Biochemistry Major
Gain fundamental and hands-on knowledge in chemistry and biology. Prepare for advanced studies in chemistry, biology or health-related programs, as well as for careers in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry.
What Will I Learn?
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field, combining biology with organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Biochemists explore:
- The chemical basis of biological structures
- Chemical processes used by living organisms to obtain energy from nutrients
- Fundamental, chemical changes occurring due to disease
What is Unique About Our Program?
Receive a well-rounded education — SUNY Plattsburgh excels in our liberal arts curriculum. Partnered with a solid foundation in STEM, you will study a diverse array of topics and be well prepared for your career of choice, no matter which degree you choose: Chemistry (B.A. or B.S. with ACS certification), chemistry education (B.A./M.S.T.) or biochemistry (with or without ACS certification).
Hands-on experiences — Our programs also offer solid experiential learning including on-site research, direct interaction with faculty mentors as well as strong support for STEM internships.
What Are My Career Opportunities?
Many graduates of the biochemistry major pursue careers in:
- Teaching at the high school and college level
- Research and development
- State health departments
- Fish and wildlife
- Analytical labs
- Agriculture
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Forensics
- Food science
- Molecular biology
- Health sciences:
- Medicine
- Veterinary medicine
- Dentistry
Recent Biochemistry Graduates
Jason Nguyen
Class of 2021
- Accepted into the Ph.D. program in biological sciences at Carnegie Mellon University
Soyeon Kim
Class of 2018
- Ph.D. graduate student at University of Vermont in the cellular, molecular and biological sciences program
Steven Kranes
Class of 2015
- Hired as a criminalist in the forensic biology department for the Office of Chief Medical Examiners of New York City