Science - Biology, chemistry or biochemistry

As a biological sciences major, you’ll develop knowledge that ranges from the cellular level to entire ecosystems.

This program investigates genetic and environmental causes of diversity, evolution, the interplay of organisms and their environments and how these factors influence health and disease. You’ll encounter biological processes that can take anywhere from picoseconds to millennia to complete.

Additionally, this program’s innovative courses enable new ways of learning and applying skills. Narrative storytelling tools such as Dreamscape Learn allow you to explore virtual worlds as a scientific investigator. In this interactive 2D environment, you’ll gather and analyze data to solve realistic problems in biology. Actively participating in the story will deepen your understanding and strengthen your problem-solving skills. Other practical learning opportunities may include at-home lab kits, in-person lab sessions, internships and research.

Choosing the right biology degree for you

If you're looking to study and train in multiple disciplines of biology, this is the right program for you. It’s also a good fit if you’re wanting more exposure to the life sciences before deciding whether to declare one of the concentrations below.

You’ll have the option to enroll in one of five concentrations focused on a particular aspect of biology, in addition to building core skills and knowledge in the field. The available concentrations are:

• Biology and society
• Biomedical sciences
• Conservation biology and ecology
• Genetics, cell and developmental biology
• Neurobiology, physiology and behavior

Prepare for postgraduate studies

If you’re seeking to continue on to a master’s degree or PhD, this program can prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®). The curriculum also aligns with recommendations from the American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Committee.

Not interested in taking the MCAT®? After completing this program, you’ll be equipped with the foundational knowledge to pursue non-medical graduate degrees in a variety of fields of biology.

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:

• Master of Science in biology
• Master of Science in computational life sciences

Biochemistry focuses on the chemical processes found in living creatures and organisms. In this program, you’ll explore the structure and properties of matter and apply that knowledge to explain biological processes in living systems. The curriculum covers topics such as thermodynamics, equilibrium theory, states of matter, solutions and chemical kinetics. You’ll learn how to answer key questions about the structure and purpose of a broad range of biological functions through the lens of chemistry.

Completing this program is a step toward submitting competitive applications for advanced science programs. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped for postgraduate education paths, including medical school and physician assistant programs. You can also pursue master’s degrees in science, pharmacy and dentistry. Additionally, you’ll have access to academic and pre-health advisors who will support your success.

Get hands-on experience with in-person and virtual lab opportunities

This online biochemistry degree includes both online and in-person lab courses. Many of your lab requirements, such as in physics and general chemistry courses, can be completed online using at-home lab kits.

You’re also required to complete the organic chemistry and biochemistry labs in person at ASU’s Tempe campus. During this experience, you’ll learn professional techniques, including scientific theory, technical skills and how to communicate results effectively in writing. You may be able to complete these courses at an approved accredited institution near you, but equivalencies aren’t guaranteed. It’s important to work with your academic advisor to confirm transfer eligibility.

Gaining practical skills in the lab can set you apart when applying to graduate and professional programs in health and the sciences. Learn more about the on-campus sessions and how to prepare.

Choose the right biochemistry degree for your career path

ASU offers three online biochemistry bachelor’s degrees designed to support a variety of academic and professional paths:

• Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry
  • Offers more flexibility in electives and is ideal if you’re pursuing a career that combines biochemistry with other fields, such as education, communication or business.
• Bachelor of Science in biochemistry
  • Emphasizes a strong foundation in chemistry, biology and physics with lab experiences that prepare you for graduate programs and careers in science and medicine.
• Bachelor Science in biochemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry
  • Focuses on the design and development of pharmaceuticals and therapeutics, making it a good fit if you’re interested in drug discovery, pharmacology or biotechnology.

If you choose one of the BS degrees, you can apply for 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:

• Master of Science in computational life sciences

This program allows you to build a custom degree by combining two academic disciplines into one major.

You’ll select two concentrations from more than 40 available options, with advisors available to help you choose the ones best for you. It's an ideal program for those who are undecided on a major or want to pursue multiple areas of study.

One of the most popular combinations is to pair a concentration in business with a second focus in psychology. Other complementary options include:

• Applied business data analytics and business
• Business and project management
• Business and real estate
• Counseling/applied psychology sciences with family studies
• Family and human development and communication
• Personal health and integrative health
• Project management and sustainability
• Science, technology and society with technical entrepreneurship and management
• Sales and marketing essentials and organizational leadership

A culminating experience with a focus on experiential learning

IDS 401 is the program’s culminating experience in which you’ll arrange, plan and execute a learning project. Throughout this course, you’ll be guided in applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating interdisciplinary concepts to a real-world problem.

You’ll choose from one of the three options below. The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts will work with you to help you find a project that fits your interests. No matter which you choose, the experience will integrate both your concentrations in a meaningful way:

• Applied study: The applied study is a traditional work experience where you’ll spend 120 hours at a site of your choosing putting your integration and concentration area knowledge into practice. In addition to the hours completed onsite, there will be an online class component where you’ll reflect on your internship work.
• Directed study: A directed study is a thesis, creative or research project that you’ll design in consultation with a faculty member. This option is best suited for you if you’re interested in graduate school or have a creative project you’re interested in pursuing. This can be a great way to start a CV, create a portfolio or design your own project.
• Research fellows: You’ll partner with School of Applied Sciences and Arts faculty to assist them with research and ongoing faculty-led projects. This option is highly competitive, so you should begin planning for this option early.

Upskill with a master’s degree

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:

• Master of Liberal Studies
• Master of Project Management
• Master of Science in organizational leadership