Program Overview

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Biochemistry, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in biochemistry through the School of Molecular Sciences provides students with the training they need to solve biological problems at the molecular scale and to be successful, independent scientists who can address challenging societal issues.

Program Description

The program's distinct emphasis is on structure, properties, and synthesis from the molecular perspective in a biological context. Students will be able to tackle complex challenges in and outside the lab. The program prepares students for professional careers in industry, government, and academia.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation
• Six graduate-level courses (12-18 credit hours)
  • Enrollment in a BCH 501/CHM 501 seminar (8 credit hours)
  • BCH 792 Research (46-52 credit hours)
  • BCH 799 Dissertation (12 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information

The program consists of coursework and seminars selected by the student in consultation with the student's supervisory committee and based on the student's area of research. Qualifying exams consisting of a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, and a prospectus are required to advance to candidacy. Students must successfully defend their dissertation during a public final oral defense. Students must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, 01/01, Final
  • Session A/C: In Person, 12/15, Priority

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Evaluate the quality of biochemistry seminars and publications.
• Create new biochemical knowledge through experimentation or computation.
• Communicate an original contribution to the field of biochemistry, through effective presentation of their research in their dissertation and oral defense.

Career Opportunities

The doctoral program in biochemistry prepares students for professional careers in industry, government, and academia. Professionals with knowledge achieved in pursuit of a graduate degree in biochemistry have opportunities in five general areas:

• Academia (high school and higher education)
• Entrepreneurship (consulting, startups)
• Government (research, policy)
• Industry (research and development, quality control)
• Nonprofit (policy, public education) Some career examples include:
• Drug discovery scientist
• Government scientist
• Pharmacology scientist
• Research and development scientist
• Research group leader
• Science consultant
• University professor

Research Areas

Students who earn a doctoral degree in biochemistry are fully trained in all fundamental aspects of the discipline. Most also choose to join transdisciplinary teams that work on larger, mission-based contemporary problems in areas such as:

• Biogeochemistry
• Energy and sustainability
• Fundamental chemical biology
• Materials and nanoscience
• Medicine and health
• Structure function and dynamics

STEM-OPT Extension

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.