Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

The program places strong emphasis on learning by doing, with laboratory courses progressing from general chemistry and organic chemistry laboratories to physical chemistry, chemical instrumentation and biochemical techniques. Students can also conduct faculty-supervised research, including projects connected to externally funded research, and can pursue paid summer research or internships at major Washington, D.C.-area research institutions.

The university's Washington, D.C., location gives students access to a particularly strong scientific ecosystem, including the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, NASA and National Research Laboratory. Students also have access to academic resources through the Consortium of Universities and libraries, including institutions such as Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University and the University of Maryland.

Specific opportunities include:

• CHEM 113/114 – General Chemistry Laboratory I and II: Provides early hands-on laboratory training alongside foundational chemistry.
• CHEM 213/214 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II: Develops practical organic chemistry laboratory skills.
• CHEM 353 – Physical Chemistry Lab I: Gives students practical experience connected to physical chemistry.
• CHEM 408 – Instrumental Analysis & Chemical Spectroscopy: Covers instrumental methods used for chemical analysis, including spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrochemical methods and spectroscopy.
• CHEM 418 – Chemical Instrumentation Lab: Provides laboratory experience accompanying instrumental analysis and chemical spectroscopy.
• CHEM 496 – Biochemical Techniques: Provides specialized practical training in biochemical methods.
• CHEM 493 – Undergraduate Research: Students can participate directly in a faculty member's research project, taking responsibility for their own part of the investigation and developing advanced technical and laboratory skills.
• Faculty research: Undergraduate research is available in faculty-led projects, with research areas supported by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health.
• Paid summer research: Students may obtain paid summer research positions when available and can also pursue summer placements at nearby research institutions.
• Research Day: Students who conduct research can present and discuss their work with faculty and peers at the university's annual University Research Day.
• Internships: Recent chemistry students have completed internships at the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and University of Michigan REU.
• Clinical exposure: Catholic University reports students gaining experience by shadowing neurosurgeons, hematologists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Walter Reed, Howard University and Georgetown University Hospital, as well as working as EMTs and medical assistants.
• Modern teaching laboratory: The university has a renovated undergraduate chemistry laboratory equipped with advanced technology, snorkel exhaust fume hoods and a layout designed to support student collaboration and hands-on learning.
• Washington, D.C. research environment: Students can take advantage of nearby research organizations including NIH, NIST, NASA, Walter Reed and the Smithsonian Institution.

The B.S. in Biochemistry is designed to keep both employment and postgraduate pathways open, with the curriculum meeting requirements for many graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology as well as professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and optometry. Catholic University's Chemistry Department reports that 64% of its graduates are accepted into medical or graduate/professional school, while 23% enter education, research or industry.

Typical job roles: Biochemist, Biophysicist, Medical Scientist, Laboratory Researcher

• Career support: The university's Center for Academic and Career Success supports students with career planning, opportunity identification, application materials, networking and securing employment or internships.
• Employment and graduation outcomes: Catholic University's Class of 2024 outcomes report shows 55% employed, 30% attending graduate school, 3% employed and attending graduate school, and 5% in internships, volunteering or religious-community service; 93% of graduates for whom outcomes were collected were in one of these positive destinations. These figures are university-wide rather than Biochemistry-specific.
• Internship access: The university reports that 71% of surveyed responding graduates had at least one internship during their time at Catholic University.
• Research and industry connections: Chemistry students have completed internships and research experiences at organizations including NIH, NIST, FBI, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, University of Michigan and other research institutions.
• D.C. scientific network: The department highlights connections with major scientific organizations in Washington, D.C., including NIH, NASA, NIST, National Research Laboratory and the Smithsonian Institution, giving students access to a broad research environment.
• Long-term professional value: The program's combination of chemistry, biology, laboratory research and scientific communication provides preparation for scientific employment as well as postgraduate and health-professional education. The university specifically identifies medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and optometry among the professional pathways supported by the curriculum.
• Research reputation: Catholic University has R1 research status, and undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research and present their work through University Research Day.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can progress to graduate programs in biochemistry, chemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and related life sciences, or apply to professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and optometry. Catholic University's Chemistry Department also notes pathways into graduate programs that can provide tuition support and stipends, while its alumni have continued to graduate institutions including the University of Michigan, University of Maryland, University of Delaware and Drexel University.