What you will study
The core requirements for this program blend fundamental coursework in math, biology,
chemistry and physics that will prepare you for med school, dental school and more.
Each course presents foundational knowledge that you will use to be successful in
critical upper-level courses that focus on:
- Organic Chemistry
- Cellular Biology
- Mechanistic Enzymology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Unique learning opportunities in Biochemistry (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Vet, Pre-Pharm)
Small class sizes and incredibly dedicated faculty mean that our Biochemistry students
benefit from experiences and opportunities rarely found at other institutions. You
can expect hands-on access to high-tech lab equipment and ample opportunities to develop
your own research projects, present at scientific conferences and more.
- Faculty Mentorship: Receive regular access to a faculty mentor who can customize a graduation plan, provide
insight into volunteering or shadowing opportunities that align with your future goals
and begin to craft your portfolio for medical, dental, veterinary or pharmacy school.
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Directly collaborate with faculty experts in a wide array of subject areas as you
develop your own research project. Build new laboratory expertise, develop advanced
communication skills and present your work at scientific conferences in preparation
for med school, dental school and more.
- Student Club Leadership: Participate in student organizations focused on interdisciplinary science or medicine.
Become an elected student leader and develop skills and experiences that professional
schools look for in candidates and that are invaluable in future career responsibilities.
Options include the UCM chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Pre-Health
Club, Pre-Vet Club and more.
What can you do with a degree in Biochemistry from UCM?
This degree pathway is tailored to those pursuing exciting, rewarding careers as physicians,
dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists. By obtaining a Biochemistry degree at UCM,
you indicate to professional schools and future employers that you have what it takes
to succeed in a uniquely rigorous scientific field. That’s why our graduates go on
to succeed in these careers through private practice and more.
Jobs with a Biochemistry major
What can you do with a major in Biochemistry? Use the interactive tool below to discover
job options, projected career growth, salary ranges and open positions.
Financial assistance options for your Biochemistry degree
The University of Central Missouri helps put your bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry
within reach. We offer numerous ways to help you finance your education, including
university scholarships, tuition awards, grants, access to federal financial aid,
loans and more.
UCM also offers scholarships specific to Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. These
include:
- Ardyth C. Boucher Scholarship
- Donald R. Kelsey Undergraduate Research Award
- John Hess Health Professions Scholarship
- E. R. Foster and Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Foster Scholarship
- J. M. Hopping Scholarship
- Nance Family Scholarship
- Raymond and Cynthia Burton Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Dr. Sarah Rutherford, DVM
BS Biochemistry
“I couldn't be happier with my decision to attend UCM. The biochemistry department
prepared me well for veterinary school by teaching me how to develop the necessary
study habits and discipline needed to succeed in post-graduate programs. The smaller
classroom sizes make it feel more like one-on-one learning, allowing for better understanding
of the subject.”
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Jay Steinkruger
Focused on supporting undergraduate research
Dr. Steinkruger’s efforts promoting undergraduate research focus on interdisciplinary
work, especially where biology and chemistry intersect. In addition to acting as a
faculty mentor on research projects, he draws on his own research to teach courses
on subjects such as Organic Chemistry.
Meet Dr. Dat Le, PharmD
BS Biochemistry
“The curriculum at UCM prepared me well for going into pharmacy school and I had no
problems with the transition. UCM provided ample opportunity for extracurricular activities
from leadership in organizations to research opportunities, which helped me gain valuable
experiences that helped me get into pharmacy school.”
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Jason Holland
Chemistry professor
Dr. Holland teaches in the Chemistry program at UCM. He focuses his teaching on biochemistry
and mentors students enrolled in both chemistry and biology courses. His organic and
biochemistry classes are often taken by students studying Dietetics, Exercise Science
and Occupational Safety and Health.
Meet Dr. Nicholas Hanna, MD
BS Biochemistry
"The Biochemistry program at UCM provided me with all of the tools I needed to be
accepted into medical school. Amazingly, I found myself more prepared for the rigor
of medical school than many of my peers. Biochemistry was the perfect choice for my
professional goal."
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Hands-on experience
Another advantage of studying chemistry at UCM is the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience with sophisticated chemical instrumentation, assuring future employers
a well-trained and experienced graduate who works with a high level of confidence.
Equipment used regularly by students include those for UV-Visible, FT-IR, and FT-NMR
spectroscopy; chromatography instruments, such as those for GC, GC/MS, and HPLC; and
an assortment of others for calorimetry, fluorometry, and electrochemical analysis.
UCM chemists strive to obtain the most up-to-date instrumentation; the FT-IR, fluorescence,
and UV-Visible spectrophotometers, in addition to the HPLC chromatography system,
are all recent acquisitions.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research experiences are encouraged for all chemistry majors at UCM
and are required for students obtaining the B.S. ACS certified degree and the B.S.
in Education degree. Many areas of research are available throughout the academic
year and the summer, including work in biochemistry; organic, inorganic, physical,
and analytical chemistry; and chemical education. Undergraduate research provides
an opportunity for students to develop and utilize critical thinking skills, creativity,
and essential research techniques for chemical, health, and other science-related
disciplines. Students participating in research collaborate with faculty members and
other student researchers, building important student-mentor relationships. Many students
present their research at state, regional, and national meetings. Participation in
professional meetings provides an opportunity to interact and share experiences with
student and faculty researchers from around the country and the world. A list of the
conferences where UCM undergraduates have presented over the past few years includes:
- National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
- National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
- Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Missouri Academy Sciences (MAS)
- Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE)
- Central Scholar's Symposium
- Argonne Symposium
