Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the chemical processes and molecular mechanisms underlying life at the cellular and organismal levels. This rigorous academic program integrates principles from chemistry, biology, and physics to investigate how biological systems function at the molecular scale, preparing students for advanced research, healthcare, biotechnology, and scientific innovation.
- General Biology: Foundational study of living organisms, covering cellular structure, metabolism, and biological diversity.
- General and Organic Chemistry: Core chemical principles governing molecular interactions, reaction mechanisms, and the structure of carbon-based compounds essential to life.
- Physics: Application of physical laws to biological systems, including energy transfer, thermodynamics, and molecular motion.
- Biochemistry: In-depth analysis of the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms, focusing on proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and metabolic pathways.
- Molecular Biology: Examination of molecular interactions within cells, particularly DNA replication, gene expression, and genetic regulation.
- Immunology: Study of the immune system’s structure, function, and response to pathogens and foreign substances.
- Microbiology: Investigation of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their roles in health, disease, and environmental systems.
- Genetics: Exploration of heredity, gene function, genetic variation, and the molecular basis of inheritance.
- Cellular Biology: Comprehensive analysis of cell structure, function, signaling, and the dynamic processes that sustain cellular life.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists and Biological Scientists, All Other. 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 248,350 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 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Salary Comparison
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,280 in Louisiana to $143,005 in California—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 248,350 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 and Molecular Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 96 institutions offering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 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 and Molecular Biology is found at University of Massachusetts, Amherst (141 graduates), Michigan State University (MSU) (90 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (81 graduates), Yale University (78 graduates), and University of California (UCI), Irvine (56 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,482 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 Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
141 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
90 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
81 | N/A | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Yale University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
78 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 33-35 |
New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
56 | N/A | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
56 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 1220-1410 ACT: 23-30 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
54 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
48 |
SAT: 1180-1380 ACT: 26-32 |
Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
40 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| The College of Wooster |
Bachelor's
|
36 |
SAT: 1250-1450 ACT: 27-32 |
Wooster, Ohio | Private | wooster.edu |
| Cornell College |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1150-1318 ACT: 23-30 |
Mount Vernon, Iowa | Private | cornellcollege.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
|
27 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Dickinson College |
Bachelor's
|
27 | N/A | Carlisle, Pennsylvania | Private | dickinson.edu |
| Middlebury College |
Bachelor's
|
25 |
SAT: 1430-1550 ACT: 33-34 |
Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1050-1310 ACT: 21-28 |
Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
24 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 1120-1320 ACT: 26-31 |
Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
23 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Clark University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
21 |
SAT: 1240-1400 ACT: 30-33 |
Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | clarku.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
19 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Hendrix College |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1185-1385 ACT: 26-31 |
Conway, Arkansas | Private | hendrix.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 |
SAT: 1058-1175 ACT: 19-24 |
Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 | N/A | Rochester, Minnesota | Private | college.mayo.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 | N/A | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
15 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Lake Forest College |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 1170-1365 ACT: 28-31 |
Lake Forest, Illinois | Private | lakeforest.edu |
| Centre College |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 1230-1423 ACT: 26-32 |
Danville, Kentucky | Private | centre.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Truman State University |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1126-1318 ACT: 23-29 |
Kirksville, Missouri | Public | truman.edu |
| Bryn Mawr College |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1300-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania | Private | brynmawr.edu |
| Houston Christian University (HCU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 970-1200 ACT: 19-28 |
Houston, Texas | Private | hc.edu |
| Marquette University |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1190-1360 ACT: 26-31 |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | marquette.edu |
| Linfield University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | N/A | McMinnville, Oregon | Private | linfield.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) |
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 910-1110 ACT: 16-22 |
Edinburg, Texas | Public | utrgv.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 970-1280 ACT: 18-25 |
Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1065-1240 ACT: 23-29 |
Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | bethel.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | ACT: 19-24 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Wittenberg University |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Springfield, Ohio | Private | wittenberg.edu |
| Muhlenberg College |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1230-1400 ACT: 28-31 |
Allentown, Pennsylvania | Private | muhlenberg.edu |
| Anderson University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1090-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Anderson, South Carolina | Private | andersonuniversity.edu |
| Bellevue College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | N/A | Bellevue, Washington | Public | bellevuecollege.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Simmons University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1230-1390 ACT: 26-31 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | simmons.edu |
| Hope College |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1090-1310 ACT: 26-31 |
Holland, Michigan | Private | hope.edu |
| Belmont University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1160-1350 ACT: 23-30 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | belmont.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
| Florida Southern College (FSC) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1170-1310 ACT: 25-30 |
Lakeland, Florida | Private | flsouthern.edu |
| Wright State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 913-1230 ACT: 17-25 |
Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| Elizabethtown College |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1090-1280 ACT: 19-29 |
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania | Private | etown.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
7 | ACT: 19-26 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Bellarmine University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1075-1243 ACT: 22-28 |
Louisville, Kentucky | Private | bellarmine.edu |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | ACT: 19-24 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | mnstate.edu |
| Lebanon Valley College (LVC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | SAT: 1093-1300 | Annville, Pennsylvania | Private | lvc.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) |
Doctorate (R)
|
6 | N/A | Galveston, Texas | Public | utmb.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | N/A | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Wheaton College |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1260-1440 ACT: 27-32 |
Wheaton, Illinois | Private | wheaton.edu |
| Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 940-1190 ACT: 19-24 |
Mishawaka, Indiana | Private | betheluniversity.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| Hampden-Sydney College (H‑SC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1060-1230 ACT: 22-31 |
Hampden-Sydney, Virginia | Private | hsc.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 980-1220 ACT: 21-27 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Rollins College |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1210-1360 ACT: 26-31 |
Winter Park, Florida | Private | rollins.edu |
| Washington College |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1185-1345 ACT: 25-30 |
Chestertown, Maryland | Private | washcoll.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 21-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| Harding University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1050-1280 ACT: 21-28 |
Searcy, Arkansas | Private | harding.edu |
| Benedictine University (BenU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Lisle, Illinois | Private | ben.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMB) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 | N/A | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umaryland.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 960-1210 ACT: 21-27 |
Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| University of Mary (UMary) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Bismarck, North Dakota | Private | umary.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Lincoln University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 870-1050 ACT: 18-22 |
Lincoln University, Pennsylvania | Public | lincoln.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 19-26 |
Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Emporia State University (ESU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | ACT: 18-24 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | emporia.edu |
| Goucher College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1080-1366 ACT: 26-30 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | goucher.edu |
| Oral Roberts University (ORU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1083-1250 ACT: 22-27 |
Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | oru.edu |
| Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | ohsu.edu |
| Fisk University |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1160-1480 ACT: 20-25 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | fisk.edu |
| Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 968-1190 ACT: 18-24 |
Abilene, Texas | Private | hsutx.edu |
| McPherson College |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 936-1126 ACT: 17-24 |
McPherson, Kansas | Private | mcpherson.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Aquinas College (AQ) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 990-1210 ACT: 20-25 |
Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | aquinas.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1430 ACT: 26-31 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | SAT: 860-1160 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| Universidad Central Del Caribe (UCC) |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | uccaribe.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biochemistry and Molecular Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree?
Salaries for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 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 $143,005 compared to $75,280 in Louisiana. Approximately 248,350 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 and Molecular Biology programs?
Currently 96 accredited institutions offer Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Amherst (141 graduates), Michigan State University (MSU) (90 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (81 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 and Molecular Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 861 in 2010 to 1,482 in 2023-24. This represents a 72% 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 and Molecular Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 248,350 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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