Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry), MS
Degree Awarded: MS Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)
Students in the Master of Science program in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry in the School of Molecular Sciences are trained in the fundamental aspects of the discipline while joining transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:
- fundamental chemical biology
- medicine and health
- structure function and dynamics
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Plan Options
- 30 credit hours including the required applied project (research paper) course (CHM 593 or BCH 593)
Required Core (4 credit hours)
BCH 501 Current Topics in Biochemistry or CHM 501 Current Topics in Chemistry (4)
Concentration (3 credit hours)
CHM 535 Medicinal Chemistry (3)
Electives (15 credit hours)
three 500-level courses (9)
additional coursework or BCH 592 Research (6)
Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
BCH 592 Research (6)
Culminating Experience (2 credit hours)
BCH 593 Applied Project or CHM 593 Applied Project (2)
Additional Curriculum Information
The program consists of coursework, seminars and a research component. Elective coursework is selected based on the research area and in consultation of the research advisor.
For the required core, students complete four credit hours of any combination of BCH 501 and CHM 501 special topics.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Applicants interested in pursuing the accelerated degree program should review the requirements and submit a pre-application found on the School of Molecular Sciences website before submitting a formal graduate admission application to the degree program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an
accelerated bachelor's and master's degree
with:
BS - Chemistry
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Biochemistry
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BS - Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology
Website | Locations: TEMPE
BS - Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry)
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring

Career Opportunities
Professionals with training achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in biochemistry have opportunities in six general areas: health care (pre-physician training, medical or clinical laboratory support), industry (research and development, quality control), academia (high school and higher education), government (research, policy), nonprofit (policy, public education) and entrepreneurship (consulting, startups). In addition to specialized technical skills, graduates have vital, high-demand skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, and time management.
Some career examples include:
- biotechnologist
- drug discovery scientist
- clinical laboratory technician
- medical lab technician
- pharmacology scientist
- research and development scientist
The American Chemical Society provides helpful resources and a comprehensive list of possible careers on its website at https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- [email protected]
- 480/965-4664