Biochemistry Major (BS)

Interested in pursuing a career in the sciences? Consider the many options open to you with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. As a biochemistry major, you’ll learn the scientific theories and techniques that focus on the chemistry of living organisms.

This major includes a wide range of courses from both chemistry and biology, so it’s an ideal choice if you’re interested in graduate education in biochemistry, chemistry or biology; a career in medicine or medical research; or employment in the areas of food science, agricultural research or the biotechnology industry.

The quality of our program is reflected by the track record of our graduates, many of whom have achieved success at some of the nation’s top graduate and professional schools and in the job market. Our graduates are chemistry professors, pharmacists, research scientists, physicians and chemical engineers all over the country.

Watch video: Alumni Success Story: Courtney Howard

Why Study Biochemistry at George Fox?

Group of four students studying on the grass of the quad

What will I Study?

  • You will engage in a series of courses that cover general biology and chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and thermodynamics.
  • As a senior, you will enroll in a chemistry seminar course that focuses on reading and searching chemical literature for the purpose of designing an independent research project.
  • Your studies will culminate with a experimental chemistry lab course that integrates synthetic techniques, instrumental methods, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, spectroscopy and an original research project.
  • Your curriculum will include eight hours each in calculus and physics courses.
  • You will have the option to customize your degree by choosing between electives in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, advanced inorganic chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, and quantum chemistry.
View Major Courses
Lindsay Denluck

Lindsay Denluck

Graduate student, Oregon State University, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology PhD program

My professors fostered an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and seek out truths in all areas of their lives. I really thrived in this, and I transformed from a timid, insecure student to a scholar over these past four years.

What’s after George Fox

Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The research they conduct is used to develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives. The majority typically work in laboratories and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results.

  • Professor of Chemistry, Bethel University
  • Professor of Chemistry, Montana State University Northern
  • Senior Research Chemist, Pacific Northwest National Lab
  • Chemistry Teacher, Aloha High School
  • Pharmacist, OHSU
  • CEO, Portland General Electric
  • Forensic Scientist, Arizona Department of Public Safety
  • Chemical Engineer, Hewlett-Packard
  • Physical Therapist, Newberg Physical Therapy
  • Family Physician, private practice
  • Orthopedic Surgeon, private practice
  • Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore.
  • Bend Research, Bend, Ore.
  • University of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Pacific Northwest National Lab, Kirkland, Wash.
  • Stanford University
  • U.C. Berkeley
  • University of Texas
  • University of Oregon
  • Oregon State University
  • University of Michigan
  • Ohio State University
  • Cornell University
  • Emory University
  • U.C. Davis
  • University of Nevada
  • University of Florida
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
  • University of Washington, School of Medicine
  • Loma Linda University, School of Medicine
  • University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
  • University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine