Immerse yourself in the study of biology and chemistry to prepare for an exciting career in medicine, pharmacy, or the biomedical sciences.
Do you dream of becoming a doctor or dentist? Maybe you see yourself performing groundbreaking research in a cutting-edge lab? When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, you’ll build a solid, interdisciplinary foundation in the sciences to prepare for advanced degrees in dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, or biomedical research.
You may be asking, “What is biochemistry?” Put simply, we approach the study of biochemistry by applying the methods and theories of chemistry to the study of biological processes at the cellular level. This means that our Biochemistry degree program pulls from disciplines such as chemistry, thermodynamics, molecular biology, physics, and genetics to understand the nuances of life sciences such as biology. As a Biochem major at UMES, you can create a degree that aligns with your career goals through a range of elective courses spanning the sciences, as well as pre-pharmacy options to make yourself stand out when applying to pharmaceutical graduate programs. You’ll take rigorous Biochemistry courses taught by esteemed researchers and scholars from the Department of Natural Sciences, who are dedicated to preparing students for biochem careers and graduate programs.
Why Choose UMES for Your Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry?
Earn a nationally recognized B.S. in Biochemistry
When you earn an undergraduate Biochemistry degree at UMES, you’ll graduate with a degree that’s accredited by the Middle States Commissions on Higher Education and approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). As a UMES Biochem major, you can rest assured that employers and graduate programs will recognize that your education meets the highest standards for academic excellence and career preparedness.
Gain hands-on experience with your B.S. in Biochemistry
What is biochemistry education without real-world work experiences that will help you build an impressive resume while helping others? At UMES, you’ll work with a biochemistry advisor to find summer research experiences and volunteer opportunities in the community that can prepare you for the daily rewards and challenges of biochem careers.
Pre-pharmacy options
Pharmacy is one of the fastest-growing biochem careers in the country. If you’re interested in pursuing a PharmD program, you have several degree options to emphasize pharmacy within your degree. Highly qualified Biochem majors can complete 75 credits of the pre-pharmacy curriculum in as little as two years. The pre-pharmacy curriculum is a collection of courses that constitutes the prerequisites of many doctoral pharmacy programs. We encourage students to take the PCAT during the fall of their second year.
Explore Courses in the Biochemistry Degree Program
Our intensive curriculum will prepare you for a wide range of biochem careers, thanks to the interdisciplinary approach we take to the sciences. The B.S. in Biochemistry program comprises 120 credit hours, broken up into 43 credits of general education courses, 49 credits of core science requirements, 18 credits in supportive courses to build skills related to biochemistry research and scholarship, and seven elective credits to customize your Biochemistry degree to suit your career goals.
Some of the courses you can take when you earn your B.S. in Biochemistry at UMES include:
- Principles of Chemistry: Study the basic concepts in chemistry—including matter, chemical compounds and reactions, and atoms and atomic theory. You’ll learn how to approach complicated problems using strategic scientific theories and methods.
- Biochemistry: Learn about the physical and chemical properties of biomolecules such as nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids. You’ll also take a lab course to apply what you learn to real-world scenarios.
- Instrumental Analysis: What is biochemistry without sophisticated equipment and technology? In this course, you’ll explore the various specialized instruments used in analytical laboratories. Topics include UV-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy—among many other topics and methods of research.
- General Endocrinology: Explore the importance of hormones in the body’s many regulatory functions, such as protection against disease and maintaining daily life processes.
Learn more about the B.S. in Biochemistry curriculum.
Find Your Dream Career with a Biochemistry Degree from UMES
With so many possible biochem careers to choose from after graduation, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. That’s why you’ll work closely with an advisor to create a unique course of study tailored to your aspirations and plans.
Many of our Biochem majors are accepted at prestigious professional schools and graduate programs to continue their education in the specific field of biochemistry that interests them most. With a degree that’s approved by the ACS, you’ll stand out from many other candidates without the rigorous educational experience you’ll have.
Employment for biochemists is expected to grow by 15 percent by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s about triple the average growth for all other occupations.
With a Biochemistry degree from UMES, you can pursue a wide range of roles in medical-related and biochem career fields. These roles include:
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Physician’s assistant
- Dentist
- Dental hygienist
- Lab tech
- Educator
- Researcher
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy technician
Learn More about Paying for UMES
We offer a highly accessible and affordable B.S. in Biochemistry, thanks to competitive tuition rates and fees and generous financial aid opportunities. While you could be eligible for financial assistance through university-wide aid, we also offer Biochem majors annual scholarships to help you pay for your degree and graduate with fewer financial burdens. Learn more about financial aid at UMES.
Take the Next Step
When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, you lay the groundwork for academic and professional success. The expertise you’ll accrue as a Biochem major at UMES will translate to more opportunities to excel in whatever career path you choose.
