Bachelor of Science in biochemistry

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Oklahoma

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma combines chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics to explore the molecular basis of life, making it particularly suitable for students interested in biomedical research, medicine, dentistry, and related life-science fields. Students develop a strong foundation through organic and physical chemistry, biochemical methods, biochemistry, and molecular biology, with 120 total credit hours and 33 major credit hours in the current 2026–2027 curriculum.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the chemical and mathematical foundations of the degree through CHEM 1315 General Chemistry, CHEM 1415 General Chemistry (Continued), and MATH 1823 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, followed by Calculus II and university general education coursework. This first year establishes the quantitative and laboratory-oriented foundation needed for advanced chemistry and biochemistry study.

Year 2: The curriculum moves into more specialized chemical and physical sciences with CHEM 3064 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 3164 Organic Chemistry II, and CHEM 3005 Quantitative Analysis, alongside physics courses such as PHYS 2414/2424 General Physics for Life Science Oriented Majors. Students develop a stronger understanding of molecular structure, chemical reactions, quantitative analysis, and physical principles relevant to biological systems.

Year 3: Students enter the core biochemistry sequence through CHEM 3853 Biochemistry I, CHEM 3753 Introduction to Biochemical Methods, and CHEM 3423/3523 Physical Chemistry I and II, supported by dedicated Physical Chemistry Laboratory courses. This stage deepens students’ understanding of biochemical processes while building practical skills in biochemical methods and laboratory investigation.

Year 4: The final year advances students into CHEM 3953 Biochemistry II and MBIO 4843 Molecular Biology, while upper-division electives provide additional academic flexibility. Students can also pursue the department’s capstone opportunities, including CHEM 4913 Senior Thesis, CHEM 4923 Senior Project, or CHEM 4933 Current Topics in Biochemistry, subject to course availability.

Focus areas: Biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical research, protein and macromolecule structure, metabolism, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, structural biology, and biological chemistry.

Learning outcomes: Students develop knowledge of biochemical and molecular processes, quantitative and experimental methods, laboratory investigation, scientific data interpretation, and the relationship between chemistry and biological systems; the curriculum also provides advanced laboratory experiences designed to build practical skills for research and professional practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The University of Oklahoma states that its Chemistry (Professional) B.S. is certified by the American Chemical Society, but the official university source does not state that the Biochemistry B.S. itself carries ACS certification.

Reputation (employability rankings): The official OU Biochemistry sources identify career opportunities in hospital laboratories, university and government research laboratories, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, forensic science, agriculture, education, cosmetics, and health professions, but do not publish a program-specific employability ranking or graduate employment rate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the University of Oklahoma’s Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry develop practical skills through laboratory courses and research experiences that connect biochemical theory with hands-on scientific investigation. The program is supported by OU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where students can engage with faculty research in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, and chemical biology. Key opportunities include:

Undergraduate Research: Students can participate in faculty-directed research, gaining experience with experimental methods, scientific data analysis, laboratory procedures, and research communication.
Biochemistry Laboratories: Laboratory coursework gives students hands-on experience applying biochemical concepts through experiments and developing practical laboratory skills.
Faculty Research: OU faculty research provides opportunities to explore areas including biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, chemical biology, and related life-science research.
Research Facilities: Students can benefit from specialized research infrastructure associated with OU’s chemistry and biochemistry programs, supporting laboratory investigation and advanced scientific research.
Research Institutes and Centers: OU’s research environment connects biochemistry with broader interdisciplinary research across the university, giving students opportunities to explore biological and chemical sciences beyond the classroom.
Library and Digital Resources: OU Libraries provide access to scientific journals, databases, books, and other research resources that students can use for coursework and independent research.
Research and Professional Development: Undergraduate research can help students develop the laboratory, analytical, and scientific communication skills valuable for graduate study, professional programs, and careers in biotechnology and related fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry prepares students for laboratory, biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and research-related careers, while also providing a strong foundation for advanced study. OU specifically identifies opportunities in hospital laboratories, university and government laboratories, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, forensic science, agriculture, cosmetics, and health professions. Typical roles include biological or laboratory technician, research assistant, pharmaceutical research associate, and biotechnology professional.

Career and Employment Opportunities:

Career Services: OU’s Career Center provides access to Handshake, where students can find full-time positions and internships, search employer-posted opportunities, and connect with employers through career fairs and on-campus interviews.
Employment statistics and salary: OU’s Career Center publishes first-destination statistics and an Executive Summary containing salary benchmarks and employment trends; the official Biochemistry program page directs students to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for occupation-specific median pay rather than stating a single salary figure for this degree.
Research and professional connections: Biochemistry students can participate in faculty-led research and programs connecting undergraduate students with biomedical and clinical research. OU’s research opportunities include UROP, Summer Undergraduate Research Programs, and the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program in collaboration with OU Health Sciences Center.
Industry and professional preparation: The program’s curriculum includes advanced biochemistry and molecular biology, while OU identifies pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, hospital laboratories, government laboratories, and other scientific sectors as potential career areas.
Accreditation value: The University of Oklahoma is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; OU states that this accreditation applies to all OU programs.
Graduation outcomes: OU reports that many Biochemistry students continue into graduate-level study, while others pursue medical, dental, or pharmacy school. The university also highlights undergraduate research as preparation for advanced biomedical research careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biochemistry, students can progress to a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy in biochemistry or related fields. The degree is also specifically suited to students preparing for medical, dental, or pharmacy school, depending on the additional prerequisites required by the professional program.