About Biochemistry in University of Maryland

Students interested in the chemical sciences may choose one of two majors: Chemistry or Biochemistry. Both majors lead to the Bachelor of Science degree and have a common sequence of foundational coursework in chemistry during the first two years. Beginning in the third year, the biochemistry major curriculum shifts emphasis to biomolecules and the chemistry of living systems, while the chemistry major curriculum delves further into inorganic chemistry, and applications of chemistry in energy, environmental, and quantum science. 

Both majors are experiential by design. Students engage in scientific inquiry, within the laboratory courses and research laboratories. Students receive further professional development in their courses and through participation in the UMD student chapters of ACS, AXE, and ASBMB.

Students from other departments can pursue the biochemistry or chemistry major as an additional major.  Students with secondary majors in chemistry or biochemistry must satisfy the general education and breadth requirements of their primary major, along with the specific requirements for the chemistry and biochemistry major.

The B.S. in Chemistry or Biochemistry qualifies individuals for direct employment in industry, government laboratories, and other sectors.  These degrees also prepare students well for graduate school in chemistry, chemical physics, biochemistry, biophysics, materials chemistry, and other related fields.  Students are often able to obtain funding for their graduate studies through teaching or research assistantships and fellowships.

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are highly valued by health professional schools, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and veterinary medicine, and by business and law schools. 

Academic qualification equivalents 

• The University of Maryland (UMD) seeks to enroll international students who demonstrate strong academic performance with records suggesting potential for success at the university. Admission to the University of Maryland is competitive. Typically, admission is offered to applicants whose academic credentials indicate marks of "very good" to "excellent." 

English language requirements

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | UMD accepts official IELTS and IELTS Indicator scores. 

               UMD passing score: 7

               Maryland English Institute score: 6.5 or lower

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | UMD accepts official TOEFL and TOEFL Home Edition scores. At this time, we are not accepting TOEFL superscores known as MyBest Scores. 

               UMD passing score: 95

               Maryland English Institute score: 94 or lower

University of Maryland Highlights

University of Maryland Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance for international students to study at the university is mentioned-below: