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BiochemistryMajor

The path to medical, dental, pharmacy or graduate school starts here. Biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics courses will challenge you in the classroom, while you pursue solutions to the world’s biggest issues in the lab — and build the foundation you need for professional or graduate school.

By the numbers64

64% of graduates over the last five years went directly to professional or graduate school

Overview

What is Biochemistry at WVU like?

Description

An interdisciplinary science, biochemistry is the study of living organisms and is essential in creating and testing new foods, drugs and agricultural techniques. It's ideal if you are interested in pursuing a career in a variety of health professions.

In addition to gaining basic and advanced scientific knowledge, Biochemistry students also graduate with degrees certified by either the American Chemical Society or the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Biochemistry program highlights:

At a Glance

  • College/School:
    Intercollegiate Programs
  • Division:
  • Department:
    Undergraduate Intercollegiate Biochemistry Program
  • Degree Designation:
    BS
  • Degree Program:
    Biochemistry
  • Program:
    Biochemistry

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Tracks

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

Fast Facts

What makes Biochemistry at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

  • Biochemistry students are actively involved in research across campus in programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) and the Summer Undergraduate Cancer Research Fellowship offered by the WVU Cancer Institute.
  • Undergraduate research is required for students in the ACS track and strongly encouraged for the ASBMB track.
  • Students in the ASBMB track can earn course credit for their research which can be counted as Biochemistry elective hours. Or, they can enroll in a two-semester research capstone series.
  • For students completing the ACS-required research or enrolled in the ASBMB research capstone, the program provides a small budget that can be used for laboratory supplies and/or travel.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Biochemistry major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Biochemistry at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Biochemistry major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Popular Courses

AGBI 410:
Introductory Biochemistry

Introduction to chemistry of cellular constituents (proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes and coenzymes) and their metabolism in animals and plants.

BIOL 219:
The Living Cell

Continuation of BIOL 117. Structure, function and diversity of cells with an emphasis on gene expression and cellular phenotype including cell chemistry, energetics, and regulation of cell activities.

BIOL 310:
Advanced Cellular/Molecular Biology

Advanced study of molecular mechanisms underlying fundamental cellular processes.

BIOL 313:
Molecular Basis of Cellular Growth

Study of the integration of internal and external influences as they regulate the division, growth, and differentiation of cells. Topics include hormones as cell effectors, cancer, and stem cells.

BIOL 324:
Molecular Genetics

Theoretical and practical knowledge in genetics as a field of study and as an approach for investigating biological problems.

BIOL 420:
Genomics

Advanced elective examining biology and evolution on a genome-wide scale. Topics include fields of study and methods of DNA sequence acquisition and annotation, including exploration of the human genome and its contribution to disease discovery.

CHEM 312:
Environmental Chemistry

Study of the nature, reactions, transport, and fates of chemical species in the environment. (2 hr. lec., 1 hr. demonstration.)

CHEM 341:
Physical Chemistry: Brief Course

Beginning physical chemistry covering the subjects of chemical thermodynamics, chemical dynamics, and the structure of matter. (Students may not receive credit for CHEM 346 and 348 and for CHEM 341.)

CHEM 460:
Forensic Chemistry

Analytical chemistry as applied in forensic science. Drug analysis, toxicology, arson, paints, polymers, fibers, inks, and gunshot residue.

Cost and Aid

How much does Biochemistry at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Biochemistry can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Biochemistry at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Biochemistry major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about Biochemistry at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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