Biochemistry Major

The Biochemistry degree program offers many paths to a rewarding career or preparation for professional graduate programs. Choose from 11 concentrations or degree specializations available—from forensic sciences to pre-professional programs, such as medicine, dental, veterinary, business, and pharmacy, to bioinformatics concentrations. The core curriculum is well grounded in the life sciences and is designed to offer a comprehensive education toward a degree that can be leveraged into a variety of careers in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, and research.

Bioinformatics

Love computers and biology? That is not a contradiction, it's a career path! Bioinformatics is the science of applying computer-based approaches to understand biological processes. This concentration, which is strongly based in mathematics, will prepare you to work in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, and computer programming for the medical industry.

What career opportunities are available?

There are several career opportunities in this field, including:

• Bioinformatics scientist — median annual salary of $79,590
• Microbiologist — median annual salary of $67,550
• Software engineer — median annual salary of $100,690
• AI specialist — median annual salary of $146,090

Curriculum

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Entomology

If insects intrigue you, the entomology concentration will suit you well. A career as an entomologist in agriculture will train you to prevent insect-borne disease and protect food and fiber crops and livestock from insect damage. You may also learn to promote insects that contribute to the well being of humans, animals, and plants.

What career opportunities are available?

There are several career opportunities in this field, including:

• Agricultural consultant - median annual salary of $58,140
• Beekeeper - median annual salary of $44,750
• Forensic entomologist - median annual salary of $64,100
• Pest control specialist - median annual salary of $36,610

Curriculum

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Food Science

Ever wondered what goes into making food safe, nutritious, and enjoyable? This concentration applies chemistry, biology, and engineering to study how food is developed, processed, and improved for safety, quality, and nutrition. Through hands-on laboratory experience, students prepare for careers in food science, research, product development, and quality assurance.

What career opportunities are available?

There are several career opportunities in this field, including:

• Agricultural and Food Scientist - median annual salary of $78,770
• Quality Assurance Specialist - median annual salary of $71,279
• Food Science Technician - median annual salary of $49,430
• Agricultural Technician - median annual salary of $46,790

Curriculum

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Forensic Science

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence and often specialize in various types of laboratory analysis. If you are interested in criminology and enjoy chemistry, biology, and solving problems, this fast-growing field may be your path.

What career opportunities are available?

There are several career opportunities in this field, including:

• Crime laboratory analyst — median annual salary of $58,230
• Forensic anthropologist — median annual salary of $62,280
• Forensic engineer — median annual salary of $95,000
• Medical examiner — median annual salary of $72,420

Curriculum

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Plant Pathology

Do you have a green thumb and a thirst for diagnosing and treating sick plants? This concentration will prepare you for a variety of careers as you study the diseases and disorders of plants including fungus, virus, and bacteria.

What career opportunities are available?

There are several career opportunities in this field, including:

• Agricultural consultant — median annual salary of $58,240
• FDA regulatory agent — median annual salary of $106,140
• Researcher — median annual salary of $63,950
• Seed and plant production agent — median annual salary of $66,700

Curriculum

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Pre-Dental

If you are searching for a path to dental school and a career in dentistry, this concentration is for you. Our curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you for the Dental Admissions Test and the rigors of dental school.

Curriculum

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Pre-MBA

This concentration combines a strong biochemistry background matched with business courses. It will prepare those wishing to enter the biotech or agribusiness industry to tackle an advanced business degree.

Curriculum

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Pre-Medicine

Your path to medical school begins here, in the biochemistry department. In this concentration, our curriculum is tailored to prepare you for the rigors of the MCAT and the high demands of medical school.

Curriculum

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Pre-Optometry

If you see a future in optometry, this path is your starting point. This concentration gives you the knowledge and tools to prepare you for the Optometry Admissions test and perform well in optometry school.

Curriculum

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Pre-Pharmacy

Enjoy math and chemistry? A career as a pharmacist may be an excellent path for you. This four-year program will prepare you well for the Pharmacy College Admissions Test and for success in pharmacy school.

Curriculum

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Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Consider a path to veterinary school with a degree in biochemistry. The curriculum in this concentration will give you a strong background in biochemistry and prepare you for the Graduate Record Examination and the rigors of veterinary school.

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Public Policy

Want to use science to make an impact beyond the laboratory? This concentration combines biochemistry with public policy, preparing students to address challenges in public health, agriculture, biotechnology, and the environment. Students learn how scientific research informs laws, regulations, and public decision-making.

What career opportunities are available?

There are several career opportunities in this field, including:

• Political Scientist — median annual salary of $139,380
• Science Policy Analyst — median annual salary of $102,230
• Health Policy Analyst — median annual salary of $96,920
• Public Health Policy Analyst — median annual salary of $91,790

Curriculum

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Science

If you have a passion for research and wish to work in biochemistry or biophysics, this may be your perfect path. This concentration allows for specialization in cell biology, anatomy, and/or physiology and is excellent preparation for pursuing a graduate degree.

Curriculum