Bachelor in Biochemistry (Bachelor's)

At Occidental College, tuition is Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $61,800 per year..

Students in this programme conduct original research in faculty-led labs starting in their first year. They design experiments, analyze data, and present findings at national conferences. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory work and independent project development. Students work closely with professors on real scientific problems in areas like drug synthesis and enzyme function.

Focus areas include organic chemistry, neurobiology, natural products biosynthesis, biocatalysis, electrochemical methods, cytochrome P450 enzyme catalysis.

The programme requires 120 credits, with coursework distributed across core biochemistry, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Students complete a significant research component through lab work and a senior thesis or capstone project.

Graduates pursue careers as research scientists, synthetic chemists in pharmaceutical companies, and doctoral candidates in biochemistry and related fields.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A strong background in chemistry and biology is required. Submission of transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement is expected.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 40% of applicants.

Academic exploration at Occidental spans more than 40 majors and programs, supported by faculty who serve as scholars, teachers and mentors. Learning extends beyond the classroom through internships, community partnerships and hands-on research in Los Angeles and Southern California. Students can also take part in the Kahane UN Program, which offers direct participation in the work of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Occidental’s campus sits on 120 acres in Eagle Rock, a Los Angeles community within miles of downtown. Planned in 1911 by California architect Myron Hunt, it combines Spanish Colonial-style halls and preserved historic buildings with science facilities. The Academic Quad, between the Academic Commons and Johnson Student Center, serves as a central place for study, conversation, club activities, performances and art installations.

Students live and learn on a residential campus with residence halls, dining, student activities, athletic facilities and the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs. Los Angeles is part of the academic setting, with classes, internships and research using the city and region as an extended learning environment. International and dual citizen students make up 15% of the Oxy community. Occidental meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and the 2027 application has no fee, with Early Action available by November 1. Support resources help students succeed during their college years.