Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

Biochemistry Defined

Biochemistry, also known biological chemistry, is the study of the chemical reactions and compositions as found within a living organism. A biochemistry degree holder in this field work to understand how the various chemical functions and compositions work to keep a given organism going. Most positions in this field are research related with the intention of better understanding the living world.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$94,340

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

60.71%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

29,200

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Biochemistry Degree

Harvard University is the most popular university in the world. The prestigious university offers various academic programs for students seeking a future in myriad sectors of the economy. Further, academic faculties are composed of ten and additional members of Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study Arts and Sciences. This program offers study in a wide range of academic disciplines for both undergraduate degree and graduate degree. Moreover, the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology have three concentrations of undergraduate degree programs and this includes Chemistry, Chemistry & Physics, and Chemistry & Physical Biology where it provides foundation in Chemical, Chemistry, Physical & Life Science, and structure & properties. These topics are very important for the students. Acquiring thorough and wide knowledge and understanding in chemistry lead them to success in expertise in their chosen field. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university that was established in 1740 spanning over two hundred eighty years of excellence.  The university has offered 4 undergraduate schools and 12 graduate and professional schools. For Biochemistry programs, they are offering 2 major programs naming Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. The top ranked biochem degree provides courses that introduce students to the physical and chemical properties of biological macromolecules. And these course programs progress the knowledge of the students. Furthermore, the goal of the study is to provide the student’s essential needs so they can enrich themselves that soon can be beneficial to them once they work in the science and technology industry. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York is the most important center of research and it seeks attraction to diversity and support research on global issues. The university expects that all areas of the institution are on the advanced level of learning and knowledge. Moreover, the institution offers various programs that convey the products of its efforts to the world. In the field of biochemistry, Columbia offers both a degree in Biochemistry along with a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics. Where, the program provides knowledge and understanding in science, biology, environmental science, chemistry, and physics. So, with a thorough understanding in microscopic scale students can engage in a variety of different macroscopic contexts that benefits students once they step into real-world research facilities in their respective professional careers outside academia. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University is also a private Ivy League research university established in 1764. The university was one of the oldest universities ever built. It is also part of the nine colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Moreover, the university offers a variety of programs in which they teach it in innovative ways and in groundbreaking research. Further, the leading university has been part of the great success life of every student that partakes its fruit while studying in Brown University. Also, their degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides the students deep knowledge and understanding in molecular and science studies. They provide also training and hands-on research that is carried with collaboration in some faculty members.  Therefore, one of the goals of the university for the students is to provide them with the concentration will help to demonstrate competence in quantitative methods. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Dartmouth College was also a private Ivy League research university that is located in Hanover, NH. It was established in 1769 and it was popular for its majors courses in Social Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences degree. Moreover, all majors require an average of 2.0 in all courses toward the major and that includes prerequisites in Chemistry. Moreover, they offer five major options with a great deal of flexible planning towards the students' achievement. The institution makes sure that the students will leave the school with proper ethics, professionalism, knowledge, skills, and excellence to obtain success in their chosen field of career. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Stanford University is a private research university that was established in 1891. It was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford where the university was located at Standard, California. The university was established in memory of their only child who died in fever at the age of 15 years old. The university is now offering various programs for the students who want to pursue their career goal in life. Moreover, the advising tools that the university provides help them to prepare to become experts in their own field. For their chemistry programs they’re offering Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Computation, Bioengineering, Biology, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry.  These programs provide them with fundamental concepts of molecular science and thorough understanding about chemistry and some field of coursework in biochemistry. Also, most of the times the students will be exposed in laboratory activities and research series. This career path expects that the students will acquire excellence in science. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Duke University was established in 1838 that is 183 years ago. The university is a private research institution located in Durham, North Carolina. And, several of the faculty members, affiliates and also alumni received an award for the Nobel Prize. Namely, Robert Lefkowitz, Brian Kobilka, Gregg L. Semenza, Paul Modrich and more. The university offers various programs including Biochemistry. The program provides quality education delivered by 2 Nobel Laureates and recognized by membership in the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes, also by 6 faculty in the National Academy of Sciences. Furthermore, the top-rated biochemistry department also dedicates their life to provide work for the students’ success in the near innovative future.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Bowdoin College was established in 1794 which is also a private liberal arts college that is located in Brunswick, Maine. For over a century, the college offered a home of learning to those people who wanted to pursue their academic learning and achieve their career goals. Encourages more people to seek knowledge, truth, and meaning in life and also testing new innovative ideas while building hopes and foundation. The College offers Biochemistry degree programs that provide a foundational coursework in biology and chemistry that will examine the structure, properties, and function of molecules. Guarantee to help the students to reach their goal in the science and technology industry.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Swarthmore College was established in 1864 located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. The College type is Private liberal arts college and it is one of the earliest coeducational colleges in the US.  SC offers qualified students various academic programs including a major in biochemistry, where they provide fundamental principles, basic techniques in science, and training programs. Furthermore, most of the graduates in the field proceed in taking medical school or a path to earn a doctoral degree. The biochemistry major program of the college is certified by the American Chemical Society. 

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Cornell University was established in 18665 founded by Ezra Cornell and Andre Dickson White. The private and statutory Ivy League research located in Ithaca, New York offered various programs that contribute to the society’s growth. The university offers undergraduate degree programs and graduate degrees. For the biochemistry program, they school has highly regarded chemistry and chemical biology majors to support the vocational goals to think logically and take problem-solving skills to the next level. In addition, Cornell helps to provide a thorough understanding in biology and chemistry students that soon they can use it once they are in the field of science and technology development work. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Notre Dame is a private university that was established in 1842. The university has been recognized as one of the most top universities in the US. Also, as they provide quality education they proliferate it with the guidance of Catholic character. The university has remained faithful to religious and intellectual tradition. Moreover, they offer a Biochemistry program where it provides all the fundamental principles, training, and research activities that are essential. UND offers qualified students combination programs like they offer chemistry with business and chemistry with computing. Furthermore, the graduate at Notre Dame will be mentored in a community of scholars and scientists. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Vanderbilt University was established in 1873. It is a private research university built 148 years ago located in Nashville, Tennessee.  The university improved their way of teaching as it launched its strategic plan that was designed to shape the future of higher education. The university embraced those new Educational Technologies to foster innovation in learning, teaching, and discovery. Furthermore, the university offers various programs and it includes Biochemistry. The Department of Biochemistry offers advanced research, tools, and approaches to open up new fields-blending issues of biological significance. With this innovative learning method, it ensures the learning and understanding of the students once they accomplish the program. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Rice University located in Houston, Texas is a private research university that was established in 1912. The university is chartered as a non-profit organization and governed by the private appointed board of trustees. Moreover, the university offers various programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees. And it was organized in several schools namely; The School of Humanities, The George R. Brown School of Engineering, The Shepherd School of Music, The Weiss School of Natural Science, The Rice University School of Social Science, The Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies and lastly the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management. Where, in their Natural Science it offers a variety of programs in different fields of concentration. 

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Georgetown University located in Washington D.C is a private university that was established in 1789. The university offers a Master’s degree and Ph.D. program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in full-time, part-time, and in person. The program is designed to emphasize the core of the concept of biochemistry and molecular biology. Also, it has an applied study in biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Another, students can practice and perform internships along with their mentors in various laboratories off or on-campus. The  program is very committed to provide graduate students a unique setting of education while learning and enjoying it. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Washington University in St. Louis was established on February 22, 1853. The private research university that is located in Greater St. Louis, Missouri, US offers various programs for the students. They offer more than 90 fields of study and 1,500 courses. These number of choices allow the students to explore their interests and at the same time follow their passion. In the field of Biochemistry, they provide quality education as well as practical-training and research series. These will help the students to prepare themselves in the importance of biological knowledge for solving societal problems. The intensive learning will place the student in the top of the line in the science and technology industry. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

John Hopkins University offers various nationally recognized academic programs. The university accepts students enrolled full-time and part-time throughout nine academic divisions.  For Biochemistry, they are offering MHS, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, ScM, and Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology PhD. The programs are designed for students interested in preparation for a career in medicine, public health, biomedical research and other related health sciences jobs. Afterwards, the courses within the curriculum focused on the students learning to improve their knowledge and skills and be productive in their own field once they graduate. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University located in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts is a private research university that was established in 1852. The university offers various programs in different areas of study. They offer programs for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. For biochemistry programs, it is administered in both the chemistry and biology department. And offers different concentration programs and degrees of study. Moreover, the biology department was recently awarded and granted it from the National Science Foundation.  To learn more about biochem at Tufts, please connect with their admissions department today.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Barnard College located in New York City, New York is a private women's liberal arts college that was established in 1889. It offers various programs in different areas of study. And it offers a Biological Sciences and Chemistry program. The program is designed to provide students with a solid framework of the biochem field along with key areas of understanding in adjacent disciplines.  BC offers students access to modern laboratories designed coursework bot approved by the American Chemical Society. 

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Southern California located in Los Angeles, California is a private research university that was established in 1880.  The university offers a variety of programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. Including Natural Science and related majors of it which is designed to provide quality education and practical training in laboratories for the growth of individuality of the students and graduates. Learn more about the USC difference by connecting with the admissions team via the school’s primary portal.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Claremont McKenna College has offered various programs since 1946. The private liberal arts is also a member of Claremont Colleges. They offer programs in undergraduate education and masters degree programs.  The program provides applied knowledge of chemistry and biology to solve biochemical problems and be able to identify them. Also, acquiring mastery techniques and skills to the fundamental topics. With these, students can  understand and acquire knowledge  they need to compete in the biochemistry sector of the economy. 

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Washington and Lee University located in Lexington, Virginia is a private university that was established in 1749. The university offers a variety of programs in different areas of study. Including Biochemistry which helps to develop the students' understanding in chemistry and biology. The program will nurture the student’s learning and skills with the help and guidance of the committed faculty members. Regarding students research opportunities, the university opens a lot of partnerships that will lead to co-authoring and mentoring research papers in scientific journals. 

Acceptance Rate

18.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

University of California - Los Angeles located in Westwood is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1919. The university has six organized colleges, four professional health sciences, and seven professional schools. The prestigious institute offers a variety of programs including biological chemistry. The program is designed to provide broad topics in different areas of concentration and topic fields. The course program will help to train them and associate them in their specific home area of expertise. Another, students in this program are preparing in the exposures to clinical lab techniques, opportunities and interaction with the other medical students. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Hamilton College located in Clinton, New York is a private college that was established in 1793. The college is also a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Moreover, it offers a variety of programs in different areas of study. For their Biochemistry, the program is designed to provide an emphasis on discovery-based in laboratory work and research. Also, the students here will receive hands-on and practical training that will give them opportunities outside the college school and classroom. HC offers students committed faculty members will ensure the students' development acquiring the knowledge and skills they need in biochemistry and molecular biology. 

Acceptance Rate

16.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Harvey Mudd College located in Claremont, California is a private college that was established in 1955. It focused on the science and engineering program that made the school one of the top best schools. Moreover, the private college offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduates. For their biology and chemistry degree tracks, they are offering various majors in pre-medical studies that will obtain both MD and Phd programs. Another, the program curriculum will ensure to nurture the graduates' learning and skills that will benefit them in the future. 

Acceptance Rate

13.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Middlebury College located in Middlebury, Vermont is a private college that was established in 1800. The private college was actually founded in 1800 by Congregationalist Middlebury. It was the first operating university of college in Vermont. And now, the college has currently 2526 undergraduates from all states. Moreover, the private college offers a variety of programs in different areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students. Another, for their biochemistry program it is designed to provide a fun and exciting but practical way to understand the matter and its changes. The satisfying and creative way of teaching the courses of biochemistry helps improve the interest of the students to understand biochemistry more. 

Acceptance Rate

15.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

What is Biochemistry?

The overarching goal of a biochemistry degree is to improve the quality of life through science. Biochemists analyze the chemical properties, transformation, and processes in living organisms. The properties studied by a biochemist may include an organisms DNA, genetic composition, cellular makeup, and proteins.

It is the responsibility of a biochemist to understand both the why and how of an organism or chemical reaction. In other words, they are charged to understand why things appear a certain way or why reactions happen in a certain manner along with the reasons behind how reactions take place. Data collection, experimentation, and research must be precisely documented and effectively communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

How Do You Become a Biochemist?

Biochem is an exciting field that continues to rapidly evolve as technology and industry research push the bounds of what is known. Becoming a biochemist will take students through a series of steps to build academic knowledge and exposure to key job duties. Variation to this process will occur by state so do your research in advance. Biochemistry majors and future students will need to perform the following tasks:

Step 1 – Research Top Biochem Major

Initially, you will need to research biochemistry degrees to fit your academic objectives. The best biochemistry degree will depend on what you are looking for in a degree including a robust organic chemistry lab. Start with a search private schools plus public universities to grasp the size of your initial list. Some students may emphasize the speed of completion or cost while others focus on campus life or the ability to earn a biochem degree online. As you narrow your options through trustworthy college matching sources, remember your personal priorities are uniquely yours.

Step 2 – Apply to College

Next phase is to find the best biochemistry schools for you and apply to each. If you are unable to utilize the Common Application, you will need to complete an additional step for that college. Make sure to carefully read all instructions on the application for admissions. Be meticulous during the admission process and stay organized as completing several applications can be confusing to some students.

Step 3 – Attend a Biochemistry Program

After being accepted to your top college choice, you will prepare for the transition to college. Meeting with your counselor and attending orientation are the initial steps to the transition after buttoning up your financial aid awards. After registering for classes, you will begin work on a biochem degree by taking general education classes and core science courses. After your first year primary duties will shift to a more science-based focus with a few general education classes. Graduates with a Bachelor's of Science or a Master's of Science can find gainful employment as a biochemist after graduation. However, a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Labor indicates biochemists hold a PhD degree or post-doctoral training at a rate of 74% as the demands increase with pay.

Step 4 – Graduation, Work, Grow

After becoming a grad from an accredited university with your degree in biochemistry, you will be eligible apply for jobs in the field. A graduate jobs job can be a research technician, academic faculty member, analytic director, or similar positions in the field. During the initial phases of your employment, focus on lifelong learning and growing in your field by taking additional classes and continuing education courses to keep growing and advancing.

Online Schools Offering Biochemistry Degrees

A student may pursue degrees at the bachelor, master and doctoral level, with each providing a better understanding and increased specialization in the field. A program will provide education in various sciences, as well as educating individuals in the methods, techniques and equipment used to perform, monitor and log experiments. Higher levels of education may also allow for more specialized research and even teaching opportunities.

A curriculum may include:

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physiology
  • Research Methodologies
  • Laboratory Science

Any student wishing to enroll in a biochemistry program should find a school that has a current laboratory and facilities in order to be able to effectively learn the needed education and skills prior to entering the workforce. Schools that have active research programs in place and offer internship or research positions as part of their program are generally more effective in their educational output than those that do not. Once the list is narrowed, students should contact departments to see what opportunities are specifically available prior to making their final choice.

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a nonprofit organization established to promote the interests of biochemists and molecular biologists. In particular the organization promotes education through the publication and dissemination of research and information related to the field.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information for Biochemists

Biochemistry as a career is typically pursued through public or private research programs either conducted by schools, public agencies or private companies with an interest in research and development. Biochemists are expected to experience a large percentage of growth over the next decade, though the overall job creation will be small due to the minimal size of the field. As such positions should be readily available for willing individuals, particularly as the need for new medications results in job opening at pharmaceutical companies.

What Does a Biochemist Do?

In a recent survey administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, active biochemists provided information on their daily activities and job options work responsibilities. To help prospective students understand what you can do with a biochemistry degree, we have gathered popular duties from a variety of industry publications. The top biochemist job duties listed by those professionals surveyed include the following:

  1. Teaching and advising undergraduate or graduate college students along with providing supervisory activities for research projects
  2. Studying physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy in order to apply various methods of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology
  3. Managing laboratory teams and the quality of a team's work
  4. Sharing research findings by writing scientific articles and presentations at scientific conferences
  5. Preparing reports or recommendations based upon research outcomes and data collection

Biochemistry Careers

The most biochemistry major jobs can vary by industry and sector. Likewise, the jobs with a biochemistry degree may have different titles and responsibilities by organization size and type. Job responsibilities include a variety of tasks based on size and scope of the organization. We have assembled a list popular job titles for a biochemist to help students understand the vernacular in the field. The top job duties include an array of specializations that include the following:

  • Analytical Research Chemist
  • Chief Scientific Officer
  • Biochemistry Specialist
  • Director of the Biophysics Facility
  • Laboratory Director
  • Professor of Physics/Researcher in Biophysics
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Associate
  • Biochemist
  • Research Scientist
  • Scientist

How Much Money Do Biochemists Make?

The national average salary of a biochemist is $82,180 which translates to $39.51 per hour. The top 10% of biochemists salary will average $158,410 while the bottom ten percent of scientist national average $45,000 on an annual basis per the BLS latest survey. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates there will be 11,900 job openings in biochemistry in the coming decade creating opportunities for growth and job mobility in the years to come.

The amount of money you will make as a biochemist will depend on your work experience, type of college degree obtained, job demand, job duties, geographic location, organization type, and hours worked. We have aggregated state-based information for future biochemists to help you more acutely understand a range of possible incomes as you think about your upcoming career in biochemistry.

 

Top Paying States for Biochemists

  1. New Jersey $117,930
  2. Ohio $145,650
  3. Indiana $110,630
  4. California $107,760
  5. Connecticut $107,090

Top Employers of Biochemists

  • Research and Development Firms
  • Pharmaceutical & Medicine Manufacturing
  • Colleges & Universities
  • Scientific and Technical Consulting Firms
  • Wholesale Drug Companies

States with the Highest Employment of Biochemists

  • California
  • New Jersey
  • Maryland
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com