Chemistry vs. Biochemistry major for Drug Design

College Majors Science Majors
1

Hello,

So, I’m a premed at Cornell who primarily intends on going to medical school, but would like to have a solid backup plan that I would enjoy in case things don’t work out or even something that I could do as a physician-scientist. I think that what I would be most interested in doing is designing and developing drugs, whether they are small-molecule drugs or biopharmaceuticals (protein therapeutics and gene therapy are really intriguing to me). So far, I haven’t taken any biochem, but I love chemistry and I got an A+ in gen chem II and orgo I. However, I see many people with biochem degrees as well working at pharma companies. Which major would be best suited for my goals: biochemistry or chemistry? Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated!

2

OP “I would be most interested in doing is designing and developing drugs” I would suggest Medicinal Chemistry which combines aspects of organic chemistry, structural chemistry, and pharmacology. Unfortuneately, meaningul jobs in pharmacuetical companies (both large and start-ups) require PH.D. and meaningful research experience.

3

I would suggest steering clear of a career in pharmaceuticals as that is where science careers go to die. The first thing that comes to mind is when I hear pharma is layoffs.

If you cannot get into medical school or any of the other aligned healthcare professional schools and just end up with a science degree you will be in a very bad place in terms of employment prospects.