Molecular Biochemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate connections between biological function and molecular architecture through a rigorous study of macromolecules and complex biological systems. This program delves into the chemical and structural foundations of life at the molecular level, preparing students to understand and analyze the dynamic processes that govern cellular activity.
- Chemical Mechanisms of Regulation and Catalysis: Investigate how enzymes and molecular systems control biochemical pathways through precise regulatory and catalytic actions, including transition state stabilization and allosteric modulation.
- Protein Synthesis and Molecular Assembly: Examine the step-by-step processes involved in gene expression, ribosomal translation, post-translational modifications, and the formation of functional protein complexes.
- Biomolecular Chemical Reactions: Study the thermodynamic and kinetic principles underlying key reactions in metabolism, signal transduction, and nucleic acid processing.
- Macromolecular Structure and Function: Analyze the three-dimensional architecture of large biological molecules, including their folding dynamics, stability, and functional implications.
- Supramolecular Assemblies: Explore the organization and behavior of complex systems such as multienzyme complexes, cellular membranes, and viral capsids, emphasizing emergent properties from molecular interactions.
Molecular Biochemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Molecular Biochemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Molecular 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 344,940 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 |
Molecular Biochemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,055 in Vermont to $147,860 in California—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 344,940 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 Molecular Biochemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Molecular 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 Molecular Biochemistry is found at University of California (UCD), Davis (172 graduates), University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz (43 graduates), Wesleyan University (40 graduates), University of Richmond (UR) (32 graduates), and Georgetown University (GU) (26 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 466 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 | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
172 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
40 | Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
| University of Richmond (UR) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | University of Richmond, Virginia | Private | richmond.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
25 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
|
18 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| University of California (UCSF) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | San Francisco, California | Public | ucsf.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| Carroll College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Helena, Montana | Private | carroll.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Pace University |
Master's
|
10 | New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| Upstate Medical University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Syracuse, New York | Public | upstate.edu |
| Clarkson University (Clarkson) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Potsdam, New York | Private | clarkson.edu |
| St. John Fisher University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Rochester, New York | Private | sjf.edu |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Private | rose-hulman.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Molecular Biochemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Molecular Biochemistry degree?
Salaries for Molecular 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 $147,860 compared to $74,055 in Vermont. Approximately 344,940 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 Molecular Biochemistry programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Molecular Biochemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCD), Davis (172 graduates), University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz (43 graduates), and Wesleyan University (40 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 Molecular Biochemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 450 in 2010 to a peak of 516 in 2020, before declining slightly to 466 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% 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 Molecular 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 344,940 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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