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Intercollegiate Programs

Biochemistry, BS

An interdisciplinary science, biochemistry is the study of the ways that living organisms make and use molecules in their cells, organs, and ecosystems. We also learn how molecules from the environment (food, drugs, toxins) improve or interfere with cell functions.

Biochemists create and test new foods and pharmaceutical drugs. They often work in research and healthcare to understand and support the health of individuals and the environment.

Your Degree Plan The èßäÊÓƵ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

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.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the èßäÊÓƵ Honors College. Two programs are offered: and .

The èßäÊÓƵ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Only intercollegiate program offered at èßäÊÓƵ. Students are members of both the and the .
  • Dedicated Biochemistry teaching labs in three departments (School of Agriculture and Food Systems, Chemistry, and Biology) containing instrumentation required for a full laboratory experience.
  • Students eligible for enrichment funds from both the Davis and Eberly Colleges to fund special activities like undergraduate research and study abroad.
  • Scholarships available from both colleges.
  • Field trips to major research, healthcare or teaching facilities to tour and learn about internship and career opportunities.
  • Biochemistry students are regularly recognized as and named to the .
  • 64% of graduates over the last five years went directly to professional or graduate school
Scholarships

93% of èßäÊÓƵ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2023-24).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Our students are actively involved in research across campus in programs like the and the Summer Undergraduate Cancer Research Fellowship offered by the èßäÊÓƵ Cancer Institute.
  • Experiential learning (research, internships, teaching, etc.) is required of all Biochemistry majors.
  • Students can earn course credit for research, teaching, internships and other experiences through the experiential learning elective. Advisers can help students sustain their experiences over several semesters, or identify paid opportunities in the summer.
  • Connect with the , and offices for even more opportunities.

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects in èßäÊÓƵ's Biochemistry major have included:

  • Impact of different omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on brain fatty acid composition, gene expression, oxidative stress, and inflammation in young female rats.
  • O-Methyltransferases in Anisaldehyde Biosynthesis of Strawberry Flowers.
  • Probing the morphological and mechanical changes in a C. elegans model of Huntington's Disease.
  • Testing of a metabolic engineering strategy in plants.
  • The effect of HeatResis® on heat tolerance in spinach.

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

View all of the you can join.

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

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Biochemistry major will give you the following skills:

  • Science process skills - the ability to design, implement, analyze, and present experiments.
  • Interpersonal skills - teamwork, communication, leadership, cultural competence.
  • Specific lab/technical skills - including (but not limited to!) PCR, DNA sequencing, cell culture, NMR, protein analysis.

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

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Dentists, General

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $166,300

Possible job titles include: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist.

Explore Career

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $107,460

Possible job titles include: Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Scientist.

Explore Career

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Biologist, Environmental Analyst, Research Scientist, Scientist.

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Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $84,680

Possible job titles include: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Research Chemist.

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Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $51,430

Possible job titles include: Biological Science Laboratory Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate.

Explore Career

Veterinarians

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $119,100

Possible job titles include: Associate Veterinarian, Equine Vet (Equine Veterinarian), Veterinarian (VET), Veterinary Medicine Doctor (DVM).

Explore Career

Family Medicine Physicians

Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $224,640

Possible job titles include: Board Certified Family Physician, Family Medicine Physician, Family Physician, Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD), Family Practice Physician, Family Practitioner, Medical Doctor (MD), Medical Staff Physician, Physician, Primary Care Physician.

Explore Career

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Life Sciences - 39204-S-JFS-0024-XX

Life Sciences Building

As the home of the èßäÊÓƵ's biology and psychology programs, the Life Sciences Building has technologically advanced classrooms and laboratories, as well as a greenhouse, mental health clinic, faculty offices, and common areas.

Students walking to Ag Sciences - fall

Agricultural Sciences Building

Agricultural Sciences houses classrooms, computer labs, and numerous teaching and research laboratories that support the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

STEM Learning Center - 40624-S-BFP-0746-XX-(1)

Chemistry Learning Center / STEM Learning Center

The CLC offers resources like free evening tutoring, chemistry teaching faculty office hours, and problem solving videos by chemistry faculty. Next door, the SLC (pictured) is open for STEM academic assistance, a place to study, and an area to relax and recharge between classes.

Facilities Thumbnail - Animal Science Farm

Animal Science Farm

The 408-acre farm boasts state-of-the-art poultry research facilities, as well as cattle operations. The farm is also the site of groundbreaking research initiatives in poultry feed and small ruminant production.


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

  • You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
  • Visit
    Experience èßäÊÓƵ in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to èßäÊÓƵ's Biochemistry major, first-time freshmen must meet èßäÊÓƵ's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

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

Tuition and Fees

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

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at èßäÊÓƵ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

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

Ways to Save

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

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Biochemistry major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

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

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 èßäÊÓƵ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the èßäÊÓƵ family.

Want to know more about Biochemistry at èßäÊÓƵ? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if èßäÊÓƵ is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit èßäÊÓƵ

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.