Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Biochemistry Degree Why Choose Our Program?
Jacksonville University’s B.S. in Biochemistry combines personalized mentorship, rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, and undergraduate research opportunities where students can connect biochemistry to medicine, human health, and biomedical science while preparing for professional school, graduate study, or careers in the life sciences.
Biochemistry Major About the Major
The B.S. in Biochemistry at Jacksonville University combines chemistry, biology, and human health with hands-on laboratory and research experiences. Students work closely with faculty to build a strong scientific foundation while developing the practical, analytical, and communication skills needed for advanced study and careers in the biomedical sciences.
- Build a broad foundation in chemistry and apply the fundamental principles to the molecular sciences.
- Gain laboratory skills in analytical, organic, inorganic, biophysical, and biological chemistry, including bench-top experimentation and instrumental analysis.
- Strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through coursework and hands-on scientific investigation.
- Engage in undergraduate research by investigating scientific questions alongside faculty at JU or scientists at Mayo Clinic through the competitive UBRI program, presenting research at conferences and professional venues, and contributing to scholarly publications.
- Connect biochemistry to human health through JU’s growing health sciences community.
- Prepare for your next step with a strong foundation for medical, dental, pharmacy, and graduate programs, as well as careers in biotechnology and biomedical research.
Alumni Spotlight
Meet GiGi Arias: From Jacksonville University Chemistry to Emory University PhD program
GiGi reflects on how personalized attention, high academic standards, and community helped propel her through the Chemistry major at Jacksonville University, working on COVID-19 diagnostics after graduation, and on to a PhD program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology at Emory University.
Meet Louise Persson: From international student-athlete at JU to a PhD Biochemistry program
Years after graduating from Jacksonville University with a chemistry degree where she made life-long friends on the golf team, Louise shares how the chemistry curriculum and undergraduate research set her on a path to becoming a research scientist. Louise went on to earn a master’s degree back in Sweden at Uppsala University, where she is now a PhD student researching biomolecules as a computational biochemist.
Meet Yuriah Cook: From Chemistry Senior to Pharmacy Doctoral Student
Two weeks before graduating with a chemistry degree at Jacksonville University, Yuriah shares how small class sizes helped him develop as an individual and a scientist, and touches on his curious mind, his mother’s influence, the chemistry major at JU, and his research experience at Mayo Clinic. Yuriah entered the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Auburn University three months later.
Meet Antonio Espinosa: From Jacksonville University Chemistry to UConn School of Medicine
Antonio shares his journey at Jacksonville University as a first-generation college student as he gets ready to fulfill his childhood dream of attending Medical School two months later. He explains how his JU degree is more than the sum of its parts through individualized attention, lab experiences, and undergraduate research.
Alumni Spotlight
Tyler KopfChemistry (2024)
Tyler Kopf, emerged from his academic journey as a senior with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Physics. Having served six years in the United States Air Force prior to joining JU, Tyler discovered a renewed sense of purpose during his time at the College of Arts and Sciences. The exceptional education, training, and support he received at JU enabled him to engage in biomedical research at Notre Dame University and Mayo Clinic’s College of Medicine. Inspired by these experiences, Tyler’s aspirations shifted towards earning a Ph.D in Biochemistry. He successfully applied and was accepted into graduate programs at the University of Florida, Notre Dame, and Brown University. The professors at Jacksonville University played an instrumental role in fostering Tyler’s growth as a scholar. With the skills, knowledge, and independence instilled in him by JU, Tyler is now prepared to make a significant impact on the world.
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Career Pathways
Graduates of JU’s Biochemistry programs have gone on to successful careers and advanced study in a wide range of fields. Many pursue graduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences, while others attend professional schools specializing in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, neuroscience, and related disciplines. Our graduates have continued their education at prestigious institutions, including leading universities such as the University of Michigan, University of Illinois, McGill University, University of Florida, Emory University, Uppsala University, and many others.
Some of the employers JU Chemistry alumni work with include Task, CSL Seqirus, Merck & Co., South Florida Water Management, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Exxon.
A degree in Biochemistry prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Biomedical research
- Medicine and healthcare
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
- Clinical and laboratory sciences
- Dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary science
- Neuroscience
- Academia and education
- Public health
- Government and regulatory agencies
* Average median wages in the United States as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025.
Median Wages in Biochemistry*
Jacksonville University Biochemistry Major
By applying early, you are setting yourself up for academic success!
Contact Us
Dr. Mary Grace I. Galinato, Ph.D.
Department Chair
- Email address mgalina@ju.edu
- Telephone number (904) 256-7292
- About Dr. Galinato About Dr. Galinato
Request Information
Contact Information Department of Chemistry & Physics
Merritt Penticoff 132
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 256-7325