Biochemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that explores the molecular foundations of life, investigating the chemical processes and structures that sustain biological systems. This program provides a rigorous foundation in the molecular mechanisms governing cellular function, with a focus on key biomolecules and their dynamic interactions.
- Bio-organic chemistry: Examines the structure, reactivity, and synthesis of organic compounds essential to biological systems, particularly those found in living organisms.
- Protein chemistry: Focuses on the composition, folding, function, and modification of proteins, which serve as the primary functional molecules in cells.
- Bioanalytical chemistry: Involves the development and application of analytical techniques to identify and quantify biological molecules in complex systems.
- Bioseparations: Covers methods for isolating and purifying biomolecules from biological mixtures using chromatography, electrophoresis, and other advanced separation technologies.
- Regulatory biochemistry: Studies the molecular mechanisms that control metabolic and cellular processes, including feedback loops and gene expression regulation.
- Enzymology: Explores the structure, function, and kinetics of enzymes, which catalyze essential biochemical reactions in living systems.
- Hormonal chemistry: Investigates the biosynthesis, signaling pathways, and physiological roles of hormones as key regulators of bodily functions.
- Calorimetry: Applies thermal analysis to measure energy changes in biochemical reactions, providing insights into reaction thermodynamics and molecular interactions.
- Research methods and equipment operation: Trains students in modern laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and experimental design critical for conducting independent biochemical research.
Biochemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biochemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biochemistry degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 435,330 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists 19-1021 | $103,650 | $64,890 - $168,900 | 34,520 | $49.83 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Biological Technicians 19-4021 | $52,000 | $38,060 - $81,990 | 76,190 | $25.00 |
| Food Science Technicians 19-4013 | $49,430 | $37,760 - $75,100 | 14,200 | $23.76 |
Salary Comparison
Biochemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,625 in Vermont to $117,737 in California—a 91% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 435,330 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Biochemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Biochemistry programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Biochemistry is found at University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (277 graduates), The University of Texas, Austin (276 graduates), University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (192 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (191 graduates), and University of California (UCSD), San Diego (179 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 6,141 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
277 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
276 |
SAT: 1230-1490 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
192 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
191 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
179 | N/A | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
175 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
131 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
114 |
SAT: 1240-1420 ACT: 27-32 |
Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Bachelor's
|
112 | N/A | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
105 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Bachelor's
|
105 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 28-33 |
Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
104 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
|
101 | N/A | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
96 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
95 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
94 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Bachelor's
|
89 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
85 |
SAT: 1530-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
84 |
SAT: 1230-1390 ACT: 28-32 |
Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
81 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
79 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-28 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
77 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
74 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
74 |
SAT: 1180-1398 ACT: 22-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
73 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
73 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
71 |
SAT: 1330-1530 ACT: 28-34 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
71 |
SAT: 1110-1410 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
|
69 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
68 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
68 |
SAT: 1440-1540 ACT: 33-35 |
Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
65 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
62 | N/A | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
62 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
60 |
SAT: 1300-1460 ACT: 28-32 |
Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
56 |
SAT: 1170-1410 ACT: 25-32 |
Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
55 |
SAT: 1270-1510 ACT: 29-34 |
Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Bachelor's
|
55 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 29-34 |
Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Bachelor's
|
54 | N/A | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 1128-1335 ACT: 23-28 |
Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 19-26 |
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
54 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 19-26 |
Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Public | mtsu.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
|
53 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
52 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
52 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
51 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
|
50 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
49 |
SAT: 1060-1250 ACT: 20-26 |
Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
48 |
SAT: 1370-1520 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
48 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
47 | N/A | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Bachelor's
|
47 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
|
43 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Bachelor's
|
42 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| Vassar College |
Bachelor's
|
41 |
SAT: 1435-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Poughkeepsie, New York | Private | vassar.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
40 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 23-29 |
Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
39 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Rowan University |
Bachelor's
|
39 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 26-30 |
Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
|
37 |
SAT: 1020-1210 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
37 |
SAT: 1060-1300 ACT: 20-28 |
Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
36 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
36 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
36 | N/A | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
|
36 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
36 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
36 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
35 | N/A | Fresno, California | Public | fresnostate.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
35 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
35 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Creighton University |
Bachelor's
|
33 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 24-30 |
Omaha, Nebraska | Private | creighton.edu |
| Bates College |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 1400-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
Lewiston, Maine | Private | bates.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
32 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31 | N/A | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
31 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
30 |
SAT: 1370-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | N/A | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| Grinnell College |
Bachelor's
|
29 |
SAT: 1418-1550 ACT: 31-34 |
Grinnell, Iowa | Private | grinnell.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
29 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 21-28 |
Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
|
29 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | N/A | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| CUNY City College (CCNY) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | SAT: 1220-1460 | New York, New York | Public | ccny.cuny.edu |
| Villanova University |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1400-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| Kalamazoo College |
Bachelor's
|
26 | SAT: 1188-1373 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Private | kzoo.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
25 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Mercer University |
Bachelor's
|
25 |
SAT: 1180-1350 ACT: 25-31 |
Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
|
25 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 23-31 |
Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 980-1220 ACT: 21-27 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
24 |
SAT: 1390-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1030-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 18-24 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | ACT: 20-25 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
23 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 22-27 |
Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biochemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Biochemistry degree?
Salaries for Biochemistry graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biochemists and Biophysicists earn around $103,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $117,737 compared to $61,625 in Vermont. Approximately 435,330 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Biochemistry programs?
Currently 591 accredited institutions offer Biochemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (277 graduates), The University of Texas, Austin (276 graduates), and University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (192 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Biochemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 6,898 in 2010 to a peak of 10,051 in 2020, before declining slightly to 9,737 in 2023-24. This represents a 41% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Biochemistry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists, and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 435,330 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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