B.S. in Biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lehigh University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biochemistry is an interdepartmental program in Lehigh University’s College of Arts and Sciences, combining chemistry, biological sciences, molecular biology and biochemistry for students interested in understanding chemical processes within living systems. The program suits students seeking a strong scientific foundation for research, biotechnology, healthcare, graduate study and related life-science careers, with faculty from Chemistry and Biological Sciences providing academic advising and research opportunities.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their foundation in chemistry and molecular biology through CHM 040 – Honors General Chemistry I, CHM 041 – Honors General Chemistry II, and BIOS 041/BIOS 042 – Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory. The first year also develops quantitative and communication skills through mathematics, physics, WRT 001 – Academic and Analytical Writing, and WRT 002 – Research and Argument.

Second Year: Students progress into more specialized chemical and biological study with CHM 110/CHM 111 – Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and CHM 112/CHM 113 – Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II. The year also develops biological and quantitative knowledge through BIOS 115 – Genetics, mathematics, statistics and the second sequence of physics and laboratory work.

Third Year: The curriculum moves into the central biochemistry content through CHM 194 – Physical Chemistry for Biological Sciences, CHM 332 – Analytical Chemistry, BIOS 371 – Elements of Biochemistry I, BIOS 372 – Elements of Biochemistry II, and BIOS 377 – Biochemistry Laboratory. Students also complete CSE 012 – Introduction to Programming with Python and technical writing, adding computational and communication skills to their scientific training.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced practical and disciplinary study through BIOS Advanced Laboratory course(s), a BIOS elective, and CHM 307 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, with additional coursework selected according to the degree requirements. This final stage gives students further exposure to advanced laboratory practice and specialized biochemical and chemical concepts.

Focus Areas: Biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry for biological sciences, inorganic chemistry, genetics, biological sciences, laboratory science, computational methods. Lehigh does not list separate formal concentrations or tracks within the B.S. in Biochemistry.

Learning Outcomes: Chemical principles, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biochemical processes, laboratory techniques, biological-molecule analysis, programming, scientific communication, research skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The B.S. in Biochemistry is an interdepartmental degree within Lehigh’s College of Arts and Sciences. Lehigh University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); the university does not state that the B.S. in Biochemistry itself has a separate specialized professional accreditation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Lehigh’s official Class of 2025 outcomes report states that the university was ranked #23 in LinkedIn’s Best Colleges for Long-Term Career Success in 2026. This is a university-level employability ranking rather than a ranking specifically for the B.S. in Biochemistry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biochemistry at Lehigh University combines classroom study with laboratory-based learning, giving students practical experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, and biological sciences. Students can work with faculty on research projects and use Lehigh’s specialized laboratories and scientific instrumentation, with opportunities to apply their knowledge through independent research and hands-on experimentation.

Students can build practical experience through:

Biochemistry laboratories: Students complete laboratory-based coursework that develops practical skills in biochemical experimentation, molecular biology techniques, quantitative analysis, and scientific investigation.
Undergraduate research: Lehigh provides opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in faculty-led research, allowing biochemistry students to contribute to active projects and gain experience with research methods and laboratory procedures.
Research facilities: Students can access specialized research environments within Lehigh’s Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry, supporting work across molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, and related areas.
Molecular and cellular research: Students can gain practical exposure to experimental approaches used to investigate biological molecules, cellular processes, genetics, and molecular mechanisms.
Advanced instrumentation: Lehigh research laboratories provide access to scientific equipment used for areas such as molecular analysis, spectroscopy, microscopy, and biochemical research, depending on the research group and project.
Faculty-mentored projects: The university’s undergraduate research opportunities allow students to work directly with faculty mentors, developing skills in experimental design, data interpretation, laboratory documentation, and scientific communication.
Interdisciplinary research: The program connects naturally with Lehigh’s broader research environment, including work spanning biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, neuroscience, bioengineering, and health-related sciences, giving students opportunities to explore applications beyond traditional biochemistry.
Senior-level research experience: Students interested in research can pursue advanced independent study and research opportunities that allow them to develop a deeper specialization and prepare for graduate or professional programs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biochemistry combines chemistry and biological sciences and is designed to prepare students for careers in health-related industries, scientific research, and laboratory-based professions, while also providing a strong foundation for advanced study. Lehigh specifically identifies alumni career pathways including clinical biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biomedical science, healthcare science, clinical research, forensic science, physician associate roles, research science, and scientific laboratory technology.

Typical career roles: Clinical Biochemist, Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Research Scientist.

Career development and progression are supported through:

Career coaching: Lehigh’s Center for Career & Professional Development provides individualized career coaching, including support with career exploration, job and internship searches, networking, application materials, and interview preparation.
Handshake: Students can use Handshake to search and apply for internships, full-time positions, fellowships and other experiential opportunities, while also accessing employer events, career workshops and one-to-one career-coach appointments.
Employer and alumni connections: Lehigh's campus recruiting program connects students with employer partners recruiting for internships, co-ops and full-time positions, with recruiting opportunities taking place during the fall and spring semesters. Students can also use Lehigh Connects for alumni mentoring and professional networking.
Research experience: The Biochemistry program provides research possibilities and is supported by faculty from both Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Lehigh also reports that 70% of chemistry undergraduates participate in hands-on research, demonstrating the university's broader research environment available to students in related disciplines.
Employment statistics: Lehigh's official sources identify career destinations for Biochemistry graduates but do not state a current program-specific employment rate or salary figure for the B.S. in Biochemistry. Therefore, no Chemistry-specific or national salary figure is substituted for a Lehigh Biochemistry outcome.
Industry connections: Lehigh's CCPD maintains relationships with employer partners that use Handshake to advertise internships and full-time opportunities, host recruiting events and connect directly with students. The university also facilitates employer engagement through Career Expos held each fall and spring.
Accreditation and professional value: The B.S. in Biochemistry is an interdepartmental degree rather than the university's ACS-certified B.S. in Chemistry. Lehigh's official catalog identifies the B.S. in Chemistry as ACS-approved, while the Biochemistry degree is administered jointly through the Biological Sciences and Chemistry disciplines; therefore, ACS certification should not be attributed to the Biochemistry degree.
Graduation and further-study pathway: Lehigh's Biological Sciences department specifically encourages undergraduate students to participate in independent study and honors research, with experiences designed to prepare students for graduate school, professional training and careers in health-related industries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can progress to research-focused graduate study, including Lehigh's Ph.D. in Biology with a Biochemistry concentration, which covers areas such as DNA/RNA structure and function, regulation of protein synthesis and signal transduction. Students can also pursue Lehigh's Ph.D. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration, while the university's graduate Biological Sciences offerings include an online M.S. in Molecular Biology.