The B.S. degree (Bachelor of Science) in biochemistry requires to study chemistry, calculus, physics, and biology.
Description of Major
This degree prepares students for graduate work in the field of biochemistry or related areas in the biomedical sciences, for other professional degree programs such as medicine and law, and for employment as a biochemist in industry or government.
Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study
Problem solving and analytical thinking, questioning, ability to become a "team player," communication skills, imagination and creativity, knowledge of the basic properties of bimolecular and materials, mastery of chemistry and biochemistry, and business orientation.
Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major
Biology, business, economics, mathematics, physics, and communication and culture.
Career Options
Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree
Graduates with a B.A. degree are prepared to enter the workforce in technical sales, marketing, or customer relations, and as technical writers and scientific editors. The B.S. degree in biochemistry prepares students for careers in industry and government, and as laboratory technicians or research assistants.
Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree
Teaching at the junior and senior high school level, technical sales, marketing or customer relations, and technical writing/science editing.
Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree
An advanced degree in biochemistry or a related biomedical field can lead to careers in industrial research and development in fields as wide ranging as pharmacology (development of new drugs), biotechnology (using biological processes to produce materials), and environmental toxicology (studying the toxic effects of natural or man-made chemicals in the environment). In addition, an advanced degree in biochemistry prepares students for academic careers in colleges and universities. Combining a degree in biochemistry with a degree in another field expands career options to include patent law, medical research, environmental science, and biomedical engineering.
Employment Opportunities
Job Outlook
The current job market for the B.S. biochemist in industry is fairly stable. Although the number of positions in traditional areas of chemistry and biochemistry (within industrial companies) has decreased in recent years due to downsizing of companies, job opportunities are developing in environmental chemistry, genetics, pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry, and biotechnology.
High School Preparation
Students planning to major in chemistry or biochemistry should take as much advanced work (with laboratory experience) as possible in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. Higher-level mathematics, including pre-calculus or calculus, is very important, as is knowledge of computers and computational techniques. Also essential to success in science are written and oral communications skills.
