Biochemistry - Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

New Mexico State University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at New Mexico State University combines chemistry and biological sciences to help students understand the molecular processes underlying life, with strong preparation for research, healthcare, biotechnology, industry and further professional study. The 120-credit programme suits students who enjoy laboratory science and want to explore areas such as genetics, organic chemistry, physical biochemistry, protein science and advanced biochemical analysis.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin with CHEM 1215G General Chemistry I Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors, CHEM 1225G General Chemistry II Lecture and Laboratory for STEM Majors, and BIOL 2110G/2110L Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology and Laboratory. They also take MATH 1511G Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and MATH 1521G Calculus and Analytic Geometry II, establishing the chemistry, biology and quantitative foundation required for advanced biochemistry.

Second Year: Students move into more specialised chemistry and biological science through CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 371 Analytical Chemistry, and BIOL 305 Principles of Genetics or GENE 320 Hereditary and Population Genetics. The curriculum also introduces physics and advanced analytical laboratory work, giving students a stronger understanding of chemical reactions, measurement and biological inheritance.

Third Year: Students develop deeper biochemical knowledge through CHEM 314 Organic Chemistry II, CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry Laboratory, BCHE 395 Biochemistry I, and CHEM 430 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Quantum Chemistry, and Spectroscopy. Students also encounter areas such as microbiology and can select additional study such as BCHE 432 Physical Biochemistry, CHEM 456 Inorganic Structure and Bonding or TOX 361 Basic Toxicology, depending on their academic interests.

Fourth Year: The final year emphasises advanced biochemical and instrumental techniques through BCHE 440 Biochemistry Seminar, BCHE 432 Physical Biochemistry or another approved upper-level option, and CHEM 472 Advanced Integrated Instrumental Analysis and Protein Biochemistry Laboratory. Students finish with advanced laboratory and protein-biochemistry experience while completing electives and the remaining university requirements needed for the 120-credit degree.

Focus areas

Biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, physical biochemistry, protein biochemistry, instrumental analysis, microbiology, toxicology and biochemical research.

Learning outcomes

Students develop scientific, analytical and communication skills alongside practical laboratory experience, with knowledge of biochemical processes, biomolecules, enzymology, metabolism, molecular biology and advanced experimental techniques. The curriculum also develops preparation for research, professional-school applications and graduate study.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The B.S. in Biochemistry is accredited/certified by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), and graduates who meet the requirements are eligible to obtain ASBMB degree certification through examination.

Reputation (employability rankings)

NMSU does not publish a Biochemistry-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking on the official programme page. The university does provide an official employment-outcomes dashboard covering alumni salary, industries, employers, job titles and skills, allowing students to explore broader NMSU graduate outcomes rather than relying on an external ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

NMSU's Biochemistry programme has a strong hands-on and research-oriented character, with extensive laboratory work across chemistry, biology and physics and opportunities to work directly with faculty researchers. Students can join research laboratories voluntarily or earn research credit through BCHE 241/441, while paid opportunities are available through programmes such as NM-AMP, the New Mexico Space Grant, biomedical research internships and U-RISE.

Students can build practical and research skills through:

BCHE 241 — Introduction to Research in Biochemistry: Students learn techniques and procedures used in biochemical research and can undertake research for academic credit.
CHEM 472 — Advanced Integrated Instrumental Analysis and Protein Biochemistry Laboratory: This advanced laboratory course develops practical experience in instrumental analysis and protein biochemistry.
Analytical Instrumentation Facility: Students working in the department's research environment can access a dedicated shared facility supporting advanced chemical and biochemical analysis.
Biophysics Facility: The department maintains a dedicated biophysics research facility for interdisciplinary biochemical and molecular research.
Mammalian Cell Culture and Microscopy Facility: This facility supports research involving mammalian cells and microscopy, providing relevant infrastructure for biological and biomedical investigations.
Molecular Biology Sequencing Facility: Students involved in research can work within NMSU's molecular biology sequencing infrastructure, supporting modern molecular and genetic investigations.
NMR Facility: NMSU provides a dedicated Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility as part of the department's shared research infrastructure.
Paid research programmes: Opportunities include NM-AMP, the New Mexico Space Grant Scholarship, Biomedical Research Internships and U-RISE, which provides paid academic-year and summer biomedical research experiences.
Faculty-mentored research: NMSU encourages undergraduate students to join research laboratories within or outside the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and participate in faculty-mentored scholarly projects.
Internships and cooperative education: Through the Aggie Career Studio, students can access structured internships and cooperative education experiences with businesses, industry, government agencies and nonprofit organisations.
Handshake: NMSU's career platform connects students with job and internship opportunities, employer information, career fairs and recruiting activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry prepares graduates for careers across research, production, sales, management and teaching, while also providing a foundation for professional studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, optometry, pharmacology, pharmacy, forensics and law. NMSU specifically identifies career pathways such as research scientist, pharmaceutical chemist, environmental chemist, forensic scientist, chemical educator and chemical engineer.

Typical career directions include Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Chemist, Environmental Chemist and Forensic Scientist:

Aggie Career Studio: Students receive career exploration and major-to-career guidance, one-to-one career advising, résumé and cover-letter development, mock interviews, LinkedIn support, career-fair preparation and employer connections.
Employment and internship platform: Through Handshake, students can search for jobs and internships, connect with employers, attend career events and access on-campus recruiting opportunities.
Employment outcomes: NMSU's official Institutional Analysis office maintains an employment-outcomes system reporting alumni salary, top industries, employers, job titles and skills. NMSU does not publish a Biochemistry-specific salary figure on the programme page, so a programme-specific salary is not estimated here.
Employer connections: NMSU states that more than 6,000 national and international companies employ its alumni, with employers listed in its official Employer Guide. The university's reported major employers across its alumni include organisations such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories and Intel Corporation.
Research-to-career preparation: Students can gain experience through faculty-led research, paid biomedical research programmes, research credits and internships, helping them develop practical skills relevant to scientific employment and postgraduate study.
ASBMB certification: Completing the B.S. requirements provides eligibility for ASBMB degree certification through examination, giving students an additional professional credential aligned with the biochemical sciences.
Professional-school preparation: The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department identifies the degree as preparation for medicine, dentistry, forensics, veterinary science, optometry, pharmacology, pharmacy and law.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into NMSU's M.S. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration or the Ph.D. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration. NMSU confirms that students holding a B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related degree are eligible to apply for the M.S. or Ph.D.; the department also offers graduate research in areas including biochemistry, with research and teaching assistantship opportunities subject to funding and satisfactory performance.