Biochemistry [B.S.] (Major)

The Biochemistry B.S. at the University of Michigan gives students plenty of opportunities to put their classroom knowledge into practice. Through laboratory courses, undergraduate research, and summer research programs, students can gain experience with real scientific methods, experiments, data analysis, and research projects. They can also work in specialized chemistry and biochemistry laboratories and explore research areas that connect biochemistry with molecular biology, cell biology, biophysics, and other life sciences:

• Hands-on laboratory experience: Students can take advanced laboratory courses such as CHEM 482 Synthesis and Characterization, CHEM 483 Physical and Instrumental Chemistry, BIOPHYS 450 Laboratory Techniques in Biophysics, and MCDB 429 Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology, giving them practical experience with experimental techniques.

• Undergraduate research: Students can take part in supervised research through CHEM 398 or BIOLCHEM 398 Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry, allowing them to contribute to an extended research project while working with a faculty mentor.

• Summer research opportunities: The Chemistry Department's Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) provides eligible Biochemistry and related majors with the opportunity to spend at least 10 weeks working full-time on research in a University of Michigan laboratory.

• Specialized laboratories: Biochemistry students have access to dedicated teaching and research laboratory spaces in the 1948 Chemistry Building, including laboratories used for biochemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and advanced synthesis.

• Scientific equipment and instrumentation: Laboratory work gives students experience using scientific equipment such as FTIR and UV-Vis spectrometers, pH meters, analytical balances, hotplate stirrers, and thin-layer chromatography equipment.

• Interdisciplinary research: Students can explore research connecting biochemistry with areas such as cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, neurobiology, animal physiology, and molecular biology, helping them understand how biochemical principles apply across the life sciences.

• Faculty-guided research: Through undergraduate research opportunities, students can work closely with faculty mentors, learn how scientific research is conducted, and develop skills in experimental design, interpreting results, and communicating scientific findings.

• Honors research: High-achieving students can pursue the Biochemistry Honors pathway, which includes undergraduate research and a thesis based on their independent research experience.

• Research opportunities for early-stage students: The University of Michigan's undergraduate research programs can help students connect with faculty research projects and begin gaining research experience early in their degree.

The Biochemistry B.S. at the University of Michigan gives students a strong scientific foundation for careers across biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, healthcare, medical research, and laboratory science. It also provides a solid pathway for students who want to continue into graduate or professional education in biochemistry, chemical biology, life sciences, medicine, or related areas. Typical career directions include Biochemistry Research Assistant, Laboratory Scientist, Biotechnology Associate, Pharmaceutical Research Associate:

• Career support: Students can access the LSA Opportunity Hub for career coaching, internship and job opportunities, employer events, career treks, job-shadowing experiences, application support, and professional networking.

• Internship experience: LSA provides students with access to internships and other workplace experiences. University data shows that 77% of LSA students have internship experience, helping students develop practical skills before graduation.

• Employment and further study: University of Michigan LSA reports that 96% of graduates are employed or continue into graduate or professional school. For the 2025 graduating class, more than 78% accepted a job offer or continued to graduate school within six months.

• Salary potential: The University Career Center reports an average annual salary of $56,626 for full-time employment among LSA graduates who reported salary information. This is an LSA-wide figure, so actual salaries for Biochemistry graduates can vary depending on the position, employer, location, and experience.

• Industry connections: Students can connect with employers through career fairs, recruitment events, internships, and other LSA Opportunity Hub activities. Organizations represented in the university's recruiting network include Michigan Medicine, Eli Lilly, the National Institutes of Health, Trinity Health, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase. These organizations recruit across the wider LSA community, so they should not be considered guaranteed Biochemistry employers.

• Biochemistry career preparation: The University of Michigan specifically identifies the Biochemistry major as preparation for opportunities in the biotechnology industry, pharmaceutical industry, health sciences, academic medical centers, and scientific research.

• Research experience: Students can strengthen their career profile through undergraduate research and summer research opportunities. Working with faculty on research projects can help students develop laboratory, analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills that are valuable for research-focused careers and further study.

• Long-term degree value: The Biochemistry B.S. is an LSA natural sciences degree rather than a professionally accredited engineering program. Its value comes from its strong combination of chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, laboratory training, and research preparation, giving graduates flexibility to pursue scientific employment or advanced education.

• Alumni network: Graduates become part of the University of Michigan and LSA alumni community, which includes more than 200,000 living alumni. This broad network can provide opportunities for professional connections, mentoring, and long-term career development.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Biochemistry B.S., students can continue their education through graduate or professional programs based on their career goals. The degree provides preparation for graduate study in biochemistry, chemical biology, life sciences, and related research fields, while its strong scientific foundation can also support students pursuing professional education in medicine and other health sciences. Students interested in research careers may progress toward master's or doctoral study, while others can use their undergraduate training as a foundation for professional healthcare education or specialized postgraduate study.