PhD in Biochemistry is a research-based program, and prospective students hope to venture into a reputable institution, which can offer a wide variety of core skills and professional development training, among other expectations in this field.
I could authoritatively conclude that your search for a proper guide towards finding the best biochemistry PhD programs led you here, continue reading as I assure you to be in the right place.
Individuals with a degree in biochemistry PhD programs have specialized knowledge that allows them to work at a university level or in an expert field. This degree requires intensive study ending in a dissertation or thesis.
Biochemistry degrees teach students about the chemical processes inside living organisms. Biochemistry is usually split into three branches of Science: Molecular Genetics, Protein Science, and Metabolism.
After graduation, Biochemistry students can find jobs as toxicologists, forensic or analytical scientists, clinical research associate, clinical biochemists, and more.
A PhD in Biochemistry opens doors to a wide variety of career opportunities. Many students with a PhD seek jobs in academia.
The biochemistry Ph.D. programs you select can have a big impact on your future. There are some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice, like an institution, cost of study, quality overall, and earnings with your degree.
Biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates from U.S. colleges with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $32,629 in 2017-2018.
Approximately 14,048 Biochemists, biophysics, and molecular biology degrees were awarded to students last year in the United States.
We will get you acquainted with all you need to know about schools that offer biochemistry PhD programs, Requirements for getting admitted in the best, most rated and affordable schools. Below is a table of content to help you navigate through this article.
Table of contents
- Why you need a PhD In Biochemistry?
- What you can do with a PhD in Biochemistry?
- What are the requirement for a biochemistry PhD program?
- What is the Cost of pursuing biochemistry PhD programs?
- How much can a biochemistry PhD holder make yearly?
- List of best biochemistry PhD programs
- #1 University of California – Los Angeles
- #2 Yale University – New Haven, CT
- #3 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- #4 Rice University – Houston, TX
- #5 Princeton University – Princeton, NJ
- #6 University of California – Davis
- #7 Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- #8 Brandeis University – Waltham, MA
- #9 University of Missouri–St. Louis
- #10 Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
- CONCLUSION
Why you need a PhD In Biochemistry?
It’s no doubt that getting a PhD degree as an additional certificate opens up multiple doors of opportunities, especially in academia. Every field has a PhD degree attainable in that field, Biochemistry inclusive.
Biochemistry solves many scientific problems in energy, disease diagnosis and treatment, and materials design and production. A PhD in biochemistry is your passport into the world of professional molecular science.
In this Biochemistry PhD degree, you will learn to use the tools of molecular-level thinking to solve problems, create new scientific knowledge and develop skills to tackle complex challenges.
As a professional biochemist, you will be expected to contribute to your field’s advancement and work on major societal issues, which are increasingly complex and transdisciplinary. Achieving this comes with the feeling of fulfilment, accomplishment and recognition.
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What you can do with a PhD in Biochemistry?
With a PhD degree in Biochemistry, students will develop the skills necessary to become competent researchers with the ability to conduct their independent research.
They will take courses in experimental design and measurement, biomedical product development, and applied statistics in biomedical sciences, making them prime candidates for jobs within the medical field.
These are some jobs a doctoral Biochemist can function in:
1. Medical Scientist
The job description here would include:
- Designing and conducting studies that research both human diseases and methods to prevent and treat them
- Preparing and analyzing medical samples and data to find out causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases
- Standardizing drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for the mass manufacturing and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds
- Creating and testing medical devices
- Developing programs that improve health outcomes, in partnership with health departments, industry personnel, and physicians
- Writing research grant proposals and applying for funding from government agencies and private funding sources
- Following procedures to avoid contamination and maintain safety.
2. Toxicologist
The job functions would include to:
- Design, plan, and conduct experiments and trials to discover various toxins.
- Use scientific equipment and analytical techniques to identify and assess toxins and their effects.
- Interpret data to bring conclusions and write reviews, reports, and papers on results.
- Undertake field studies when the need arises.
3. Biochemist
Job description here includes;
- Studying the functions, chemical processes, and composition of living organisms.
- Writing scholarly articles about findings and proposals to raise funds for research efforts.
- Designing and building equipment or facilities to use for experiments or research.
- Preparing and refining chemical compounds for public or medical use.
Other job functions in biochemistry
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist
- Microbiologist
- Biophysicist etc.
What are the requirement for a biochemistry PhD program?
Prospective students enrolling in a biochemistry PhD program will need a master’s degree in biochemistry.
Or closely related science field, courses in organic chemistry, general biochemistry, physical chemistry and others, knowledge in mathematics through calculus, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Course requirements are designed to ensure that all students have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of biochemistry and molecular biology, including the following underlying principles in:
- biochemical structure
- biochemical dynamics
- molecular biology
- genomics
- and biotechnology.
What is the Cost of pursuing biochemistry PhD programs?
The average time to complete a PhD is just over 8 years. That’s right, 8 years. The average cost of a PhD program is $30,000 per year, which comes to a grand total of $240,000 over eight years. Almost a quarter of a million dollars.
Of course, this is just the average cost of a PhD–chances are your specific program will cost either more or less, and you might not take as long to finish. Then again, you might take longer. So, these are just estimates.
You may come up with a more accurate estimate by looking at your specific program and field. But no matter the details, it is vital to consider how much money you will spend and whether it is worth the investment.
However, when considering the cost of a Biochemistry PhD degree program, tuition is just the beginning. If you only look at the price tag without considering the hidden costs, you may be in for a rough few years.
Further Cost Factors To Note
Most Biochemistry PhD degree programs are fully-funded; your funder pays your tuition fees, money for your research and a stipend to support your living costs.
As these are tax-free, you’ll earn an identical amount to several first-time jobs. You cannot apply directly for the cash yourself; instead, the funding comes with the PhD (rather a sort of salary).
PhDs are mostly publicly funded via the varied Research Councils who are liable for co-ordinating and funding particular research areas.
How much can a biochemistry PhD holder make yearly?
Biochemists made a median salary of $93,280 in 2018. The best-paid 25 percent made $129,950 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $64,230.
List of best biochemistry PhD programs
- University of California – Los Angeles
- Yale University – New Haven, CT
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Rice University – Houston, TX
- Princeton University – Princeton, NJ
- University of California – Davis
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Brandeis University
- University of Missouri–St. Louis
- Colorado State University
- University of Miami – South Miami, Florida
- Oregon Health & Science University – Portland, Oregon
- University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK
- Brigham Young University – Provo, UT
- Emory University – Atlanta, GA
#1 University of California – Los Angeles
University of California – Los Angeles is one of the best schools in the United States of America for biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. It’s in the city of Los Angeles, It is a public school with a reasonably large student population.
Students who graduate from the biochemistry program make an average of $31,100 in the first couple years of their career. UCLA ranks 49th out of 1,727 schools for overall quality in California.
#2 Yale University – New Haven, CT
This is the right school for prospective students interested in advanced study. They also offer 3 different higher degree levels in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree.
Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit school in New Haven. A Best Colleges rank of 4 out of 1,727 schools in the United States.
#3 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Located in the medium-sized city Ann Arbor, University of Michigan is reputable for their outstanding coursework on biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. It’s an excellent choice if you want to major in this area.
By current statistics, about 275 biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology undergraduates are studying this degree at the University of Michigan. A Best Colleges rank of 35 out of 1,727 schools in the US.
After getting their bachelor’s degree, biochemistry students generally earn about $29,600 at the beginning of their careers.
#4 Rice University – Houston, TX
Rice University is ranked 7th most popular University in Texas, a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. A Best Colleges rank of 15 out of 1,727 colleges.
Rice University is one of most popular schools to study biochemistry in United States.
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#5 Princeton University – Princeton, NJ
Princeton University is a good decision for students pursuing a Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology degree. Located in the large suburb Princeton.
With a ranking of 20 out of 1,727 schools in the United States. And its first most popular school in New Jersey. It is a private not-for-profit school with a moderately sized student population.
#6 University of California – Davis
UC Davis is a very large public school in the small suburb of Davis. This college ranks 74th out of 1,727 schools for overall quality in California.
With an average of 247 undergraduates, it is reported to undergo an 8% growth rate in graduands yearly. Being the 3rd most famous school in California.
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology students from the University of California – Davis receive an earnings boost of about $2,325 over the typical earnings of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology majors.
#7 Rutgers University – New Brunswick
For prospective students interested in something more advanced, Rutgers New Brunswick also offers 2 different higher degree levels in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, the most popular of which is a Doctor’s Degree (Research / Scholarship).
Rutgers New Brunswick is a very large public school in the city of New Brunswick. This college ranks 151st out of 1,727 colleges for overall quality in New Jersey.
Soon after graduation, biochemistry students typically make around $35,200 in the first five years of their career.
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#8 Brandeis University – Waltham, MA
Brandeis is a moderately-sized private, not-for-profit school in the small city of Waltham. This college ranks 68th out of 1,727 schools for overall quality in Massachusetts.
With 40 undergraduates, Brandeis University is one of the most popular colleges to study biochemistry in the United States.
#9 University of Missouri–St. Louis
Founded in 1963 as a land-grant university, the University of Missouri–St. Louis is today the largest public research university in eastern Missouri, with over 16,000 students.
UMSL is a Tier One national research institution with a ranking of 140 among all national public universities. They offer about 19 PhD programs.
The University of Missouri offers the perfect learning environment for students of all backgrounds to enjoy a diverse and inclusive environment, learn from internationally recognized course-works and faculty, and gain hands-on experience through research, internships and community service.
#10 Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. Though they have selective admission standards, they offer a comprehensive graduate research in master’s and doctoral programs.
Founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, Colorado State University is now among the nation’s leading research universities. They offer 64 PhD programs, including agriculture, forestry, natural resources, and veterinary medicine.
While enrolled at CSU, qualified undergraduate and graduate students have many opportunities to engage in research and creative activity. These opportunities allow students to enhance their education by working closely with a faculty mentor.
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#11 University of Miami – South Miami, Florida
University of Maimi Have been around since 1926, when only 646 full-time students were enrolled.
The University of Miami is a vibrant and diverse community focused on education, learning, and discovering new knowledge.
They offer a wide variety of experiences to students and ensure adequate full time based intensive researches, for graduates and undergraduates who hope to bag a masters degree in their institution.
#12 Oregon Health & Science University – Portland, Oregon
As Oregon’s only academic health center, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is responsible for educating the physicians, nurses, dentists and other healthcare professionals who will make up most of Oregon’s healthcare providers in the future.Oregon Health & Science University is the state’s only academic health center.
They provide an uncommon array of services, from giving the state’s most comprehensive health care, educating the next generation of clinicians and biomedical researchers, and achieving breakthroughs and innovations.
OHSU emphasizes patient-centered care, with students learning not only in classrooms but also at patients’ bedsides, physician’s offices and community settings, such as homeless shelters, juvenile detention centers, elementary schools and child care centers throughout Oregon.
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#13 University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK
The University of Oklahoma’s graduate program (OU) balances required and elective coursework and research.
OU’s divisions in chemistry and biochemistry are used to organize teaching assignments, course requirements and degree candidacy requirements.
Minimum course requirements are 16 credit hours of graduate level lecture courses.There are six divisions at OU: Analytical, Biochemistry, Chemical Education, Inorganic, Organic, Physical Chemistry, and Structural Biology.
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#14 Brigham Young University – Provo, UT
The Biochemistry PhD degree offered by the Brigham Young University prepares independent scientists to perform and to supervise creative research in biochemistry and molecular biology.
As you study biochemistry PhD programs in this university with hope of Getting a prestigious degree, note that they have a pattern required in courseworks done by its students.
They emphasize original and creatively conducted research that would potray their quality and standards.
#15 Emory University – Atlanta, GA
The Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology (BCDB) program at Emory University is regarded as a wise choice, their training program encourages and fosters innovative thinking and adequate researching.
Whether your goal is pure basic science or extensive research, They offer research opportunities that will enable you to impact human health and our understanding of our world.
CONCLUSION
biochemistry PhD programs in United States has long been regarded as the best country choice because schools offer high standard of quality education and create an enabling environment for extensive research.
They also have a large cache of research materials and facilities to facilitate your learning process.
