B.S. in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

The City College of New York

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry at The City College of New York (CCNY) combines chemistry and biology to help students understand the chemical processes underlying living systems, with a strong foundation for careers in life-science research, medicine and health professions. Students progress from fundamental chemistry and biology into advanced subjects such as biochemistry, physical biochemistry, genetics and cell and molecular biology, while having opportunities to add research experience to their degree.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish the scientific and mathematical foundations needed for the degree, beginning with CHEM 10301: General Chemistry I and CHEM 10401: General Chemistry II, alongside the required mathematics and physics sequences. The curriculum also introduces students to the biological sciences through BIO 10100: Biological Foundations I, building the base needed for later work in molecular and biochemical science.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized chemistry through courses such as CHEM 26100: Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 26200: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, and CHEM 24300: Quantitative Analysis. This stage strengthens students' understanding of organic structures, reactions, laboratory techniques and quantitative chemical analysis, while BIO 10200: Biological Foundations II continues the biology sequence.

Year 3: The program moves deeper into the chemistry of biological systems with CHEM 32002: Biochemistry I Lecture and CHEM 32004: Biochemistry Laboratory, complemented by CHEM 26300: Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 37400: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II. Students can also develop their biological specialization through BIO 20600: Introduction to Genetics or BIO 22900: Cell and Molecular Biology.

Year 4: Advanced study focuses on subjects including CHEM 43500: Physical Biochemistry, CHEM 48005: Biochemistry II, and CHEM 33000: Physical Chemistry I, bringing together chemical principles and biological processes at a more advanced level. Students interested in ACS certification can additionally complete CHEM 42500: Inorganic Chemistry and qualifying advanced-level coursework, with Honors Research or Independent Study potentially contributing toward the additional requirements.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry, biological chemistry, organic chemistry, physical biochemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, laboratory science, life-science research, medicine and health professions.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to develop knowledge of fundamental chemistry, apply chemical principles to life sciences and emerging fields, conduct experiments, analyze and interpret chemical data, apply mathematics to chemical problems, work in problem-solving teams, communicate scientific information in written and oral forms, use chemical information technology, design and execute scientific research, and follow ethical and professional standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

CCNY's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is recognized by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Approval Program. The B.S. in Biochemistry can receive ACS approval when students complete the additional requirements, including Inorganic Chemistry, advanced chemistry coursework and the required laboratory experience; CCNY states that ACS-approved programs are designed to provide broad and rigorous chemistry education with intellectual, experimental and communication skills.

Reputation (Research & Academic Profile)

CCNY's Division of Science reports nearly 50 research-active scientists, including three members of the National Academy of Sciences and six University Distinguished Professors, with annual grant funding reported at approximately $10–$20 million. Chemistry and biochemistry research spans areas including molecular biology, structural biology, biological NMR and experimental and theoretical biophysical chemistry, giving students an academically research-oriented environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biochemistry gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom theory through laboratory courses, independent research and access to CCNY's broader scientific research infrastructure. Students can work with faculty mentors, undertake laboratory or field research through Honors and Independent Study, and access research facilities containing specialized analytical and biological instrumentation. CCNY also highlights undergraduate research opportunities through its Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biodesign (B3) community and an NSF-supported summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).

Students can develop practical scientific skills through the following opportunities:

Biochemistry Laboratory — CHEM 32004: Students gain hands-on laboratory experience as part of the advanced biochemistry curriculum.
Organic Chemistry Laboratories — CHEM 26200 and CHEM 37400: The program includes dedicated laboratory courses alongside Organic Chemistry I and II, strengthening practical chemical experimentation skills.
Quantitative Analysis — CHEM 24300: The course includes hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, group discussion, problem solving and computer-aided instruction, with students working with analytical techniques including spectroscopy and chromatographic methods such as GC and HPLC.
Independent Study and Honors Research: Students can conduct independent laboratory, field or library research for academic credit. Honors research specifically requires laboratory or field research, and qualifying research may also contribute toward ACS certification requirements.
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biodesign (B3): CCNY identifies B3 as a research community connecting scientists working in biochemistry, biophysics and biodesign, with undergraduate research opportunities available through the department and Science Division.
NSF-supported REU: The department identifies a Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biodesign Research Experience for Undergraduates as a National Science Foundation-supported summer research opportunity at CCNY.
CCNY Research Core Facilities: Students participating in research can benefit from CCNY's broader research infrastructure, which includes specialized facilities such as Mass Spectrometry and Flow Cytometry. The core facilities report more than 20 services and equipment including GC-MS, LC-MS/MS and an Attune NXT Acoustic Focusing Flow Cytometer.
Faculty research laboratories: CCNY lists research groups within Chemistry and Biochemistry, including the Biscoe Research Group, as well as research across structural biology, molecular biology, biophysical chemistry and related fields.
Research collaboration environment: Science research at CCNY is conducted across chemistry, biochemistry, biology and physics and in collaboration with the CUNY School of Medicine, Grove School of Engineering and external institutions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry is designed to support progression into life-science research, medicine and other health professions, while also providing a chemistry foundation relevant to industry, government and scientific careers. CCNY specifically identifies opportunities across industry, academia and government, with areas including pharmaceutical science, food science, forensics, research and patent law.

Typical career directions include: Biochemist, Laboratory Researcher, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Clinical Researcher

Students can build their professional direction through:

Career pathways: CCNY's Chemistry and Biochemistry department identifies chemical, pharmaceutical, electronics and petrochemical industries among career destinations and lists companies including Dow, DuPont, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Intel and Exxon Mobil as examples of organizations that hire chemists.
Pre-Health support: Students interested in medicine and health professions can use CCNY's Pre-Health Program for guidance on preparing for medical school.
Research mentoring: Students can identify a Chemistry or Biochemistry faculty mentor and pursue independent research, with Honors and Independent Study opportunities allowing research to count for academic credit.
Industry connections: CCNY's Center for Industrial Partnership connects industry scientists and engineers with CUNY faculty, researchers and students and facilitates real-world projects involving areas including pharmaceuticals, neuroscience, bioengineering and nanoscience.
Research and industry ecosystem: CCNY's Science Division works with external collaborating institutions, while the Chemistry and Biochemistry department's research environment is located near the CUNY Advanced Research Science Center and New York Structural Biology Center.
Employment and salary information: CCNY's university-wide 2020–21 graduation report reported that Division of Science graduates had an average full-time salary of $66,000. This is a historical Division of Science figure rather than a salary specifically for B.S. Biochemistry graduates, so it should not be treated as a program-specific salary.
Career development services: CCNY's graduation report states that 35% of graduating students used CPDI (Career and Professional Development Institute) services in 2020–21, with 58% of those users seeking employment.
Long-term professional value: Students who complete the additional requirements can obtain an ACS-approved bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, with CCNY stating that the ACS Approval Program emphasizes rigorous chemistry education and preparation for technical scientific employment.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can continue into graduate-level study in areas such as biochemistry, chemistry, biology and related biomedical or health disciplines. CCNY itself offers an M.S. in Biochemistry, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. programs through its graduate offerings; the university also provides a pathway for students interested in continuing their academic development toward advanced research and professional careers.