Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry)

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln combines classroom learning with laboratory and research experiences that let students apply biochemical concepts to real scientific problems. Students can develop practical skills through dedicated biochemistry laboratories, undergraduate research, and access to specialized research facilities and instrumentation. The program also connects students with research opportunities across biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, and related life sciences.

• Laboratory coursework: Students gain hands-on experience through biochemistry laboratory courses that develop skills in experimental methods, biochemical analysis, and laboratory techniques.
• Undergraduate research: Biochemistry majors can participate in faculty-led research and pursue undergraduate research opportunities, allowing them to work on active projects in areas such as molecular biology, structural biology, enzymology, and biotechnology.
• Research instrumentation: Department facilities provide access to specialized equipment used for biochemical and molecular research, supporting techniques such as protein analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, and molecular biology.
• Core research facilities: The department maintains specialized laboratories and research infrastructure for studying proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, molecular interactions, and cellular processes.
• Interdisciplinary research: Students can engage with research that connects biochemistry with chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, plant sciences, and other life-science disciplines.
• Computational and analytical tools: Biochemistry research at UNL incorporates computational and quantitative approaches alongside experimental laboratory methods, giving students exposure to modern approaches used to investigate biological molecules and systems.
• Research environment: Undergraduate students can work alongside faculty researchers and graduate students, gaining experience with scientific experimentation, data interpretation, laboratory documentation, and research communication.
• Additional scientific facilities: UNL provides broader research infrastructure across its biological and chemical sciences programs, giving biochemistry students opportunities to access specialized facilities beyond their individual courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln prepares graduates for careers across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and chemical industries, research laboratories, and government agencies. Students can pursue roles such as biochemist, laboratory technician, research assistant, and biological or pharmaceutical scientist, while the program also provides a strong foundation for professional and graduate education.

Career and Employment Opportunities:

• Career support: The College of Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center provides career coaching to help students explore career options, build experience, and prepare applications, resumes, interviews, internships, jobs, or graduate school. Biochemistry students can also use the Explore Center for health-profession advising, including help finding volunteer and job-shadowing experiences.
• Internships and employers: The Department of Biochemistry has relationships with local companies offering internships. Reported student experiences include internships with Bayer Crop Science, Neogen Corporation, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Estée Lauder Companies, and LI-COR Biosciences.
• Employment statistics and salary: UNL reports that more than 71% of the Class of 2025 secured employment or continuing education within six months of graduation, with a $60,000 median starting salary across undergraduate graduates; a biochemistry-specific salary figure is not stated on the official program source.
• University–industry connections: The Department lists industry relationships involving LI-COR, Celerion, Streck, Eli Lilly & Co., Pfizer, Neogen, Zoetis, Corteva Agriscience, and GSK Consumer Healthcare. Industry partners can participate through student internships, mentoring, career fairs, company information sessions, facility tours, and seminars.
• Research and professional exposure: Students can conduct faculty-mentored research through UCARE, with opportunities to contribute to scientific projects and gain practical research experience. The department's research environment spans molecular mechanisms of disease, biotechnology, computational and systems biology, metabolism, and protein function.
• Long-term accreditation value: The Department of Biochemistry is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), providing external professional recognition of the program's biochemistry education.
• Graduation outcomes: Recent graduates have reported progressing into positions such as engineering technician, ophthalmology clinical researcher, research assistant, patient care technician, and clinical services technician, as well as graduate and professional programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Biochemistry, students can progress to master's and Ph.D. programs in biochemistry and related areas such as neuroscience, plant biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, and other life-science disciplines. The degree also prepares students for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health-related fields; students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources may also pursue UNL's combined BS/MS in Biochemistry pathway.