Saint Joseph’s University’s master's in biochemistry program explores the complex series of chemical reactions that take place within each organism, unleashing scientific breakthroughs that enhance and expand life like never before. Apply your passion for discovery to spur innovation and increase your understanding of our living world.
Biochemistry
Saint Joseph’s University’s biochemistry degree teaches students the branch of science concerned with the chemical processes within living systems. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you’ll explore the molecules and complex structures that make up organisms, giving you the knowledge and skills to work for leading drug companies, research laboratories, universities and other industries across the globe.
The bachelor in biochemistry major and minor offers the opportunity to choose specialty electives based on your area of interest or career goals, such as Pharmacognosy, Medical Chemistry and Computer-Aided Drug Design. You'll also get to conduct research alongside faculty who are experts in structural biochemistry, immunology, biochemical genetics and more.
What Can I Do With a Biochemistry Degree?
A degree in biochemistry prepares you to gain admission to medical, dental or other professional schools, or to pursue a graduate degree in science or engineering. Many biochemistry students also secure careers in a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, biotechnology, education, law and business. You may be doing work such as researching new treatments for pervasive diseases or solving problems in the production of chemicals, food, cosmetics or drugs.
Saint Joseph’s biochemistry alumni also quickly find work with premier employers such as:
- AstraZeneca
- Consumer Laboratory Com
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Merck
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Cancer Institute
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
What Sets Our Program Apart
-
The biochemistry major and minor program at Saint Joseph’s is accredited nationally by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It’s also certified by the American Chemical Society, provided you take specified chemistry electives.
-
Our biochemistry program curriculum incorporates computer technology and applications into nearly all lecture and laboratory components, starting with your first course in chemistry. You can take specialty electives based on your area of interest and learn how to investigate or model complex biological phenomena. Electives include Bioinformatics, Microbial Science, Instrumental Analysis and Computer-Aided Drug Design.
-
You’ll get to use sophisticated laboratory equipment and advanced technology such as the 400-MHz NMR spectrometer, high-pressure liquid chromatographs, fluorescence spectrophotometers and powerful Beowulf supercomputers in our West Center for Computational Chemistry and Drug Design.
-
You’ll engage in independent biochemistry research under the guidance of our diverse faculty and gain hands-on industry experience with on- and off-campus internships.
-
Our biochemistry faculty members are experts in structural biochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics and biochemical genetics.
-
You’ll have the opportunity to connect with our strong network of alumni who are well-respected leaders in the biochemistry industry.
Why Study Biochemistry in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is in the heart of the health science industry and is surrounded by more than 250 medical facilities that provide opportunities for hands-on learning. The city’s diverse population and rich healthcare employment opportunities offer a unique environment to gain experience in biomedical research. We’re also a drive away from leading scientific institutions including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Chemical Society.
Program Details
-
The tuition for the biochemistry program entering fall 2023 is $49,410/year*. *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.
-
View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
-
Saint Joseph’s biochemistry program is accredited nationally by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The program is also certified by the American Chemical Society, provided you include specified chemistry electives in your program. Visit the Office of Institutional Effectiveness for more information about our accreditation.
-
Health Professions Pathways
We offer health professions advising for students who are interested in pursuing a science- or health-related career. Biochemistry students can participate in our pre-health professions (pre-med) program, which provides the tools, preparation and foundation to gain admission to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry or podiatry schools.
Double Majors and Minors
Here at Saint Joseph’s, we encourage you to double major or add a minor to make your experience rewarding and unique. The following majors or minors can complement your biochemistry degree:
Biochemistry Admissions Information
To apply for the Biochemistry program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student. You can also get a feel for life as a Hawk with our in-person and virtual visit opportunities.
Explore Other Degree Programs
As a biomedical sciences major at Saint Joseph’s University, you’ll have the opportunity to design a personalized degree in the health concentration of your choice. A rigorous and flexible curriculum covers every area of biomedical sciences and includes a variety of tracks including biotechnology, clinical science, neuroscience and physician assistant.