Bachelor of Science in
Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Program Overview

As a Biochemistry major, your goal is to understand how life works by studying the chemical processes that relate to all living organisms. This program prepares you for a career that spans multiple industries, including healthcare, nutrition, forensics, pharmaceuticals, and education.

The Biochemistry major integrates both biological and chemical sciences, with a strong emphasis on laboratory studies. Starting from your freshman year, you will have hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art laboratories, where you will have the opportunity to work with various instruments and facilities. In addition, you may have the opportunity to assist faculty with original research or participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) program, further enhancing your scientific skills.

By pursuing the Biochemistry major at YSU, you have the option to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. However, if you are interested in a Bachelor of Arts degree, there is also a Biochemistry track available through the traditional Chemistry program.

 

Our BS Biochemistry program is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), one of the largest scientific societies in the world.  Students completing an accredited program are considered to be especially well-trained for the biochemistry profession, thus the BS degree is recommended for those students who plan to make a career in industrial chemistry or pursue a graduate degree in chemistry. 

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, BaccMed track, is specifically designed for students interested in seeking degrees as primary care physicians.  The cross-disciplinary nature of the degree provides a student with a good foundation in the sciences, psychology, sociology, and public health.  The student will not only be well prepared for the rigors of medical school, but he or she will also be aware of the issues facing healthcare professionals as well as be better able to deal with a diverse population.

The BaccMed Program at Youngstown State University prepares students for a career in medicine by offering an enhanced pre-medical curriculum and early assurance to medical schools like Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). The program’s flexible options let students earn a bachelor of science in three or four years, and offer students an accelerated biology and biochemistry pathway, and additional resources like MCAT preparation workshops and scholarship opportunities. The program emphasizes family medicine, general pediatrics, general internal medicine, medical research related to these specialties, and medically underserved communities.

Our students have interned at:

  • The Lubrizol Corporation
  • Walgreens Pharmacy
  • Heartland Healthcare Services
  • PharmaChem Acquisition Company

Our graduates work for:

  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Pharmacy Systems Inc
  • Ohio EPA
  • Praxair
  • Walgreens Pharmacy
  • Biotechnical Services Inc

Speak to a Faculty Member

Dr. Tim Wagner

Chair, Chemistry
trwagner@ysu.edu

Student Organizations

The STEM community has a variety of student professional organizations that allow you to grow and foster your learning in an environment with those who share the same interests. 

Student professional organizations provide opportunities for you to meet experienced professionals, collaborate with students at other universities, or form relationships with colleagues outside the classroom. They provide social, academic, entrepreneurial, and professional networking opportunities.

Scholarships Available

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current STEM students. Below, you will find further information regarding the opportunities that may be available to you through the STEM College.