A BS in Biochemistry helps students understand the chemical processes within living organisms and requires the understanding of chemistry and biology. Experience student-based research, a wide variety of hands-on labs, and an intersection of topics spanning multiple majors.
What is a BS in Biochemistry degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BS in Biochemistry?
Majoring in biochemistry offers a multidisciplinary approach to the sciences, allowing you to explore the molecular mechanisms that drive life processes. A degree in biochemistry can open pathways to advanced studies in medicine, pharmacy, or graduate research, enhancing your expertise and career prospects.
Research opportunities
Participate in research projects your first year, and as a junior and senior, you’ll lead individual projects.
Lab experience
Gain hands-on laboratory skills by working for the department as a laboratory prep worker.
Professional practice
Learn a variety of analysis techniques that are used in the industry.
Tailored programs
Tailor their studies to admission requirements of medical schools you're interested in by choosing from a wide variety of electives.
Career guidance
Explore health careers such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Industry-standard equipment
Gain experience biotechnology, molecular genetics, pharmacology, toxicology, and more while working in modern labs.
What you’ll learn in your BS in Biochemistry program
Through both theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills, you'll learn to analyze complex biological systems and understand the molecular basis of health and disease. Along the way, you will gain interdisciplinary knowledge through our mathematics and biology courses as well.
- Learn to design experiments and analyze complex data
- Gain experience with industry-standard instrumentation
- Develop reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Collaborate with peers on lab projects and group assignments
- Interpret research findings and connect them to broader biological concepts
Explore BS in Biochemistry courses
- This degree requires you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 32 gen ed credits, 33 Chemistry credits, 55 elective credits, and 1 capstone research sequence or internship course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM-105 | +General Chemistry I | 4 credits |
| CHEM-208 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHEM 319 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| WI CHEM-419 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 credits |
How much does a BS in Biochemistry cost?
The cost of your degree depends on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee.
You'll need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does housing cost?
SAU offers diverse housing options to meet the needs of our students, including traditional dormitories to apartment-style living. The cost of your housing varies based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Biochemistry students?
Our Biochemistry faculty uses evidence-based practices in the classroom. They're active members of several professional organizations and attend workshops and conferences to keep up-to-date in the field.
Biochemistry faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career Services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BS in Biochemistry?
SAU believes that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to make college more affordable for our students, providing the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-Based and Institutional Scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Focus on your career. Not debt.
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
Bailey Hird, Fairfield, IA
What’s on campus for Biochemistry students?
Join our active chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) here on campus. We meet monthly for activities and speakers, and through community outreach activities, we work to inspire the next generation of chemists.
Friendly atmosphere to help you grow
"The Chemistry Club is one of the closest groups on campus, and one of the best. All of the members are super friendly,"
-Nick Schaffner, BS in Chemistry, 2021
What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Biochemistry?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Biochemistry program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED.
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5.
- You must provide an official high school transcript.
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a BS in Biochemistry degree?
Your degree can help you reach your professional goals. SAU can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. Here are potential job titles, traits and settings a graduate in our BS in Biochemistry program could achieve.
Potential Job Titles
- Medical Doctor / Physician
- Dentist
- Agricultural and Food Science Technician
- Pharmacist
- Medical Scientist
- Chemical Technician
- Biochemist
Potential employment settings
- Research laboratories
- Higher education
- Pharmacies
- Hospitals and medical care facilities
- Government agencies
- Forensic laboratories
Traits of a biochemist
- Analytical thinking
- Detail-oriented
- Curiosity
- Problem-solving skills
- Communicative
- Resilient
Industry facts
- From May 2023, biochemists have a mean annual wage of $120,310.
- Employment for biochemists and biophysicists has also increased 3.2%.
For more information on Chemistry employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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