laboratory technicians.

Students can build toward these opportunities through:

Career and Professional Development: Lehigh's Center for Career & Professional Development supports students with career preparation and provides first-destination and outcomes information to help students understand post-graduation pathways.
Research experience: Faculty-led research, research assistant positions, independent projects and honors research allow students to graduate with practical experience that can strengthen applications for research positions and advanced study.
Employer exposure: Lehigh reported that 577 unique employers hired members of the Class of 2025, demonstrating the breadth of organizations recruiting from the university.
Internship and experiential learning: 88% of Lehigh's Class of 2025 graduates completed one or more internships or an experiential learning opportunity, although this figure applies to the university's graduating class rather than specifically to Biochemistry.
Employment outcomes: 92% of the Class of 2025 were employed, continuing education, or pursuing military or volunteer service within six months of graduation.
Salary information: Lehigh reports a $77,000 average starting salary for the Class of 2025. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, the Math & Natural Sciences discipline group reported an average starting salary of $62,425; neither figure is a Biochemistry-specific salary.
Industry and research environment: Iacocca Hall brings together Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering research activity, while Lehigh's research facilities support work in areas such as biochemistry, molecular structure and biological sciences.
Long-term accreditation value: The B.S. in Biochemistry itself is not identified as ACS-certified. Lehigh's separate B.S. in Chemistry is ACS-approved, so that accreditation should not be presented as an accreditation feature of the Biochemistry degree.
Graduation outcomes: Beyond employment, the program supports progression into graduate and professional education. Lehigh's Biological Sciences department specifically highlights preparation for graduate school, professional training and careers in health-related industries.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's and doctoral programs in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biological sciences and related fields. The program's strong laboratory and research foundation is also relevant for students pursuing professional education in areas such as medicine, dentistry and other health-related fields, while Lehigh's faculty-mentored research and honors opportunities can help students build a stronger foundation for competitive graduate or professional applications.