BA Biochemistry at The Ohio State University

Programme overview

Biochemists investigate how molecular structure determines biological function, how molecules recognize each other and how the dynamic chemical changes that occur inside cells are orchestrated. Biochemists look at how living organisms function at the molecular level, studying such subjects as the structure of enzymes, protein folding, the transfer of genetic information or photosynthesis. Offered at: Columbus.

Faculty: Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbus, OH, United States

What you will study

The biochemistry major at Ohio State offers excellent training in the chemical basis of life and insight into the chemistry of living systems. The biochemistry major consists of a minimum of 12 upper-level courses in biochemistry, molecular genetics, organic and physical chemistry, and mathematics. Several science and mathematics courses are taken in support of the degree. These courses provide a strong foundation in all the scientific disciplines upon which biochemistry is built. All biochemistry majors take calculus, one year of general chemistry, one year of physics and one year of introductory biology.

Career pathways

Examples of jobs available to biochemistry majors upon graduation include biochemist, medical or pharmaceutical lab technician, food scientist, or industrial sales representative. A large portion of the students who complete the biochemistry major go to professional school to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry or veterinary medicine.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the university (and the Arts and Sciences college where applicable) applies; no separate programme-specific requirement published. Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in biochemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry Office to make an appointment with a biochemistry advisor to map out an appropriate program of courses.

Domestic applicants: USD 12,921 a year (2026-27). Columbus campus on-campus Instructional Fee (tuition) for students beginning Autumn 2026: $6,460.50 per semester at 12-18 credit hours, shown as two semesters (Autumn and Spring). The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee fixes this rate for four years for Ohio re Source

Entry terms for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus: Autumn 2027 and Spring 2027 (Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026). Summer first-year applications are not accepted.

Transfer applicants can start in Spring, Summer or Autumn 2027.

First-year, Columbus campus, Autumn 2027: early action (non-binding) deadline November 1, 2026; regular decision deadline January 15, 2027; financial aid priority date February 1; acceptance fee deadline May 1, 2027. Early action decisions: December 11 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) and January 22 (non-Ohio residents and international applicants); regular decision decisions March 5.

First-year applicants apply with the Common Application. ACT or SAT scores are required for first-year Columbus applicants (superscored; sent directly by the testing agency); applicants out of high school two or more years are not required to submit scores. The essay is not required.

Transfer applicants (Columbus campus): Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027; Summer 2027 deadline May 15, 2027. Regional campuses: December 1, 2026, April 15, 2027 and July 15, 2027 respectively.

International transfer applicants: Spring 2027 deadline October 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply

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