Online Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – Medicinal Chemistry

Explore the chemical reactions of living organisms with Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry degree. This program provides you with an in-depth understanding of chemical and drug synthesis, as well as how medicine influences human health at the molecular and atomic levels. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for health-related graduate studies and diverse careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 42

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Biochemistry – Medicinal Chemistry (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is medicinal chemistry?

Medicinal chemistry is a field focused on the research and development of drugs and pharmaceuticals. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to natural science, combining biology, chemistry and pharmacology. Medicinal chemists investigate chemical compounds to discover new drugs, refine current medicines and develop more effective manufacturing processes at scale.

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop

Throughout this program, you’ll delve into the molecular intricacies of biological systems and their implications in health science, from diagnosis to bioengineered treatments. Featuring coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and specifically medicinal chemistry, you’ll gain a solid foundation in biomolecules and cellular mechanisms. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of chemical reactions in living organisms and their medical applications.

Hands-on experimentation will not only enhance your understanding but also enable you to apply biochemical principles to medicine design. This will cultivate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing you for success in graduate studies and careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. For more information about pre-health education at ASU, please visit our pre-health website.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

Gain hands-on experience with in-person lab opportunities

This program provides you with the unique opportunity to earn a natural science degree online. You’ll take lecture-style courses and virtual labs online, some of which include eScience lab kits delivered to your door. You must also complete in-person lab courses for organic chemistry and biochemistry. These occur in an accelerated format that takes place in less than two weeks. These required lab courses add critical legitimacy to your online medicinal chemistry degree.

Note: You may complete lab courses at an approved accredited institution near you, but course equivalencies aren’t guaranteed. We recommend you work with your advisor on transferring credits to meet degree requirements.

Learn more about in-person science labs.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Take a look inside the accelerated, in-person lab experience for online medicinal chemistry students.

Online medicinal chemistry courses

Throughout this program, you’ll engage in a diverse curriculum that includes courses and lab work in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, medicinal chemistry and more. This comprehensive coursework equips you with an array of skills, from technical lab proficiency to advanced communication and scientific writing. You’ll also develop strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for a successful career in the sciences.


Prepare for jobs in medicinal chemistry and more

Upon graduation, you’ll be positioned as a competitive applicant to many academic and professional health graduate programs. Further study will prepare you for a range of careers in diverse industries, including biotechnology, drug design, pharmaceuticals, medicine, health, research, food production and more. You’ll also have the expertise to immediately enter the workforce and pursue careers in science and health. Potential career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Dentist


Growth: 4.4 %
Salary: $155,040

High School Teacher


Growth: 1.0 %
Salary: $62,360

Medical Doctor (MD)


Growth: 2.5 %
Salary: $214,460

Medical Lab Technician


Growth: 4.9 %
Salary: $57,380

Medical Scientist


Growth: 9.8 %
Salary: $99,930

Optometrists


Growth: 8.8 %
Salary: $125,590

Pharmacist


Growth: 2.6 %
Salary: $132,750

Physician Assistant (PA)


Growth: 26.5 %
Salary: $126,010

Scientist/Biochemist


Growth: 6.7 %
Salary: $103,810

Gain insight from scholars in biochemistry at the School of Molecular Sciences

As a part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Molecular Sciences faculty includes the best in their respective fields. They have an international reputation for interdisciplinary work and scientific publishing that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of chemistry and biochemistry. Our highly regarded awards, publications and rankings include:

  • Academic Innovator of the Year.
  • Air Force Young Investigator awardees.
  • Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship winners.
  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows and MacArthur Fellows.Regents’ Professors and President's Professors.
  • Ranked in the Top 10 of journal citations worldwide among biochemistry departments.
  • Several National Science Foundation and Department of Education Career awardees.

Gain insight from scholars in biochemistry at the School of Molecular Sciences

As a part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Molecular Sciences faculty includes the best in their respective fields. They have an international reputation for interdisciplinary work and scientific publishing that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of chemistry and biochemistry. Our highly regarded awards, publications and rankings include:

  • Academic Innovator of the Year.
  • Air Force Young Investigator awardees.
  • Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship winners.
  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows and MacArthur Fellows.Regents’ Professors and President's Professors.
  • Ranked in the Top 10 of journal citations worldwide among biochemistry departments.
  • Several National Science Foundation and Department of Education Career awardees.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$170 million


in research expenditures in 2022.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

100+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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