Improve people’s health and make a difference in your world with a degree in Biochemistry, the first step toward a career in pharmaceutical research or medicine.

Major Roadmap

Explore your options — classes, internships, research and study abroad. Use the Biochemistry Major Guide to find what interests you, discover what you love, and create a major experience that jumpstarts your future. 

Be part of the front lines in battling illness and infection by discovering how diseases work and conducting research to find a cure — or by helping your patients understand and take care of their health.

You’ll start by studying the basics: cellular processes at the molecular level, and how cells work together to promote growth or fight illness. Learn about experimental disciplines that use chemical knowledge to solve biological problems. Forge relationships with faculty mentors who want to see you succeed, and take advantage of opportunities to work in their labs.

You’ll have the chance to conduct graduate-level research as an undergraduate, present your findings at conferences and submit your work for publication. Your St. Edward’s education will prepare you for medical or dental school or for a graduate program in chemistry, biochemistry or pharmacology, and your mentors will support you every step of the way.

What do our graduates do?

Biochemistry majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

  • Senior data scientist at USAA
  • Hospital pharmacist, after earning a PharmD from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
  • Chemistry staff scientist at Vernier Software & Technology, after earning a PhD from the University of California at Davis
  • Medical student at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
  • Postdoctoral associate at Harvard University
  • Doctoral student on full scholarship in the top-ranked Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

A Mentor Leads the Way

Undergraduate research at St. Edward’s is more than an introduction to the scientific process. It connects students with professional mentors, encourages them to take on new challenges and helps some find careers they’d never imagined. Read about how Assistant Professor Santiago Toledo works with Biochemistry students in his lab.

The Classroom and Beyond

Students majoring in Biochemistry can explore career paths and practical application of their studies through internships and interactions with the greater Austin community.

Student and Regional Organizations

Students routinely...

  • Volunteer through our active American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliate Chapter
  • Present at national and regional meetings of the American Chemical Society
  • Participate in a collaborative faculty/student research experience