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Biochemistry (BS)

Pursue a dynamic career in healthcare, biotechnology or research with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Our program blends chemistry and biology, offering hands-on labs and faculty-mentored research to prepare you for medical school or a variety of science-driven careers.

Offered Face-to-Face in Commerce.
4 years
120 credit hours

SUGGESTED 4-YeAR DEGREE PLAN

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Turn your passion for science into a pathway toward a dynamic career with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from East Texas A&M University. Our program combines chemistry and biology to explore the molecular foundations of life, offering a strong academic foundation for those interested in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or scientific research. Through hands-on lab opportunities and faculty-mentored research, students have the chance to build valuable skills and experience. Whether you’re considering medical school or aiming to enter the biotech field, biochemistry can help open doors to a wide range of possibilities.

Chemist performing experiment — East Texas A&M professor Dr. Allan Headley feels right at home when conducting chemistry experiments in the lab.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A degree in biochemistry will offer you the opportunity to:

Develop hands-on laboratory skills using state-of-the-art scientific equipment.
Gain research experience by working alongside faculty on real-world scientific problems.
Strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through data analysis and experimental design.
Prepare for professional programs (medical, dental, pharmacy school) or graduate studies in the life sciences.

Careers

With a B.S. in Biochemistry, you’ll prepare for careers in fields like medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, forensic science and nutrition. Throughout the program, you’ll practice developing marketable skills that can lead to roles such as research scientist, lab technician, quality assurance technician, bioinformatics analyst or science writer. Additionally, many graduates choose to continue their education in medical or other professional schools, while others pursue doctoral degrees in graduate programs.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Biochemist

$ 103,450

Agricultural and Food Scientist

$ 78,770

Biological Technician

$ 49,650

Forensic Science Technician

$ 67,440

Pharmacist (with further schooling)

$ 137,480

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025

TAMUC chemistry teacher and students — Smiling female chemistry teacher and students conducting scientific experiment in laboratory classroom

What You Will Learn

You will receive a comprehensive overview of biochemistry through challenging coursework, collaborative research and tactical lab experience. Our program has been carefully crafted to help prepare you for jobs in biochemistry, bioinformatics, public health research, forensic science or further graduate study in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy and allied health sciences fields.

Courses to Prepare You for Your Career

Foundation courses including Introductory Biology and General and Quantitative Chemistry.
Core courses including Biochemistry, Theory of Biochemical Techniques, Organic Chemistry and Proteins and Enzymes.

Featured Courses

Theory of Biochemical Techniques CHEM 335

This course explores the study of the principles and applications of analytical techniques used in biochemical research. The underlying concepts behind such analytical techniques as protein analysis, enzyme assays, nucleic acid quantification, chromatography, electrophoresis and spectroscopy will be studied. The interpretation of data generated from these methods will also be studied. Pre-requisites: CHEM 2325 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 2414 with a minimum grade of C.

Biochemistry CHEM 414

Structure and function of large and small biomolecules involved in metabolism and information transfer in living organisms. The course treats both chemical and biological processes and their mechanisms. For students majoring in chemistry and life sciences, especially those interested in scientific, medical, or similar professional career. Prerequisites: CHEM 2325 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry CHEM 450

This is a one-semester course that serves as an introduction to the role of biochemistry in biotechnology. The course topics include examples how the field of biochemistry has impacted a variety of biotechnological applications using bacterial, plants and animals such as the synthesis of biologically important products. Prerequisites: CHEM 2325 Organic Chemistry II; CHEM 414-414L Biochemistry-Biochemistry Laboratory.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog

Student Organizations

American Chemical Society

The Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (ACS-SA) is designed to bring together students interested in chemistry. It is not necessary to be a Chemistry Major in order to be a member of this student organization. The Student Affiliates sponsor guest speakers, social events, field trips, tutoring services, revenue-generating events and various other activities to promote chemistry at East Texas A&M.

For more information, contact the main office at 903.886.5392, or visit STC 318.