Tessa Steenwinkel looks through a microscope

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BS)—(Biology Focus)

Twice the Science, Twice the Experience

Biology and chemistry—the study of life is intricately linked with the investigation of chemical processes. Michigan Tech's Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an innovative collaboration between the two sciences. You'll learn fundamental biology and chemistry concepts in a truly unique and integrative way, gaining a deeper understanding of living systems.

Whether you're preparing for a career in health care, pharmaceuticals, product development, or research; or planning to pursue advanced studies in biology, biochemistry, or medicine; Michigan Tech's quantitative, science-focused program will prepare you thoroughly for what comes next.

Choose your Career Path

Biochemistry and molecular biology majors are in demand. The program provides excellent, rigorous preparation for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, product development, environmental consulting, quality assurance, research, and academia. Other graduates go on to pursue advanced education in biochemistry, medical school, professional health programs, and more.

There's a benefit to studying biochemistry and molecular biology at a technological university!

Plenty of Job Opportunities in Biochemistry

The demand for biochemists will see 7% growth from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A bachelor of science degree in biochemistry prepares you for a successful career—you'll have opportunities to solve real-world problems in many different areas like agriculture; biomedicine and pharmacology; genomics and molecular genetics; and forensic science and identification. Create sustainable agriculture. Develop greener energy and cleaner, leaner manufacturing processes. Develop tests to detect disease and the risk of developing or transmitting one. Identify criminals and victims at crime scenes.

35%
of undergraduates do research with faculty every year
1,770
miles to The Bahamas study abroad program
#1
Best Value College in Michigan (niche.com, 2024)
Top 25
in the nation for return on investment (Forbes)

Tomorrow Needs Talented Biochemists

The demand for biochemists will grow significantly as our world becomes increasingly complex and faces many challenges. A bachelor of science degree in biochemistry prepares you for a successful career—you'll have opportunities to solve real-world problems in many different areas. Create sustainable agriculture. Develop greener energy and cleaner, leaner manufacturing processes. Develop instantaneous tests to detect disease and the risk of developing or transmitting one. Identify criminals and victims at crime scenes.

Career Opportunities for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors

Your future career options are unlimited with a degree in biochemistry. Career opportunities include:

Analytical Chemist
Biochemist
Clinical Lab Technician
College or University Professor
Ecologist
Environmental Consultant
Forensic Scientist
Geneticist
High School Chemistry Teacher
Lab Technician
Pharmacologist
Physician
Research Associate
Researcher
R&D Scientist
Science Writer
Toxicologist
Veterinarian

Michigan Tech Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors Have Been Hired By

The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech biochemistry graduates include:

AmeriCorps
Cambium Analytica
Huron Pines
Health Department of Northwest Michigan
Neogen Corporation
Pace Analytical Services
Pfizer
Pathnostics
Prevention Genetics
Weill Cornell Medicine

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying biochemistry and molecular biology at Michigan's flagship technological university.

"Biological sciences allowed me to easily get in all of the prerequisites for medical school. This major made me more well-rounded because we had to take classes we never would have otherwise, like Ecology, where I gained more outside knowledge rather than just getting educated in strict biology/medicine."

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Tessa Steenwinkel '21

BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Student Learning Goals

All graduates in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BS Degree Program will:

Know the concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Apply the concepts of the scientific method.
Synthesize and communicate information applicable to biochemistry and molecular biology.
Increase critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Be aware of ethics and moral issues in their field.

Study Biological Sciences at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you will build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. You'll learn and experience first-hand how biology is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment and industry. With biology faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you'll use biology in the lab, and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

Get personalized attention: Our smaller department (labs average about 18 students) ensures you'll build valuable relationships with world-class professors. They can better help pair you with research opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
Customize your biology education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span biological sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology (biology focus), computational biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, human biology, medical laboratory science, and nursing
That interdisciplinary approach gives you exposure to different areas of biology. Take classes across different specialties to tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway. Add a minor.
Engage in biological science research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or pursue a career upon graduation, one of the factors that often gives our students an edge is the opportunity to engage in research as an undergraduate student and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation. A majority of our students conduct undergraduate research with faculty members.
Get involved: Utilize your interest in biology by getting involved with the Enterprise Program—teams of undergraduate students working on real-world products and research for industry. Or get involved with any number of professional organizations—Biochemistry Club; Plant and Gardening Club; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Club;Pre-Health Association; Association of Students for People, Environments, and Nature; and more.

Undergraduate Majors in Biological Sciences

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors

Specialize in a secondary discipline outside of or complementary to your major, expand your knowledge base, and boost your potential career options with these nine biology-centric minors. A minor in a pre-professional program such as Pre-Law or Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school and future careers in law and medicine. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Bioprocess Engineering
Ecology
Fish Biology
Microbiology
Nanoscale Science and Engineering
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Sciences

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

"I chose to study Biochemistry at Tech because it offered a lot of flexibility for going into different career paths. Originally, I planned to go into genetics but have decided to go to med school to become a psychiatrist. Both career paths were equally supported by biochemistry."Samantha Siefert '23, MS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology