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.
A degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology covers Biochemistry, Biophysics And Molecular Biology. Continue reading for the essential details every biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology programs.
In the U.S., biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology is a widely-pursued major, with 13,820 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools ranking analyzes these 706 schools to determine the best overall colleges for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology programs later in this article.
Programs in Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills emphasized by a biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 25 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 11,642 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,091 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,062 |
People currently working in careers related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology.
| 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% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,812 |
| 4 years | $57,445 |
| 5 years | $71,613 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology grads often go into.
| 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 |
With 706 different biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology school rankings to help you.
Those considering biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 9,737 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1,482 |
| Molecular Biology | 1,255 |
| Molecular Biochemistry | 466 |
| Biophysics | 345 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other | 316 |
| Molecular Biophysics | 187 |
| Radiation Biology/Radiobiology | 18 |
| Structural Biology | 14 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biology, General | 101,585 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 12,819 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 11,175 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | 9,295 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | 6,355 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | 4,711 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | 4,612 |
| Biotechnology | 3,869 |
| Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology | 3,638 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | 3,408 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
