In March, the University Academic Planning Council (UAPC) approved changes that will move the biochemistry major fully into the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), instead of the major being offered through both CALS and the College of Letters & Science (L&S). The change will be effective as of fall 2026.

The biology and environmental sciences majors are shared by CALS and L&S, with departments in both colleges contributing to these programs. By comparison, the biochemistry major has long been entirely supported within CALS by the Department of Biochemistry, which provides program oversight, instruction and advising. Making CALS the sole collegiate home of the biochemistry major will reduce confusion among incoming students and foster a more cohesive undergraduate community.

Beginning this fall, students who declare biochemistry as their primary major will do so through CALS, and the college is preparing for a higher number of incoming biochemistry students this year. Students currently declared in the L&S major will complete their degrees as planned, with the L&S pathway for the major being discontinued in 2031.

CALS excellence in advising, instruction and faculty support will continue, and these — along with required courses for the major — will not be affected by the program changes. Students who are already declared in the major in any school or college will not be affected by this change. Questions about the changes can be directed to the Biochemistry/Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub. Hub advisors are also available to meet with students who are curious about the major.