Undergraduate Programs

Our students embody excellence — in and out of the classroom.

A Training Environment Like No Other

We offer undergraduate students a rigorous curriculum in preparation for health sciences, research and biotechnology careers.

Students have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in faculty laboratories, and many undergraduates become co-authors on scientific publications. Faculty in our department personally advise each student and work directly in the classroom to support them.

Our undergraduate program embodies academic excellence. No wonder it’s one of the most popular at NC State.

Ready for an experience that will change your life? Join us.

Unique Opportunities

With us, learning extends beyond the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment in our labs.

See our research in action

One-on-One Interaction

Our faculty personally advise each student and work directly in the classroom to support problem-based learning.

Meet our faculty

Career Preparation

Whether you want to go on to medical school or perform research for a biotechnology company, we’ll get you ready.

Learn about career opportunities with a biochemistry degree

Advising Resources

Got questions? We can help.

Meet our advisors

Bachelor of Science Degree

The biochemistry curriculum, flexible enough to design a program to meet your particular career plans, is a rigorous program that prepares you to compete successfully in your future professional career.

A faculty adviser will help you plan your program from the following coursework areas and others that fulfill your desired career objectives:

Biochemistry (10 hours): General biochemistry; biochemistry laboratory
Biochemistry Research (3-6 hours): Honors research; special studies
Chemistry (23-25 hours): General chemistry; organic chemistry; physical chemistry; laboratory analysis
Physics (8 hours): General physics
Mathematics (13-15 hours): Calculus; statistics and/or computer science
Life Sciences (22-24 hours): General biology; genetics; microbiology; life sciences electives (11-12 hours)

A total of 120-128 hours is required to graduate with a degree in biochemistry.

Apply Now

Biochemistry Honors

Biochemistry Honors, a program of CALS and the College of Sciences, encourages outstanding undergraduate biochemistry majors to develop their academic potential through courses and research that will challenge them and better prepare them for postgraduate careers.

Interested students can speak with their academic advisors about specific requirements. Generally, qualified students with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher are accepted into the program after sophomore year.

Honors Option 1

Emphasizes physical chemistry and professional development.

1. MA 141, 241 and 242 sequence
2. MA 341 (Differential Equations)
3. PY 205 and PY 208
4. CH 431 and CH 433
5. Maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA
6. Engage in a scientific service or science-related outreach activity during your degree program (examples: Biochemistry Club, study abroad, volunteering as a school science fair judge, etc.)

Honors Option 2

Emphasizes research accomplishments. In this option, you can choose to take either of the MA, PY or PChem series courses.

1. Maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA.
2. Conduct at least one year of cumulative research experience
3. Submit a thesis prospectus at the beginning of the semester prior to the one in which you intend to graduate
4. Identify a thesis committee of three members (two in biochemistry, one can be outside the department). They may include postdocs, but you must have at least 1 faculty member from the Biochemistry department.
5. Write a thesis on your research.
6. Present a seminar on your research and defend the thesis work before your committee.
7. Engage in a scientific service or science-related outreach activity during your degree program.

Are you a current student who’s interested in following one of the Biochemistry Honors paths? Fill out the form below to let us know to keep track of your progress! You only need to fill out the form once. Your Biochemistry Honors won’t appear in your degree audit, as it’s an internal departmental process. If you want to make any changes to your path, email Madi Moser and they’ll update your information.

BCH Honors Intent Form

Combined B.S. and M.S.

We offer a combined program for a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biochemistry — designed as a five-year program where undergraduate students generally join during their junior year. Students should identify a faculty research mentor before joining the program.

Learn More

Career Development

We want you to land the job of your dreams. Whether that’s in a hospital, a research lab or a classroom — or anywhere in between — you’ve come to the right place.

Put your career plan in action

Supporting your Success

Our department offers resources for undergraduate students, from experiential learning opportunities to scholarships and advising. The bottom line? We’re here to help you.

For more information about our undergraduate program, please contact:

Madi Moser – Administrative Support Specialist / Student Services Coordinator

Email Madi