by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you find studying the smallest particles that makeup living organisms fascinating, a major in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology could be for you.
This major dives into minuscule details undetectable to most observers. You get to look at organisms as a whole, but also break them down to look at the chemical reactions that keep the organism alive. Included in this major is the study of chemistry, molecules, biology, and chemical processes. You will learn about different enzymes and how genetic codes are made. You will also learn about different substances like proteins or fats and how they affect the living process. Chemicals that are considered the building blocks of life will be studied in great detail as you advance in your degree.
Some courses that you may take are: genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, inorganic chemistry, advanced mathematics, and organic chemistry.
Concentrations of this major include: Molecular Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics, Structural Biology, Photobiology, and Radiation Biology.
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology was the 64th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 14,535 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 1.5% increase in biochemistry degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 14,318.
This year's Best Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools ranking compares 456 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom biochemistry rankings further below.
A fascination with the natural world will greatly aid you in your classes. You will get to look at organisms as a whole and break them down to specific chemical reactions. You will need to be able to conduct research and work independently. Although some projects will involve working with a group or a lab partner, you will also spend a lot of time on your own finishing lab work or writing reports.
Working in the lab will allow you to apply what you've learned during class. You will get practice putting theory into practice in order to reinforce the ideas you learn. Writing reports and oral presentations will also be a part of your program. These presentations may be individual or in groups. Work on your writing and public speaking skills while still in college to make this easier for you.
Students with a passion to understand how things live and function will thrive in this major. Don't be intimidated to ask for help when solving unique puzzles. As you get closer to graduating, many programs will offer one-on-one research or independent studies that will allow you to dig deeper into an area of interest. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of to meet personal goals, as well as to attract future employers.
biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology program qualifications, to serve in some biochemistry careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different biochemistry degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology to something that takes less time like a . The type of biochemistry degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to biochemistry, with approximately 31.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for biochemistry workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 30.7% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 21.7% |
| Doctoral Degree | 21.7% |
| Master’s Degree | 16.6% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.7% |
59.7% of biochemistry workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology have received.
This of course varies depending on which biochemistry career you choose.
This degree will set you up to continue your education. If you want to become a biochemist you will need to get a minimum of a master's degree, but most biochemists have a Ph. D.
Other career tracks you could take could be becoming a biological scientist, a clinical laboratory technologist, a forensic scientist, a medical scientist, a pharmacist, a science technician, a physician's assistant, pharmaceutical laboratories, or a nurse. Most jobs in this field will require you to continue your education.
Want a job when you graduate with your biochemistry degree? Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology careers are expected to grow 11.9% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists | 136,100 | 13.4% |
| Biological Science Professors | 71,700 | 15.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Biological Scientists | 41,800 | 8.0% |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | 35,100 | 11.4% |
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $32,871 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $14,373 to as high as $59,566. As you might expect, salaries for biochemistry graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers biochemistry grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $105,940 |
| Biological Science Professors | $97,340 |
| Medical Scientists | $96,420 |
| Biological Scientists | $83,600 |
With over 1,457 different biochemistry degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased biochemistry school rankings to help you with this.
One of 14 majors within the Biological & Biomedical Sciences area of study, Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 10,320 |
| Biochemistry & Molecular Biology | 1,511 |
| Molecular Biology | 1,394 |
| Molecular Biochemistry | 521 |
| Biophysics | 269 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Biology | 107,165 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | 11,615 |
| Physiology & Pathology Sciences | 8,813 |
| Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology | 7,247 |
| Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences | 6,206 |
