BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/MA in Biotechnology

Students in Boston University’s BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/MA in Biotechnology gain practical experience through laboratory courses, undergraduate research, and advanced graduate-level research. The program encourages students to get involved in research with BMB faculty, and students can participate in research for academic credit, as paid work, or on a volunteer basis. Around 100 BMB, Biology, and Chemistry students take part in research in BMB faculty laboratories each year, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real scientific questions.

Students can develop hands-on research and laboratory skills through:

• Laboratory-based learning: Courses such as BB 522 Molecular Biology Lab and BI 513 Genetics Lab provide practical experience with experimental approaches in molecular biology and genetics.

• Undergraduate research: Students can earn academic credit through research courses including BB 140/141, BB 240/241, BB 340/341, BB 350/351/352, and BB 450/451/452/453, allowing them to progressively develop research experience from their first year through senior year.

• Independent faculty research: Students can work directly with BMB faculty members in their research laboratories. Research may also be conducted in an outside laboratory when supported by a BMB faculty sponsor.

• Graduate-level research: The combined BA/MA pathway includes advanced research experience, allowing students to work on substantial research projects and develop skills in research planning, scientific analysis, and communication.

• Honors research: Eligible students can undertake BB 401 & 402 Honors Research, complete BB 497 & 498 seminars, write and defend a senior thesis, and present their research at the BMB Symposium.

• Paid research opportunities: Boston University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) connects students with research opportunities and can provide funding for research expenses, student stipends, and full-time summer research.

• Scientific communication: Students completing honors research present their findings at the BMB Symposium, giving them experience communicating scientific research to an academic audience.

• Research ethics and compliance: Students working with human subjects must complete CITI training and obtain IRB approval, while research involving vertebrate animals requires IACUC training and approval, providing experience with responsible research practices.

• Research facilities: BMB research takes place in dedicated Boston University research laboratories, where students can work alongside faculty on areas of modern biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and related life-science research.

The BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology/MA in Biotechnology prepares graduates for opportunities across biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, and other molecular-science fields. The combination of advanced coursework and graduate-level research gives students both the scientific knowledge and practical research skills needed to enter the biotechnology workforce or continue into advanced study. Boston University specifically highlights the program as preparation for employment in biotechnology as well as further graduate study in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields.

Typical career paths include Biotechnology Research Scientist, Molecular Biology Researcher, Clinical Research Associate, Pharmaceutical Research Scientist.

Students can strengthen their transition from university to further study or employment through:

• Career development support: Boston University’s Center for Career Development (CCD) provides career exploration, job-search assistance, résumé and cover-letter support, and other career resources. Students can also use Handshake to search for jobs, internships, and career events.

• Alumni networking: BU Connects and the university’s Career Advisory Network provide opportunities to connect with alumni and build professional relationships. The Career Advisory Network includes nearly 8,000 BU alumni volunteers who offer career advice and networking connections.

• Research and industry destinations: Boston University reports BMB graduates progressing into research and professional positions with organizations such as Novartis, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Johnson & Johnson, and other biomedical and biotechnology organizations.

• Strong research preparation: The BA/MA requires two semesters of graduate-level independent research. Students develop experience in experimental design, research analysis, proposal writing, and presenting scientific findings, giving them a strong foundation for research-oriented careers.

• Employment and salary information: Boston University does not publish a specific employment rate or average starting salary for graduates of this particular BA/MA program. Therefore, a program-specific employment percentage or salary figure should not be assumed.

• Professional flexibility: The BMB program prepares students for careers in biomedical and biotechnology research as well as related areas such as pharmaceutical research, clinical science, government research, and science education.

• Long-term academic value: Students graduate with both a BA in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and an MA in Biotechnology, giving them master's-level training in addition to their undergraduate scientific foundation. The MA component requires graduate-level coursework and research, strengthening the qualification for biotechnology employment and future postgraduate study.

• Graduate outcomes: Boston University reports BMB alumni progressing to PhD programs at institutions including Harvard University, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and MIT, as well as MD programs at Boston University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Medical School. Other alumni have moved into biotechnology and biomedical research roles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA/MA, students can progress to PhD programs in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines, or pursue medical and other professional degrees. Boston University also provides pre-professional advising and fellowship and scholarship support for students planning further education, while the program's strong research component can help graduates build a competitive profile for advanced research programs.