Science exists because of God, not instead of God. Discover the miracle of how chemical processes interact to affect all living things. This degree will prepare you for a career in research, medicine, and other scientific and healthcare fields. This program focuses on carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and the processes of these molecules within living things.
This might be the right degree for you if you
- are passionate about serving
- interested in research in a rigorous program
- are interested in a career in research, medicine, or other scientific fields
Why study biochemistry and molecular biology at Northwestern?
This program challenges and prepares students for a job after graduation or graduate school. Northwestern offers off-campus research internships during the summer or for a semester. Organizations include the University of Minnesota, 3M, the County Department of Agriculture, and other biomedical research companies.
Our approach to learning together, teaching others, and applying knowledge in practical internships results in higher rates of employment and acceptance into graduate programs or medical schools.
With a campus so close to metropolitan areas, students take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving healthcare industries.
Professors encourage students to explore God’s creation down to the smallest detail to gain a deeper understanding of His power. Students conduct original, leading-edge research under Christian faculty who are experts in their respective scientific fields. Small class sizes give students access to professors who take a personal interest in their futures.
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Your Pathway to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology equips students with the skills needed to enter a variety of health related fields. This degree pathway opens doors for roles in or related to the medical field and can be used as the starting point for various graduate programs. Explore your degree pathway today!
median pay in 2025
job outlook growth
job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Biochemists and Biophysicists. Retreived August 2026.
Careers in biochemistry and molecular biology
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Basic research
- Applied research
- Laboratory technician/ assistant
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Drug manufacturing
- Technical writing for related publications
- Biomedical equipment technician
- Food science or manufacturing
- Testing or product control
- Medical school
- Dental school
- Chiropractic school
- Physical Therapy school
- Veterinary school
- Public Health
What will I learn?
You will learn to think critically, research, and perform experiments to explore a range of scientific disciplines, including genetics, microbiology, forensics, and medicine.
BIO4359
Biotechnology Laboratory
A laboratory course providing practical experience in operating chemical instrumentation and performing molecular biology techniques that may include spectroscopy, chromatography, assays, and manipulation of nucleic acids. Two to three hours of lab per week.
CHE3101
Organic Chemistry I
The focus of CHE3101, in one word, is structure. The structures and geometries of carbon-containing molecules, including the topics of isomerism and stereochemistry, are examined in great detail using models and spectroscopic techniques. It is the structure of molecules which enables one to understand chemical reactivity. Types of reactions and mechanisms studied include simple substitution, addition and elimination. Three lectures and one lab per week.
BIO1011
Principles of Biology: Cells, Genes & Energy
A foundational course for science and preprofessional majors that includes introductory molecular and cellular structure and function, cellular and species continuity and introductory physiology. Intended for biochemistry, biology, engineering, health sciences, kinesiology, mathematics education, nursing or physical education majors or coaching minors. A $200 laboratory fee required.
PHY1101
Fundamentals of Physics I
This course stresses the use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Mechanics, rotations and waves. Motion in one dimension, vectors, motion in two and three dimensions, force and Newton’s laws, particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy, rotational kinematics, rotational dynamics, angular momentum, fluids, oscillations, gravitation and other topics as time permits. Three lectures and one lab per week.
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Discover the School of Science & Engineering
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
