Biochemistry
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Biochemistry ACS-Certified Major in Pennsylvania
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biochemistry from Messiah University, one of the top private Christian universities in the U.S., prepares you for a variety of exciting careers such as medicine, pharmacy fields, allied health fields, forensic science, laboratory work, biotechnology, research and more.
Study Biochemistry ACS-Certified at a Christian University
If you’re interested in a career in one of these areas, then Messiah University’s biochemistry major is a good fit for your college experience.
As a program approved by the American Chemical Society, the department offers a rigorous education across all sub-disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry, providing you with the intellectual, experimental and communication skills necessary for preparation as a scientific professional and for medical school.
As a biochemistry major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:
- Perform research in green chemistry, protein engineering and design, nanoparticle synthesis, single-atom catalysis, natural products chemistry, materials synthesis and phytoremediation.
- Join the Medical Awareness Society (pre-medical club), Sigma Zeta (national science and mathematics honors society) or the Messiah University student affiliate group of the American Chemical Society.
- Study with outstanding Christian faculty members who are not only highly qualified academically but also have extensive experience in their fields.
- Take courses that successfully prepare you to go on to medical school.
- Work as a lab assistant, tutor, or supplementary instruction leader in the department.
- Participate in the School of Science, Engineering and Health Spring Research Symposium.
- Complete pre-health profession advising programs for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.
- Enjoy a close-knit department that promotes academic excellence and provides support for students who need additional help.
- Build strong mentoring relationships with expert faculty through small class sizes.
- Utilize state-of-the-art labs equipped with cutting edge instrumentation.
As a student pursing biochemistry, you may choose from three biochemistry degree options. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with ACS Certification is the most rigorous. It includes introductory courses across all areas of chemistry and incorporates undergraduate research as a required part of your coursework. This is the best choice for you if you want to pursue a career in the laboratory or in research. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is a good choice if you want to pursue a career in the laboratory or the health field. It does not contain a required research component. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in biochemistry requires the fewest major credits and contains more elective options than either B.S. degree. The B.A. degree is a good choice if you’re interested in a career in the health professions, as it leaves more time for pursuing a minor, another major or volunteer activities off campus, all of which enhance one’s application for medical school or another health profession program.
Biochemistry is also a great choice if you are interested in pursuing work in forensic science. Forensic science requires careful analytical lab work in both chemistry and genetics, in particular. The addition of a criminal justice minor is particularly good preparation for graduate study in forensic science.
As a graduate of the biochemistry program, you will be equipped to further pursue a career as a:
- Physician
- Chemical analyst
- Allied health professional
- Research scientist
- Lab technician
- Pharmacist
- Forensic scientist
- Professor
For more information on career planning for the biochemistry program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Biochemistry majors compete well for summer research programs both on and off campus. A few of these include
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Messiah's Steinbrecher Summer Research program
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Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical Center programs
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Summer REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) programs. Recent students have been accepted to programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Kent State University, Cleveland Clinic, University of Utah, University of Georgia, University of North Texas, and MIT.
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Many Messiah University chemistry and biochemistry majors have had internships at Chemical Solutions, Ltd., in Harrisburg, PA.
Programs related to Biochemistry ACS-Certified
In the Biochemistry ACS-Certified program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Biochemistry ACS-Certified:
Biochemistry (B.S.) American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified
Biochemistry ACS-Certified careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Biochemistry ACS-Certified program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Meet Alumni from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Research opportunities and hands-on learning
While studying at Messiah University, almost all biochemistry majors participate in undergraduate research. You can choose projects from across all the science departments, working closely with a faculty member, and can even begin some of these projects as early as your first year. You also have the opportunity to pursue summer research opportunities at major research universities, with the help of a strong letter of recommendation from Messiah University faculty.
There are opportunities for biochemistry students to work as lab assistants, tutors or as supplementary instruction leaders in the department.
You also have the opportunity to pursue summer research opportunities with a Steinbrecher Fellowship at Messiah University, or at major research universities, with the help of a strong letter of recommendation from Messiah University faculty.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.