Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry
Understand the foundations of life on a molecular level.
“It is a tightly-knit program with career-shaping relationships and early research involvement. The BA degree broadened my worldview and deepened my curiosity around the study of humanity.”
Andrew Matrick (B.A. in Biochemistry, minor in Biology ‘13)
Psychiatrist and Managing Partner, Aven Harbor
About this Program
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Biochemistry. To be admitted into this degree program, students must meet certain prerequisites.
Students who major in biochemistry investigate the detailed chemistry of the life process. Our biochemistry majors learn about the composition, properties, and reactions of biological substances, and gain enhanced reasoning and problem-solving skills thanks to a curriculum that follows the recommendations of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
B.A. vs B.S.
There are two paths to study biochemistry: the Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry or the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry.
- The Bachelor of Arts option has a wider and deeper general education foundation. It gives students the flexibility to combine the study of biochemistry with other fields of study appropriate for career preparation or professional school as it requires a minor field of study (or double major).
- The Bachelor of Science option provides a more rigorous math and science curriculum with opportunities for significant research experience. Students build a strong background in the concepts as well as computational and laboratory techniques used in biochemistry.
The Value of a Biochemistry Degree
Biochemistry students learn to operate sophisticated instruments, interpret data, work cooperatively with diverse groups of people, and communicate complex concepts in clear language–all skills that are highly desirable to employers.
Related careers in biochemistry include:
- health care
- medical research
- public health
- higher education
- STEM manufacturing
- pharmacy
- law
- business
- policy
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Area of Study
Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology
School
Duration
4 years
Degree
B.A. in Biochemistry
Program Location
Required Credit Hours
120
Degree Requirements
To be admitted into this major and enroll in the required first chemistry course, students must meet one of the following prerequisites:
- ACT math subscore of 24 (SAT 580)
- ALEKS online math placement test score of PPL 76
- Grade of A or B in Chem 101 at the University of Mississippi
- Grade of A or B in Math 121: Algebra and Math 123: Trig
- Grade of A or B in Math 125: Basic Math for Science and Technology
Students in the B.A. in Biochemistry program complete 29 hours of chemistry as well as math and physics courses. They must also complete a minor field of study (or double major). A minor in biology is recommended.
- Chem 105: General Chemistry I
- Chem 106: General Chemistry II
- Chem 115: General Chemistry Laboratory I
- Chem 116: General Chemistry Laboratory II
- Chem 221: Elementary Organic Chemistry I
- Chem 222: Elementary Organic Chemistry II
- Chem 225: Elementary Organic Chem. Laboratory I
- Chem 226: Elementary Organic Chem. Laboratory II
- Chem 331: Physical Chemistry I OR Chem 334: Biophysical Chemistry
- Chem 471: Biochemistry I
- Chem 472: Biochemistry Laboratory
- Chem 473: Biochemistry II
- Chem 580: Molecular Biochemistry I or Chem 581: Molecular Biochemistry II
Additional Requirements
- Math 261: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
- Math 262: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
One of the following sequences:
- Phys 211/212: Physics for Science & Engineering I, II plus labs
- Phys 213/214: General Physics I, II plus labs
Watch the Video
Connect with a Biochemistry major
Dallas Ford
Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford?
See Dallas’s Answer
Natali Ariyoshi
When and how did you choose your major?
See Natali’s Answer
Jasmine Sanders
What are your career goals?
See Jasmine’s Answer
Laney Etheridge
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
See Laney ’s Answer
Kaleb Henry
Why did you choose to attend UM?
See Kaleb’s Answer
Sarah Kerr
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
See Sarah ’s AnswerWhat can I do with a biochemistry degree?
- Science Department Chair, Olive Branch High School
- Clinical Faculty, Johns Hopkins University
- Orthopedic Surgeon, Tulane University
- Program Coordinator, Department of Microbiology at UC-San Francisco
- Researcher, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
- Gastroenterologist, Atlanta Gastroenterology
- Physician, Oschner Clinic Foundation
- Family Physician, North MS Medical Clinics
- Physician, Doctors without Borders
- Dentist, Gilmore Family Dentistry
- Associate Attorney, Linklaters Law Firm
- Bioanalytical Researcher, Altea Therapeutics
- Lab Quality Manager, Sanderson Farms
- Senior Scientist, Patheon
- Clinical Researcher, WayCro
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
Admissions Counselor
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?