2021 Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Degree Guide
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.
Featured schools near , edit
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Degrees Remain Stable
In 2018-2019, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology was the 68th most popular major nationwide with 14,004 degrees awarded. This represents small change only -0.3% from the prior year's total of 14,048 biochemistry degrees awarded.
The United States has 608 different schools where you can get a degree in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. This year's Best Colleges for Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology ranking compares 64 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of biochemistry programs later in this article.
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology
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.
Getting Accepted Into a Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Program
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific biochemistry careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Types of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Degrees
There are many different biochemistry degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a professional practice doctorate's in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology to something that takes less time like a associate's. Depending on the biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| 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. See the the most common levels of education 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% |
Most workers in biochemistry have at least a master's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the biochemistry career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for Biochemistry Majors
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.
Solid Growth Projected for Biochemistry Careers
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 Degree Salary Potential
Recently graduated biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology students earned an average of $33,860 in 2017-2018. Earnings can range from as low as $19,500 to as high as $58,700. As you might expect, salaries for biochemistry graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Biochemistry Careers
Salaries for biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 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 |
Getting Your Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Degree
With over 1,418 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.
Top Ranking Lists for Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology
Majors Related to Biochemistry
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology is one of 14 different types of Biological & Biomedical Sciences programs to choose from.
Majors Similar to Biochemistry
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Biology | 98,638 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | 9,504 |
| Physiology & Pathology Sciences | 7,844 |
| Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology | 6,987 |
| Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences | 5,671 |
View All Biochemistry Related Majors >
References
-
Image Credit: By Shrout, Bill under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Purdue University
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Grand Canyon University (GCU)
With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Northcentral University
Northcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences ... Learn More > |
Request Info
|
Colorado Technical University (CTU)
CTU could help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional community, aculty who are real-world professionals, and innovative technology ... Learn More > |
College Factual provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© College Factual – All Rights Reserved.
