Biochemistry Graduate Programs

Biochemistry graduate students study the chemical processes and transformations occurring in living organisms. They learn how to break complex biological systems into small parts and extract different chemical components for use in laboratory study. Biochemistry graduate students may pursue careers in public and private organizations. Masters and Ph.D. programs exist for students interested in graduate work in this field.

Search our directory of campus biochemistry graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online biochemistry graduate degree programs.

Biochemistry graduate students should ideally possess the following qualities:

Interest in scientific research
Background in life sciences
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Strong mathematical skills

Biochemistry Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Most biochemistry masters programs require 2-3 years to complete. Many schools offer thesis and non-thesis programs of study. Research project requirements are usually included in the curriculum. In many cases the student is required to pass oral and written examinations to complete their degree. Biochemistry Ph.D. programs may take 5-7 years to complete. It is not always necessary to obtain a master’s degree prior to pursuing a Ph.D. Most Ph.D. programs are heavily focused on research. Many programs encourage graduate students to pursue publication of their research findings. In most cases students are required to pass an oral defense of their dissertation upon culmination of their research. Some biochemistry graduate students choose to pursue a career in medicine (M.D.) following completion of a graduate program.

Graduate courses vary among institutions; general courses may include the study of:

Molecular biology
Protein methods
General biochemistry
Molecular genetics
Intermediary metabolism

Biochemistry Career Paths

Biochemists have a variety of career options. Typically they will work in laboratories or offices focused on conducting experiments, analyzing experimental outcomes, and finding real world applications for scientific discoveries. Biochemists may pursue careers in the following industries:

Research and Development
Pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing
Medicine
Academic research
University or College Professors
Government research

Biochemistry Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary of biochemists and biophysicists in 2010 was $79,390. The top 10% of earners salaries exceeded $142,420 and the bottom 10% of earners salaries were below $43,050. Individuals working in the field of pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing earned a median salary of $84,970, research and development professionals earned a median salary of $83,590, and academic researchers earned a median salary of $50,760. Average job growth in these industries is expected to increase by 31% between 2010 and 2020(much faster than the average of all other occupations).

The Bureau of Labor statistics states, in 2010 physicians and surgeons earned an annual wage of $202,392 job growth for physicians and surgeons is expected to increase by 24% between 2010 and 2020(faster than the average of all other occupations). Post-secondary teachers earned a median salary of $62,050; this industry is expected to grow by 17% between 2010 and 2020 (slightly faster than the average of all other occupations).

The chart below depicts the median salaries of typical occupations for biochemists:

Biochemistry Salaries

Data according to:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Biochemists-and-biophysicists.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm

Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Charlottesville,VA
University of Virginia
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs
The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BIMS) is the entry program to degrees in basic sciences at University of Virginia
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Level: Doctorate
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Nashville,TN
Vanderbilt University
Quantitative and Chemical Biology Program
The QCB program prepares students for research careers in chem and structural bio, molecular biophysics, or computational bio...
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Kansas City,MO
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Biological Sciences
The SBS graduate program emphasizes the cellular and molecular aspects of modern biology.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
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Huntsville,AL
University of Alabama - Huntsville
Biotechnology Science and Engineering
The Biotechnology Science and Engineering program is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Houston,TX
Baylor College Of Medicine
Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics
SCBMB is an interdisciplinary program featuring over 75 faculty from seven top tier institutions.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Fairfield,CT
Sacred Heart University
Chemistry (M.S.)
Sacred Heart offers an MS degree to full-time and part-time students in General Chemistry and Molecular Biochemistry.
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Louisville,KY
University of Louisville
Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences
The IPIBS is a gateway for graduate students interested in obtaining a Ph.D. in biomedical research.
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Baltimore,MD
University of Maryland Baltimore
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an Intercampus Biochemistry Doctoral Program: UMB & UMBC
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South Orange,NJ
Seton Hall University
Chemistry and Biochemistry
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Seton Hall University is the intellectual home to 14 faculty, over 80 undergr...
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
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Philadelphia,PA
Thomas Jefferson University
Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Atlanta,GA
Emory University
Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology
The Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology trains students to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of biologic...
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Moscow,ID
University of Idaho
Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Biological Sciences Research in Reproductive Biology, Evolution and Ecology, Neurobiology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology...
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Pittsburgh,PA
University of Pittsburgh
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Studies
Ph.D. students spend their first year taking courses, undergoing laboratory rotations, and identifying their adviser
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Biotechnology (Online)
Biotechnology continues to expand rapidly with new discoveries and often life-saving products at a breathtaking pace.
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Valhalla,NY
New York Medical College
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology offers programs leading to the Master's of Science andDoctor of Philosop...
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