Degree in Biochemistry | Worcester Polytechnic Institute

As you earn a degree in biochemistry at WPI, you’ll study and unravel the complicated chemical processes of living organisms and make important discoveries at the intersection of chemistry and biology—all to make a real-world difference.

You will be exposed to the cutting edge in Biochemistry, both in the classroom and through hands-on experience via lab and project work that brings the excitement of scientific inquiry to life.

A major in biochemistry will also give you access to state-of-the-art facilities—including our Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center—from day one. You won’t just ask questions about everything from how cells respond to drugs to how we can use artificial photosynthesis to create renewable energy—you’ll answer them too.

Curriculum for Degree in Biochemistry

Undergraduate Catalog Career Outlook

Our degree in biochemistry will deepen your knowledge and give you hands-on experience using scientific tools and techniques to further your understanding of the processes and transformations that occur in living organisms.

You will study foundational and advanced topics in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry, as well as mathematical sciences and physics. Throughout your program, you will have many opportunities to apply your knowledge through project work and laboratory research aimed at tackling real-world challenges.

If you’re interested in pursuing a health-related career, the degree requirements for the biochemistry major at WPI include all technical courses needed for admission to medical, dental, and veterinary schools.

Project-based Learning

At WPI students are immersed in applying their knowledge to solve significant problems through hands-on projects, both in the classroom and in communities around the globe. Biochemistry majors might find themselves working on projects ranging from novel treatment strategies for pancreatic and breast cancer to the development of protein tools that can control neurons and muscles with light.

Learn More About Project-Based Learning

More Value

Whether it’s real-world work experience through a co-op or internship, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four or five years through the BS/MS program, or integrating your coursework with your extracurricular interests through Major and a Mission, there are many ways you can make the most out of your time at WPI.

Return on Investment

Similar Majors

Degree in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Degree in Biology and Biotechnology

Degree in Chemistry

Not Sure a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry is Right For You?

If you’re more interested in chemical processes and materials; biological systems, combating disease, or feeding our world; or developing and using computational tools to explore biological systems; our respective bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biology and biotechnology, and bioinformatics and computational biology all give you the chance to delve deep into your passions through hands-on experiences and expert instruction, then utilize the connections you’ve made and lessons you’ve learned in your post-graduation career.

Looking Toward Life After Graduation

Wondering what you can do with a BS in biochemistry? Not sure what to expect from your career after earning your degree? Explore our Career Outlook page to see bachelor’s in biochemistry jobs, salary data, and companies who have hired WPI graduates. From UMass Medical School to LakePharma and even Harvard Medical School, our WPI biochemistry graduates pursue careers at top companies. Earning a degree in biochemistry is the first step toward making advances in the study of living things and biological processes.

Undecided? Consider a Minor Instead!

Already have your major figured out, but still interested in biochemistry? Complement your degree with a minor in biochemistry, where you’ll be able to gain firsthand experience and knowledge through hands-on labs. Our chemistry minor offers the same invaluable opportunities with a focus on the composition and interactions of matter, forces and bonding, organic chemistry, and more.

Continue Your Biochemistry Education

You’ve earned your BS in biochemistry—now what? If you’re interested in delving even deeper into the field, the chance to do so may be closer than you think. WPI’s biochemistry MS and PhD in biochemistry allow you to continue working alongside expert researchers as you broaden your education, skills, and experience, all in state-of-the-art labs, all right here on Boynton Hill.

Shift Gears with Advanced Degrees in Chemistry

Already earned your bachelor’s in biochemistry but want to continue your education with more of a focus on chemical processes and materials? Our MS in chemistry is a flexible program designed for targeted, in-depth investigations into myriad topics, while the new MS in medicinal plant chemistry, one of the few such programs in the country, gives you the chance to complete coursework online related to plant-based chemistry and other specializations. Round out your education with a PhD in chemistry with an emphasis on rigorous, meaningful research.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is accredited by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Chemistry/Biochemistry Department