Biochemistry is a foundational discipline in the biological sciences. It functions as a springboard to a great number of science careers in teaching, research, and applied science fields. The topical range of biochemistry includes genetics, molecular biology, disease, evolution and inheritance, medicinal effects, and other areas, across the entire spectrum of biological life. Graduates from a bachelor’s degree program in biochemistry usually proceed to graduate studies in science, medicine, or advanced nursing. Biochemistry, and the fascinating world of living organisms and life functions that surround it, offer inexhaustible possibilities for research and application.
Methodology:
In the development of this list, the OnlineSchoolsCenter.com researcher/writers utilized the following criteria in their selection process:
- Online bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry that prepares graduates for a career in biochemistry;
- Proper regional accreditation and recognition of the school’s and/or program’s reputation for excellence;
- Satisfaction of students, expressed especially in high graduation numbers;
- Faculty members with strong credentials and field experience in biochemistry;
- Strong student support and small class sizes;
- And clear and convenient course delivery and interface system with faculty, staff, and course resources.
For a deeper understanding into our methodology beyond the degree specific criteria listed above, please visit our Methodology Page.
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Biochemistry
Program Standouts: Arizona State’s excellent online Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree is designed to prepare its graduates for graduate studies as well as careers in the science and medical fields. This top online degree program in biochemistry requires students to complete forty-two classes. Although the great majority of coursework is delivered online, because of lab constraints two lab courses must be completed on campus. This online degree program offers an accelerated degree track for online students as well.
Campus Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St Suite 7-500, Chicago IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Course Sample:
- General Organic Chemistry
- General Biology
- Biophysical Chemistry
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from this online bachelor of biochemistry degree are prepared to go into graduate studies in the biological sciences, medicine, environment, food production, and many other fields. For those more academically inclined, graduates can pursue further studies in preparation for research positions and teaching roles in colleges, universities, and institutes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF BIOCHEMISTRY AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND-GLOBAL CAMPUS
Online bachelor of biotechnology
Program Standouts: This accommodating online Bachelor of Biotechnology degree offers exceptional education and opportunity for applicants and is designed as an accelerated degree program. Up to 90 credits can be transferred into this 120-credit online degree program. With a focus upon conveying students the needed technical and scientific knowledge of the field this top online degree also provides ample hands-on experience in laboratory settings. Strong faculty support, expert advice, and instruction from professionals in the field make this degree program an excellent option for those looking to enter the exciting, diverse, and rapidly-changing field of biotechnology.
Campus Location: Adelphi, MD
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education – 3624 Market St #2w, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
Graduation Rate: 15%
Course Sample:
- Inquires in Biological Science
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Current Trends and Applications in the Life Sciences
Degree Outcomes: Graduates of this online bachelor of biotechnology degree program will be prepared to work in the areas of laboratory technology, assay analysis, bioinformatics, chemical technology, and quality control. The main career fields for graduates from the program are pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biomedical research.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF BIOTECHNOLOGY DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND-GLOBAL CAMPUS
Recommended Schools
What makes a good biochemist candidate?
Since the vast majority of those who complete a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry go on to higher education, usually someone interested in studying biochemistry is also interested in higher education, enjoys research, loves learning about new things and has a great deal of focus and energy to study. Some biochemists join the workforce after getting a bachelor’s degree. These individuals are usually employed in labs as technicians, chemists, doing scientific and medical research, or working in a federal job.
If a person is interested in biochemistry but is not as interested in further study and research, perhaps they find the subject of tissues and organisms fascinating. Working as a technician in a lab requires careful attention to detail since much of a technician’s work demands care regarding the coding, categorizing and labeling of samples. Technicians must be aware that each sample that they test and evaluate represents a person, so they usually have an interest in helping to improve sickness and disease. Though the repetition of working as a lab technician may be tiring, some people do better with repetition than others, and in many labs, technicians will rotate through different departments.
If you are seeking a career that is stable, you don’t mind working behind the scenes, you like research and find the world of cells and organisms fascinating or you are very interested in higher education, then seeking a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry is a great fit.
What can I expect in an online biochemistry degree program?
Because biochemistry requires a lot of hands-on lab work, it is a difficult degree for colleges and universities to offer online. However, there are some colleges who do offer online biochemistry degrees. For some, they may require students to complete concentrated on-campus lab work for a few courses, while the theoretical and methodological side of biochemistry can be completed through online classes. For example, Arizona State’s online program has forty-two classes required for their online bachelor’s degree and only requires students to be on campus for two lab courses. Arizona State has accomplished this by innovative technology, through their School of Molecular Sciences. The school has created an in-person “accelerated laboratory” for students who are taking courses online. The laboratory gives hands-on experience to online students so that they can experience via the internet the same benefits that on-campus students receive.
Other classes that one can expect from an online degree in biochemistry are: Physics, Physics Lab, Literacy, Composition, Organic Chemistry and Lab, General Biology, Physical Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry and Lab, Science Electives and classes concerning Humanity and Global Awareness.
What other degrees gets one into the biochemistry field?
Graduates of bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry, as well as molecular biology and cell biology or molecular genetics, would all be good candidates to work in the broader field of biochemistry. Studying biochemistry familiarizes students of a bachelor’s degree with a broader overview that usually includes some study in molecular biology and cell biology and courses on genetics. Acquiring a degree in cell biology or molecular genetics would require more specialized and specific study.
What kind of jobs and level of pay can one expect with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry?
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry usually work as technicians, researchers and developers, and chemists. They may work for pharmaceutical companies or for the federal, state or local governments. They may work alone or as part of a team.
- Clinical lab technicians work compiling, categorizing, coding and calculating what they find to assist doctors in determining diagnoses for patients. Lab technicians may work as part of a team or by themselves. Lab Technicians make around $52,000 a year. Those employed by the government usually make closer to $70,000.
- Being a chemist is another job opportunity for those with a bachelor’s in biochemistry. Chemists test methods and instruct on the proper testing of chemicals which includes temperatures, ingredients and mixing times. They analyze substances and test for the safety of chemicals, writing reports on their findings to scientists and engineers. Chemists usually have an annual wage of around $75,000.
- Related to working as a chemist, working as a chemical manufacturer is another job option open to those who have studied four years of biochemistry. The average salary of a chemical manufacturer is around $80,000 a year. Chemical Manufacturers work as
- Salespersons are also needed in the biochemistry world. Those with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry would know the terminology, value, quality and would have the ability to translate their knowledge to those who are looking to buy items such as lab equipment and compounds. Salespersons for chemical manufacturers also make a very good salary of over $90,000 a year.
Working as a biochemist is ranked #3 in Best Science Jobs by U.S. News and World Report and the average salary of a biochemist is over $90,000. Though some jobs in biochemistry do require higher education, many well paying, as well as stable jobs, can be found with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
What is the difference between a Molecular Biology and a Biochemistry Degree?
Cell Biology and Molecular Biology are very closely related to the study of Biochemistry. One can’t study one of the subjects without at least touching on the others. Because some biochemistry degrees don’t include many classes specifically on cell biology, studying molecular biology specifically would be more appropriate for those interested in cells or micro-organisms. Similarly, Molecular Biology degree programs will not have as many classes focusing on Chemistry. However, even biochemistry degree programs will vary from program to program as to emphasis. Therefore, though molecular biology and biochemistry are closely linked and intertwined, one’s specific interests will influence where to put more of one’s time.