BiochemistryB.S.B.A.

As a biochemistry major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:

• Choose either a B.S. or B.A., whichever fits your particular goals.  
• 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.) 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.

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

• Messiah's Steinbrecher Summer Research program

• Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical Center programs

• 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.

• Many Messiah University chemistry and biochemistry majors have had internships at Chemical Solutions, Ltd., in Harrisburg, PA.