Skip to main content

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University
Advanced search
Information For...
  • Current Students
  • Parents & Family
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
Quick Links
  • Give
  • Employment
  • Library
  • AppalNet
  • AsULearn
  • A-Z
Main Menu
  • Why Choose App?
  • Visit
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Campus Life
  • About
  • Home
  • Academics
  • Undergraduate Programs
  • The university remains open, with emergency management protocols activated and operational modifications and precautions in place. Read the latest updates

Chemistry (BS) - Biochemistry

About

Chemistry is the study of matter, so understanding chemistry means understanding the world around you. It can also be the foundation for careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals and other health-related fields.

Appalachian now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with a concentration is biochemistry. This is the Department of Chemistry's most popular concentration, and it is designed for students who wish to use a chemistry background as preparation for graduate or professional schools such as medical, pharmacy, physician assistant or dental school. Laboratory research opportunities are available with a faculty mentor to further enhance students’ readiness.

Like other degrees in Appalachian’s Department of Chemistry, this one combines an innovative and intellectually challenging curriculum with scholarship and service/engagement opportunities that employ state-of-the-art technologies. Chemistry majors graduate with strong problem-solving skills that are transferrable to a number of professions.

After Graduation

Employment: In general, many chemistry majors go directly into jobs in industry or government, with employers including GlaxoSmithKline, Exela, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Health, and the FBI.

Graduate School: Many graduates of this degree go to medical school, pharmacy school, PhD or other professional post-baccalaureate degree program. Recent destinations include Duke University, University of Virginia, University of Colorado, University of California Irvine, Virginia Tech, N.C. State, University of Michigan, University of Charleston, UNC-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: J. Tyler Ramsey ’16
    Alumnus Profile: J. Tyler Ramsey ’16

    After graduation, Ramsey became a postbaccalaureate IRTA fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. He was lead researcher for an NIEHS study indicating potential harms of essential oils, which gained worldwide news media attention in early 2018.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Jennifer Perry Cecile

    Having completed post-doctoral research at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Dr. Cecile researches a family of proteins known as organic anion transporters (OATs). Her work involves techniques from biochemistry, biophysical chemistry and biology.

    Meet more faculty

  • Student Profile: Jordan Moore
    Student Profile: Jordan Moore

    Jordan Moore of Indian Trail aspires to go to medical school and then take her talents abroad — becoming an anesthesiologist who works in rural villages of developing nations.

  • Alumna Profile: Andrea Cudd Alemanni ’89
    Alumna Profile: Andrea Cudd Alemanni ’89

    Alemanni is the owner of Patient Navigation Team, LLC and recently authored a children’s book, “Ava Antibody Explains Your Body and Vaccines.”

Courses

  • Course Descriptions
    Course Descriptions
  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    – click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Chemistry (BA)
  • Chemistry (BS) - Certified Chemist
  • Chemistry (BS) - Environmental
  • Chemistry (BS) - Fermentation Sciences
  • Chemistry (BS) - Forensic Science
  • Chemistry (BS) - Individually Designed
  • Chemistry (BS) - Marketing and Business
  • Chemistry (BS) - Secondary Education

Minors

Students in this concentration get a minor in biology or double major in chemistry and biology.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Forensic Club – for students interested in forensic science, computer forensics, toxicology or a career in law enforcement.

Appalachian Chemical Society – the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society.

Health Professions Club - a resource for any students interested in health professions.  The club hosts three large group meetings each semester and has 10 career-specific special interest groups that meet five times each semester to provide opportunities for students interested in a specific profession.

Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) - a campus chapter of the national pre-health professional honor society.

Delta Delta Sigma - a student organization that sponsors guest speakers, community involvement and field trips for students interested in pursuing a future in dentistry.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Depending on their research topic, students may want to connect with scholars in other countries. Chemistry majors are allowed to conduct research with faculty at any of Appalachian’s international partners.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

apply

Apply

visit

Visit

connect

Connect

programs

Degrees

Why Appalachian?

  • Chemistry majors from Appalachian typically graduate with multiple job offers and can work in any area of the profession, regardless of their concentration.
  • State-of-the-art technology gives students job-ready skills, while also providing services to research and industry partners.
  • Professors focus exclusively on undergraduates, and about half of all chemistry majors conduct research directly with a faculty member and present at national conferences.
  • Employers comment that Appalachian chemistry majors need minimal on-the-job training.
  • Weekly seminar discussions bring national leaders to campus, enhancing learning and career opportunities for upper-level students.

Location

On campus only

Careers

The American Chemical Society details career options in industry, academia, government, non-profit and entrepreneurship.

Learn more >>

Career options with this biochemistry concentration can include the following, with some requiring more than a bachelor’s degree:

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Biochemist
  • Brewer Lab Assistant
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Clinical Chemist
  • Development Chemist
  • Food and Drug Inspector
  • Food Scientist Technician
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Sanitation Inspector

View more career possibilities

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Chemistry

Dr. Claudia Cartaya-Marin
Chair
cartayacp@appstate.edu
828-262-2763

  • A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences

    The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 16 academic departments, one academic program, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 86 majors offered
    • 49 minors offered
    • 6,166 undergraduate majors
    • Over 450 full-time faculty members
    • 39,982 living alumni
    • $3,699,734 awarded to the college in external grants during 2017-18 academic year.
    • 393 travel and research grants awarded for a total of $100,725 to CAS students from the Office of Student Research.

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated admissions program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 11 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Executive, Legislative and Other General Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

  • Accessibility
  • Bookstore
  • Contact Us
  • Emergency
  • Employment
  • Equal Opportunity Policy
  • Maps
  • Pay Bills
  • Policy Manual
  • Title IX

Connect

Facebook logo Twitter logo Youtube logo Insatgram logo Snapchat

Connect with Appalachian's social media accounts from university programs, departments and administrative units.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

287 Rivers St., Boone, NC 28608 | 828-262-2000 | Copyright 2021 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer | Privacy | Website manager: montaldi (waterworth) | Website feedback