Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate mechanisms that govern life at the molecular level through a rigorous academic focus on biochemistry and molecular biology. This program equips students with advanced knowledge of biological processes at the cellular and subcellular scales, emphasizing the chemical foundations of biological function and the dynamic interactions within living systems.
- Structural Biology: Investigate the three-dimensional architecture of biomolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, to understand how molecular shape dictates biological activity and function.
- Gene Expression and Regulation: Examine the complex processes by which genetic information is transcribed, translated, and modulated in response to cellular and environmental signals.
- Metabolic Pathways: Analyze the biochemical reactions that sustain life, including energy production, biosynthesis, and the breakdown of nutrients within cellular systems.
- Protein Chemistry and Function: Study the synthesis, folding, modification, and functional roles of proteins in cellular signaling, catalysis, and structural support.
- Molecular Genetics: Delve into the principles of heredity, DNA replication, mutation, and genetic engineering techniques used in research and biotechnology applications.
- Cellular Signaling and Communication: Explore how cells transmit and respond to molecular signals, enabling coordinated behavior across tissues and organisms.
- Biophysical Techniques: Apply physical and computational methods—such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and computational modeling—to study molecular structure and dynamics.
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, Biological Scientists, All Other and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 213,830 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 |
| 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 |
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 $147,260 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 213,830 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 21 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 California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (58 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (38 graduates), Towson University (TU) (33 graduates), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) (25 graduates), and University of California (UCD), Davis (24 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 316 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 (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
58 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
38 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
25 | Troy, New York | Private | rpi.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
24 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Amherst College |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Private | amherst.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
22 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Drake University |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | drake.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
| University of Scranton |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | scranton.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
10 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| Huntingdon College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Montgomery, Alabama | Private | huntingdon.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Stanford University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Houston, Texas | Private | bcm.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Master's
|
3 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| Blackburn College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Carlinville, Illinois | Private | blackburn.edu |
| North Park University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | northpark.edu |
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Private | franu.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 Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $147,260 compared to $75,280 in Louisiana. Approximately 213,830 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 21 accredited institutions offer Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (58 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (38 graduates), and Towson University (TU) (33 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 204 in 2010 to 316 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% 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, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 213,830 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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