Chemistry

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Bachelor's Degree (Chemistry Focus)

Get Ready To Make an Impact

Investigate the microcosm of biomolecules. Study the intricacies of biological chemistry. Understand the molecular and genetic bases of life processes.

When you earn a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at Michigan Tech, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in virtually any branch of the life sciences you choose.

Prepare yourself for the emerging field of biochemistry and molecular biology with an innovative bachelor's degree that takes a blended approach to chemistry and biology education. You get twice the research opportunities, twice the technology, and twice the faculty experts.

Our bachelor's degree program will equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to influence global change and empower humanity through scientific advancement. After graduation, you could create solutions to some of the world's most critical problems, such as designing lifesaving drugs and vaccines, feeding a hungry world, or harnessing the combined powers of chemistry and biology to revolutionize how we make things.

Focus on Biochemistry with a Chemistry Concentration

The cross-disciplinary bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology is designed to provide a broad, integrated education in chemistry and biological sciences, with a primary focus on either discipline chosen as a concentration.

With a concentration in chemistry, you'll investigate the molecular basis of cellular processes. Biochemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living systems. Explore the structures and functions of cellular components, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules and how they work together to make living organisms.

You'll develop a strong grounding in the quantitative and physical sciences while working in our world-class research labs and applying the latest technology in DNA, RNA, and protein analysis; gene cloning and transformation; and chromatography.

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  • No. 4
    best science jobs (US News, 2025)
  • No. 1
    Best Value College in Michigan (niche.com, 2025)
  • 8-12
    average class size for major-specific courses
  • 100%
    of students use state-of-the-art instrumentation in teaching labs

Tomorrow Needs Talented Biochemists

There is a 15% growth in the demand for biochemists over the next decade. 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; alternative fuels and energy; 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.

Career Opportunities for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors

Your future career options are unlimited with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology majors. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • 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

You can explore career options further.

Michigan Tech Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors Have Been Hired By

The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech chemistry graduates includes:

  • Cargill
  • Cayman Chemical
  • Eurofins
  • Health Department of Northwest Michigan
  • Neogen Corporation
  • Pathnostics
  • Prevention Genetics
  • U.S. Army CCDC Ground Vehicle Systems Center

Ready to take the next step?

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

Michigan Tech is a wonderful community in which to study Biochemistry. The academics are amazing. All these non-engineering STEM departments are small. There is a collective knowledge here I don't think I could have experienced anywhere else. It's been amazing to see my own development. Tech has helped me to grow so much.

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Vincent Pellizzon
Vincent Pellizzon '23
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Study Chemistry at a Technological University

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

  • Get personalized attention: 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You receive guidance in a timely fashion. They can help pair you with research opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your chemistry education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span pure chemistry (BS and BA options), biochemistry and molecular biology, computational chemistry and chemical informatics, and medicinal chemistry (includes pharmaceutical chemistry). Explore a variety of chemistry fields through our interdisciplinary approach and tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway.
  • Engage in chemistry research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or enter the job market upon graduation, you’ll have an edge on the competition—hands-on experience with undergraduate research and  state-of-the-art research instrumentation.
  • Practice basic chemistry concepts: Work as a peer coach in the Chemistry Learning Center helping other students understand chemistry concepts while reinforcing your grasp of the basics.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Combine your creativity and curiosity to meet pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking and tenacity to inspire, design and implement a sustainable future across social and natural sciences, humanities, and arts.

Undergraduate Majors in Chemistry

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

Student Learning Goals

When you complete our bachelors of science biochemistry and molecular biology degree, you can expect to achieve the following:

  • In-depth theoretical and experimental knowledge in organic and biophysical chemistry, and biochemistry.
  • Fundamental theoretical and experimental knowledge of quantitative and instrumental analytical methods.
  • Safely work in a laboratory to collect, analyze and evaluate experimental data.
  • Use scientific literature to research and solve problems.
  • Communicate with other members of the scientific community using both oral and written methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the societal and environmental implications of chemistry as a discipline, and your professional responsibilities as an ethical chemist.
"It's so great to be a part of the biochemistry research here. It feels like what I'm doing here could really make a difference in the world."Deanna Springgay '21, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology