At A Glance
Program Type
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Technology
State-of-the-art equipment, including a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometer
Class Size
Labs capped at 20 students for more faculty interaction
Interested in pursuing a career in the sciences? Consider the many options open to you with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. As a biochemistry major, you’ll learn the scientific theories and techniques that focus on the chemistry of living organisms.
This major includes a wide range of courses from both chemistry and biology, so it’s an ideal choice if you’re interested in graduate education in biochemistry, chemistry or biology; a career in medicine or medical research; or employment in food science, agricultural research or the biotechnology industry.
The quality of our program is reflected by the track record of our graduates, many of whom have achieved success at some of the nation’s top graduate and professional schools and in the job market. Our graduates are chemistry professors, pharmacists, research scientists, physicians and chemical engineers all over the country.
Richter Scholars Program
George Fox is one of the 11 universities in the U.S. that receives funding for the Richter Scholars program, which supports independent student research projects conducted under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
While not limited to the sciences, biochemistry students may apply to the program. Often, participants get the opportunity to present their research at regional conferences.
Recent George Fox Richter research projects include:
- Anna’s Hummingbird physiology
- Investigating the effective treatment of breast cancer cells
- Effect of estrogen in bone cancer cells
- Analysis of viral proteins
Program Distinctives Why Study Biochemistry at George Fox?
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Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation. There’s nothing better than getting your hands a little dirty!
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You’ll have the chance to do cutting-edge research with professors and present your findings at national conferences.
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Participate in a research-based senior capstone laboratory course, just one of your opportunities to turn theory into practice.
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Be mentored by caring and knowledgeable faculty who are actively involved in chemistry. All your professors are Christians, who believe that faith and science are not mutually exclusive, but better together.
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Choose from a variety of internship and research opportunities, including the Richter Scholars Program.
Courses / Curriculum What Will I Study?
Our spaces/Where Will I Learn?
Edwards-Holman Science Center
Our biochemistry laboratories, housed in the Edwards-Holman Science Center, are well-equipped for teaching and research with modern instrumentation, including a 400 MHz JEOL Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrophotometer, SEC Size Exclusion Chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography equipment, and much more. Get hands-on experience starting in your first semester!
Career Outlook What’s After George Fox
Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, faster than the average for all occupations. The research biochemists conduct is used to develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives. The majority typically work in laboratories and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results.
- Professor of Chemistry, Bethel University
- Professor of Chemistry, Montana State University Northern
- Senior Research Chemist, Pacific Northwest National Lab
- Chemistry Teacher, Aloha High School
- Pharmacist, OHSU
- CEO, Portland General Electric
- Forensic Scientist, Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Chemical Engineer, Hewlett-Packard
- Physical Therapist, Newberg Physical Therapy
- Family Physician, private practice
- Orthopedic Surgeon, private practice
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore.
- Bend Research, Bend, Ore.
- University of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
- Pacific Northwest National Lab, Kirkland, Wash.
- Stanford University
- U.C. Berkeley
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
- University of Washington, School of Medicine
- Loma Linda University, School of Medicine
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
- University of Texas
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- University of Michigan
- Ohio State University
- Cornell University
- Emory University
- U.C. Davis
Lindsay Denluck
Graduate student, Oregon State University, Environment and Molecular Toxicology PhD program
My professors fostered an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions and seek out truths in all areas of their lives. I really thrived in this, and I transformed from a timid, insecure student to a scholar over these past four years.