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Biochemistry
Major
Biochemistry major overview
In the biochemistry major, you'll learn about the chemical reactions keeping living things alive and mix chemistry and biology to understand our world. By looking into how cells grow, develop and pass on traits, you'll help make better medicines, diagnostic tests, farming methods and environmental solutions.
You'll build experience, research skills and analytical skills in hands-on labs as you gear up to solve real-world problems in biotechnology and healthcare. With a robust curriculum and a faculty-mentored capstone research project, you'll be set up to succeed in professional schools, graduate studies or a vibrant science career.
AT A GLANCE
What will I learn as a biochemistry major?
Explore the principles of molecular life, including energy flow, structure-function dynamics and genetic regulation, then use that knowledge in experiment design and execution. Analyze data, collect evidence through authentic scientific inquiry and learn to communicate all you've learned with clarity and professionalism.
Your research training could help you make discoveries that improve the quality of human life. Build and apply these skills in faculty-guided research, where you'll polish your technical abilities in practical settings.
As you collaborate, you'll strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, setting the stage for success in professional schools, graduate programs or careers in research, healthcare and biotechnology!
The chemistry and biochemistry programs are approved by the American Chemical Society and Accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Highlights of our biochemistry major
As a biochemistry major, you'll:
- Experience faculty-mentored research: Conduct research with a faculty member and complete your capstone research project and thesis. Present your research at conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Gain real-world experience through internships: Apply your skills in professional settings through internships or summer research opportunities at top companies like Dow Chemical, Corteva, Dupont and Zoetis.
- Connect and collaborate: Work in teams from diverse fields, join student organizations and form mentoring relationships to prepare you for graduate school, professional programs and science-based careers.
- Build skills in hands-on labs: Real experience in a lab setting is just the beginning. CMU is one of only four Michigan institutions with an accredited ASBMB biochemistry degree.
Careers for biochemistry majors
A biochemistry degree prepares you for several different paths, like professional school (ex. medical, physician assistant, veterinarian), graduate school and careers in science. You could begin your career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health professions, clinical research and much more.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Biological Technician | $52,000 |
| Chemical Technician | $57,790 |
| Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist | $61,890 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $67,440 |
| Chemist | $86,620 |
| Microbiologist | $87,330 |
| Medical Scientist |
$100,590
|
| Biochemist | $103,650 |
Chemistry and biochemistry scholarships
CMU offers a range of scholarships for both new and current chemistry and biochemistry students, celebrating academic excellence, leadership and research involvement. Find your scholarship opportunities through the Scholarship Universe matching tool.
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