Biochemistry Bachelor of Science Degree

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Rochester Institute of Technology

Program Overview

RIT’s Biochemistry BS explores the chemistry of life through an integrated foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology, preparing students for opportunities across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health care, forensics, agriculture, and research. The program combines substantial laboratory and research experience with an ACS-approved curriculum, while also supporting pathways into medical, veterinary, health-profession, and graduate education.

Curriculum

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through introductory biology and chemistry alongside mathematics and liberal arts coursework. This stage establishes the core knowledge needed for advanced study in biochemistry and the life sciences.

Year 2: Students progress into more specialized chemistry, biology, and biochemistry coursework, developing a stronger understanding of molecular processes and the chemical principles underlying biological systems. Laboratory-based learning strengthens their ability to apply scientific concepts in practical settings.

Year 3: Coursework becomes more advanced, with substantial study in biochemistry and physical chemistry together with life-science electives. Students can deepen their interests while developing laboratory, analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.

Year 4: Students complete upper-level biochemistry, physical chemistry, liberal arts, and life-science elective requirements while preparing for professional employment, graduate study, or health-profession education. Research, co-op, and other experiential opportunities allow students to connect their academic preparation with real-world applications.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, chemistry, biology, physical chemistry, molecular and life sciences, laboratory science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health sciences, forensics, agriculture, research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop knowledge of chemical and biological principles, laboratory and analytical skills, scientific problem-solving abilities, research experience, and the ability to apply chemistry and biology to real-world problems. The program also prepares students to contribute in corporate, health-care, government, research, and graduate or professional education settings.

Professional Alignment

The Biochemistry BS is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and follows the guidelines of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

Reputation

RIT highlights undergraduate research opportunities beginning as early as the first year, more than 25 teaching, research, and instrument laboratory spaces, and an in-house 500 MHz NMR spectroscopy instrument. RIT also reports that nearly half of its biochemistry bachelor's students have continued into graduate programs at universities including Johns Hopkins, Duke, Yale, Harvard, MIT, Cornell, and Virginia Tech.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

RIT places strong emphasis on learning by doing. Biochemistry students can participate in undergraduate research from as early as their first year, work in teaching and research laboratories, undertake co-ops and internships, and gain clinical experience in health-care settings. The university also provides access to more than 25 laboratory spaces and a 500 MHz in-house Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy instrument.

Students can apply their chemistry, biology, mathematics, and health-science knowledge through professional experiences while developing connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for Biochemistry majors, and paid research may also satisfy the program's co-op experience requirements.

Undergraduate biochemistry research beginning as early as the first year
Teaching, research, and instrument laboratories
500 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
Co-op placements and internships
Paid undergraduate research opportunities
Clinical experiences in health-care settings
International co-op/internship opportunities
Study-abroad opportunities with department approval
National conference participation and research presentations
Opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed research manuscripts

Progression & Future Opportunities

The RIT Biochemistry BS prepares graduates for employment in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health care, medical devices, higher education, and related scientific industries, while also providing a foundation for graduate and professional education. RIT reports a 85.8% outcome rate for Biochemistry BS graduates and lists typical roles including Computer-Aided Drug Design Chemist, Quality Control Analyst, Research Technologist, Analytical Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Biotechnology Researcher, Health Scientist, Process Chemist, Cosmetic Biochemist, and Food Biochemist.

Typical Job Roles: Biochemist, Computer-Aided Drug Design Chemist, Quality Control Analyst, Chemist, Research Technologist, Analytical Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Biotechnology Researcher, Health Scientist, Process Chemist, Cosmetic Biochemist, Food Biochemist

Career Services and employment preparation: RIT provides cooperative education, internships, career resources, and professional experiences designed to connect academic learning with workplace applications.
Graduate outcomes: For the class of 2025, RIT reports an average first-year full-time salary of $47,800 and a median of $46,700 for Biochemistry BS graduates.
Employer connections: RIT lists employers and organizations including Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ICON Laboratory, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Cornell University, NOW Foods, and Tufts Medical Center among relevant graduate destinations or hiring partners.
Health-profession pathway: RIT offers pre-med/pre-health and pre-vet advising, and its partnership with the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine provides an Early Opportunity Program in Medicine for eligible students.
Industry experience: Co-ops and internships provide practical experience in laboratories, research, clinical settings, and professional workplaces.
Professional recognition: The program is ACS-approved and follows ASBMB guidelines, providing a professionally aligned undergraduate curriculum.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue into master's and doctoral programs in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, biomedical and life sciences, as well as professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions. RIT also offers Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's options that can allow eligible students to complete both degrees in as little as five years.