Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

WPI's Biochemistry B.S. is built around learning by doing, with laboratory work, faculty research and project-based learning forming an important part of the undergraduate experience. Students can access state-of-the-art facilities such as the Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, work with faculty researchers, participate in projects in the U.S. or abroad, and complete both the IQP and senior MQP.

The program provides several specific opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience:

• Faculty-led undergraduate research: Students can work with faculty, graduate researchers and postdoctoral scholars in professional research environments using modern scientific instrumentation and techniques.

• Major Qualifying Project (MQP): Every Chemistry and Biochemistry major completes a senior MQP, providing substantial independent project or research experience before graduation.

• Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP): Students begin substantial project work during the third year, applying their scientific knowledge to real-world problems, including opportunities to work off campus or abroad.

• Hands-on laboratory work: The curriculum includes dedicated experimental biochemistry and biology laboratory experiences, including CH 4150 Experimental Biochemistry and CH 4170 Experimental Biochemistry II.

• Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center: Biochemistry students have access to this state-of-the-art facility from the beginning of their degree, supporting research at the intersection of biology, chemistry and engineering.

• Project-based teamwork: WPI's Great Problems Seminar introduces first-year students to collaborative problem solving, with students working in groups to investigate real-world problems.

• Research projects: Official WPI examples include projects on the Evolution of Drug Resistance in Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2, pancreatic cancer combination therapies and research collaboration in life sciences.

• Research instrumentation: Undergraduate researchers work with state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques as part of faculty-led research.

• Off-campus opportunities: Students may conduct project work outside WPI in the United States or abroad, providing exposure to different research and professional environments.

• Co-op and internships: WPI provides opportunities for real-world work experience through co-ops and internships, allowing students to complement their academic project experience with professional experience.

WPI's Biochemistry graduates can move into research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare and other scientific careers, while the degree also provides a foundation for professional and graduate education. WPI's official career data lists roles ranging from Research Assistant and Research Associate to Clinical Research Assistant, Associate Scientist and Analytical Development Scientist.

Typical career directions include Research Assistant, Research Associate, Clinical Research Assistant and Associate Scientist.

Students can build toward these opportunities through:

• Career Development Center: WPI's Career Development Center provides resources and opportunities to help students determine where their degree can lead and supports connections with employers.

• Employer connections: WPI reports that Biochemistry graduates have been hired by organizations including Pfizer, Moderna, Biogen, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, Amgen, Regeneron, Thermo Fisher Scientific and PerkinElmer.

• Healthcare and research employers: Other organizations that have recently hired WPI biochemists include Athena Diagnostics, Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Foundation Medicine, Mass Biologics and Pfizer.

• Employment and salary: WPI reports an average starting salary of $51,192 for Biochemistry graduates. This is a program-level average reported by WPI and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed individual salary.

• Graduate outcomes: WPI lists graduate-school destinations including WPI, University of Utah, Brandeis University, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Hofstra University, New York University, Boston College and Boston University.

• Research-to-career preparation: Students work alongside faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers while using scientific instrumentation and techniques, helping develop experience relevant to future research careers.

• Professional alignment: The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's ASBMB accreditation provides professional alignment for students developing careers or further study in biochemistry and molecular biosciences.

• Health-profession preparation: WPI states that the Biochemistry major includes the technical courses required for admission to medical, dental and veterinary schools, making it suitable for students planning professional health education after the bachelor's degree.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue directly into WPI's M.S. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, where they can deepen their research expertise alongside faculty researchers. Other options include WPI's M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, including its research-focused chemistry pathways, as well as professional programs such as medical, dental and veterinary school. WPI also offers a BS/MS pathway, allowing eligible undergraduate students to accelerate into graduate study.