by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 712 U.S. colleges awarded 14,729 degrees and certificates in Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 85% of graduates. College Factual ranks 313 schools in its 2027 Best Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $39,854 one year after completing, rising to $68,946 after four years.
If 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.
A degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology covers Biochemistry, Biophysics And Molecular Biology.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology is a widely-pursued major, with 14,729 degrees awarded annually. 712 colleges award biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degrees, an average of 21 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 353.
By level, the 14,729 awards include 1 certificates, 29 associate degrees, 12,488 bachelor’s degrees, 1,132 master’s degrees and 1,079 doctorates.
Women earned 58% of biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degrees and certificates in the latest year (8,602 of 14,729). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (7,052) and Asian (2,555), and international students earned 1,331.
College Factual ranks 313 schools in its 2027 Best Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools ranking, including 285 for bachelor’s degrees, 33 for master’s degrees and 43 for doctorates. It also ranks biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology schools within 48 states. In all, 712 colleges offer biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology credential is the bachelor’s degree: 12,488 of the 14,729 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology call most for Reading Comprehension, Writing and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Biology and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Oral Comprehension.
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.
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How long a biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 29 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 12,488 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,132 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,079 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology, at 34.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 34.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 18.5% |
| Doctoral degree | 15.9% |
| Master’s degree | 15.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| Some college courses | 3.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
14 occupations are related to Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, with an average median salary of $95,152; the strongest outlook belongs to Biological Technicians, at 12.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Clinical Trials Manager, Research Coordinator, Clinical Project Manager and Clinical Coordinator.
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.
The occupation related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology with the most projected jobs is Clinical Research Coordinators, at 542,888.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Biological Technicians | 224,048 | 12.8% |
| Geneticists | 183,832 | -1.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | 164,357 | 8.7% |
| Microbiologists | 140,194 | -2.7% |
| Food Science Technicians | 135,157 | 7.3% |
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates earn a median $39,854 one year after completing their program, $68,946 after four years and $71,448 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,854 |
| 4 years | $68,946 |
| 5 years | $71,448 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $107,979 |
| Food Science Technicians | $100,898 |
| Biological Technicians | $100,160 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology includes 9 concentrations that together award 14,729 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Biochemistry (10,285), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1,633) and Molecular Biology (1,409). It has 14 similar majors in the Biological & Biomedical Sciences field, which together award 172,374 degrees a year; the largest are Biology, General (103,797), Neurobiology and Neurosciences (13,720) and Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (12,732). Browse all Biological & Biomedical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 10,285 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1,633 |
| Molecular Biology | 1,409 |
| Molecular Biochemistry | 514 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other | 336 |
| Biophysics | 303 |
| Molecular Biophysics | 207 |
| Radiation Biology/Radiobiology | 25 |
| Structural Biology | 17 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biology, General | 103,797 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 13,720 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 12,732 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | 9,697 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | 6,673 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | 4,879 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | 4,738 |
| Biotechnology | 4,423 |
| Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology | 4,228 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | 3,447 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
