Bachelor in Biochemistrty

Biochemistry at Messiah College

A degree in biochemistry from Messiah College prepares you for a variety of exciting careers such as medicine, pharmacy fields, allied health fields, forensic science, laboratory work, research and more. If you’re interested in a career in one of these areas, then Messiah College’s biochemistry major is a good fit for your college experience.

As a program approved by the American Chemical Society, the department offers a rigorous education across all sub-disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry, providing you with the intellectual, experimental and communication skills necessary for preparation as a scientific professional.

Biochemistry major distinctives

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

• Research green chemistry, protein design, natural products chemistry, liquid crystal chemistry, materials synthesis and phytoremediation.
• Join the Medical Awareness Society (pre-medical club), Sigma Zeta (national science and mathematics honors society) or the Messiah College 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.

Career options for biochemistry majors

As a graduate of the biochemistry program, students are equipped to further pursue a career as a:

• Physician
• Chemical analyst
• Allied health professional
• Research scientist
• Lab technician
• Pharmacist
• Forensic scientist
• Professor

Internship and research opportunities for biochemistry majors

Biochemistry and chemistry 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 Cleveland Clinic, University of Georgia, University of North Texas, MIT, Johns Hopkins and the University of Strasbourg, in France.
• Many Messiah College chemistry and biochemistry majors have had internships at Chemical Solutions, Ltd., in Harrisburg, PA.

Degree options as a biochemistry major

As a student pursuing biochemistry, you may choose from three biochemistry degree options. The Bachelor of Science 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 degree 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 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. The addition of a criminal justice minor, while here at Messiah College, is particularly good preparation for graduate study in forensic science.

Research opportunities and hands-on learning

While studying biochemistry at Messiah College, almost all biochemistry majors participate in undergraduate research. You can choose projects from across all the science departments, working closely with a faculty member, and can even begin some of these projects as early as your first year. You also have the opportunity to pursue summer research opportunities at major research universities, with the help of a strong letter of recommendation from Messiah College faculty.

There are opportunities for biochemistry students to work as lab assistants, tutors or as supplementary instruction leaders in the department.

Our strong emphasis on developing laboratory skills and the use of analytical instrumentation throughout the program make you particularly attractive to industrial employers. Many positions are available for chemists and biochemists.

Scholarships

Messiah College offers several scholarships including the Provost’s and College Honors Programs Scholarships each with different academic requirements and deadlines. We must receive all application materials by January 15th for highest scholarship consideration.

International citizens may be awarded additional financial aid on a case-by-case basis using the information provided on the International Student Scholarship Application (I.S.S.A.). The link to the I.S.S.A. form is emailed to students along with their admissions decision letter. That means the sooner the admissions process is completed, the sooner students can apply for financial aid and receive a package.

After subtracting academic scholarship and financial aid monies, international students pay between US$20,000-$30,000 each year for four years. The U.S. Embassy will deny student visa requests if the student cannot show supporting financial documents to pay this amount for college expenses. This is a government rule, not college rule.

We can accept your application, official transcript and test score at any time during the year. You must select which term you would be entering. There are two intakes during each academic year - in late August for our Fall term, and late January for our Spring term.

After graduation

When you graduate, you will be well prepared to continue your education in graduate school, medical school or another allied health field, or immediately enter a profession in the laboratory.

Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university with a student body of 3,276 undergraduate and graduate students. Our scenic 471-acre suburban campus is located in central Pennsylvania, just 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg. The University was founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church. Today, the University’s faith base is broadly evangelical and includes students and employees from a variety of denominations and Christian faith traditions.

Messiah University is a Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.