A biochemistry degree provides a strong foundation in both biology and chemistry, preparing you for careers at the intersection of medicine, research, biotechnology, and more. Whether you're planning to pursue graduate or professional school—or dive straight into the workforce—this page can help you explore your options and learn what it takes to succeed.
Biochemistry is a versatile degree that can lead to roles in healthcare, research, industry, and beyond. Many students use it as a stepping stone to medical, dental, pharmacy, or graduate school, while others enter biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or environmental science fields right after graduation.
Physician / Healthcare Professional: Diagnose and treat patients
Requires: Medical school or health professional program (e.g., MD, DO, PA)
Biochemists study the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. By exploring how molecules like proteins, enzymes, lipids, and nucleic acids function and interact, biochemists help us understand life at a molecular level—and apply that knowledge to medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and industry.
Biochemists typically do the following:
Conduct experiments to investigate the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules
Analyze DNA, proteins, enzymes, and other cellular components using techniques like chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrophoresis
Develop new drugs, therapies, or diagnostic tools by understanding disease mechanisms at the molecular level
Work with cell cultures or model organisms to study metabolic pathways and gene expression
Use computer modeling and bioinformatics tools to simulate biological processes
Write scientific papers, technical documentation, and grant proposals
Present research findings to colleagues, research institutions, or the public
Collaborate across disciplines with chemists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, and data scientists
Biochemists may work in basic research, seeking to expand fundamental understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms, or in applied research, which focuses on solving specific problems—such as creating a more effective cancer drug or developing drought-resistant crops.
Depending on their role, biochemists may work in labs, pharmaceutical or biotech companies, hospitals, universities, or government agencies.
Biochemists typically need a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a closely related field, such as molecular biology, chemistry, or biophysics. Advanced roles—especially in research, pharmaceuticals, or academia—often require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
Undergraduate programs usually include:
Core courses in general and organic chemistry, biology, and physics
Advanced coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics
Math courses, including calculus and statistics
Lab-based classes and research methods
Students on pre-med or pre-health tracks may take additional courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology to prepare for medical or professional school exams like the MCAT.
Graduate students in biochemistry often specialize in a subfield (like structural biology or drug design) and conduct original lab research. Some interdisciplinary roles also benefit from combining biochemistry with public health, computer science, or engineering.
You may not need a graduate degree if you're interested in roles such as:
Laboratory or research technician
Biotech or pharmaceutical industry positions with training
Quality control analyst or food safety scientist
You likely will need a graduate degree if you want to:
Lead independent research or direct lab projects (master’s or Ph.D.)
Teach at the university level (Ph.D. usually required)
Become a medical doctor, pharmacist, or veterinarian (professional degree required)
Work in highly specialized areas like structural biochemistry, pharmacogenomics, or metabolic engineering
Some students pursue dual-degree or interdisciplinary graduate programs that combine biochemistry with fields such as data science, bioengineering, toxicology, public health, or intellectual property law, depending on their career goals.
Tip: If you're unsure about grad school, gaining real-world experience through internships or lab work after your bachelor's can help clarify your next steps.
Biochemistry is a hands-on field. Valuable experiences include:
Internships in research labs, biotech companies, or government agencies
Undergraduate research opportunities with faculty
Volunteering in clinical or pharmaceutical settings
Fellowships or summer research programs (like REUs or NIH internships)
For those pursuing research or academic careers, postdoctoral training is typically expected after completing a Ph.D.
With experience and advanced training, biochemists can:
Lead research teams or direct R&D departments
Become principal investigators on grants
Secure faculty or lecturer positions in higher education
Move into regulatory affairs, science policy, or consulting
Take on executive or management roles in biotech, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals
Analytical skills – Crucial for designing experiments and interpreting molecular data
Problem-solving – For troubleshooting lab issues or optimizing experimental design
Attention to detail – Necessary for handling complex procedures and precise measurements
Communication skills – To write scientific papers, give presentations, or teach
Technical proficiency – Comfort using lab instruments, modeling software, or statistical tools
Curiosity and perseverance – Research is slow and iterative, requiring long-term focus
Teamwork – Many projects involve collaboration with other scientists, engineers, or healthcare professionals
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