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Biochemistry, B.S.
Biochemistry is a fascinating and diverse field that impacts many aspects of our lives, including such areas as medicine, genetics, and nutrition. As a department, our goal is to provide rigorous preparation for students whose career paths require expertise in biochemistry. Additionally, our faculty members strive to contribute to a chemically literate society through teaching (with classrooms, labs, and research), scholarship, and service.
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, administered through the Department of Chemistry.
Why Study Biochemistry at Grand Valley?
- Faculty attention. Beyond the freshman year, our courses become smaller with more student-faculty interaction. All upper-division courses are taught by Ph.D. chemists with specialized training and research expertise.
- Hands-on laboratories. Students gain extensive, firsthand experience preparing solutions, conducting experiments, and operating advanced research-quality instruments.
- Research experiences. Students have the opportunity to contribute to genuine scientific research on novel projects while receiving one-on-one mentoring from faculty members.
- Professional development. Many of our students travel to professional meetings with their faculty mentors to present research findings and network with other researchers.
- Support. Endowments provide scholarships, grants, and fellowships for student tuition, travel, and research.
- Excellent teaching. Chemistry faculty have won 23 Outstanding Teacher, Pew Teaching Excellence, and Distinguished Undergraduate Mentoring awards from the university.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
- Face To Face
Coursework
Visit gvsu.edu/catalog for current coursework information.
Career Options
Graduates work in a variety of different fields, including:
- Forensics
- Life sciences research
- Pharmaceuticals
- Teaching
Biochemistry majors are well prepared to attend graduate or professional schools in a variety of areas, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, biochemistry, and chemistry.
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Skills Employers Want
The B.S. in Biochemistry at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
- Clinical Research
- Clinical Trials
- Good Clinical Practices
- Pharmaceuticals
- Audting
- Data Collection
- Research
- Detail Oriented
Source: EMSI, 2020
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Chemistry
gvsu.edu/chem
312 Padnos
Hall
(616) 331-3317