Get a Master's in Biochemistry

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field, and the foundation of biology, medicine, and pharmacology. Medical research relies on biochemistry to identify the pathology of diseases and understand how our bodies react and change at the cellular level. Called the “chemistry of life,” biochemists delve into the complex, chemical reactions that occur inside living organisms such as the study of amino acids and proteins, sugars, or DNA and RNA.

With a master’s in biochemistry from Florida Tech, graduates obtain expertise to enter challenging careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, blood analysis, detection of biomarkers for early disease diagnosis, and pharmaceutical research. In addition, the American Chemical Society accredits the master’s in biochemistry program.

World-Class Faculty

Florida Tech has an active faculty who are involved in research and teaching. Small class sizes and an environment of mentorship encourage students seeking a master’s in biochemistry to engage in unique research exploration. Professors are studying various aspects of biochemistry including biophysical measurements involving proteins, various imaging and spectroscopic methods of analysis of biological molecules, as well as cures and treatment for Alzheimer’s, cancer, asthma, age-related macular degeneration, and diseases of the brain.

A Top-Tier Research Institution

Florida Tech is a top-tier research institution with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest in scientific technology. Research is the heart and soul of the master’s in biochemistry program, giving students the chance to focus on the biochemistry research topics of their choice.

Pairing classroom learning with hands-on research reflects what students in the master’s in biochemistry program can expect in career settings. Working hand-in-hand with professors from the chemistry and biology departments, students are immersed in fieldwork, lab work, instrument analysis, and research that enhances society’s understanding of disease pathology, neurological disorders, DNA replication, biotechnology, toxicology, and more. External research collaborations can lead to research around the world on topics such as degenerative diseases, vision, cancer, and neuroscience.

Graduate biochemistry research allows students to build a portfolio of original content to submit for publication and conference presentations and to potential employers after graduation. Biochemistry students research a variety of topics in both biology and chemistry, often as a part of experienced faculty research teams. Research topics include:

• Novel approaches to degenerative diseases
• Neuroscience
• Vision
• DNA analysis and chromosome replication
• Chemical counter-measures for biological threat agents
• Plant molecular biology
• Biotechnology
• Chemical toxicology
• Alzheimer’s treatment
• Cancer research

Students present biochemistry research papers at academic meetings and conferences. This provides the perfect introduction to the world of professional biochemistry and a chance to network with colleagues around the world. Many Florida Tech students have had their work published in scientific journals such as those of the American Chemical Society—the largest national scientific society.

Graduate biochemistry research allows students to build a portfolio of original content to submit for publication and conference presentations and to potential employers after graduation. Biochemistry students research a variety of topics in both biology and chemistry, often as a part of experienced faculty research teams. Research topics include:

• Novel approaches to degenerative diseases
• Neuroscience
• Vision
• DNA analysis and chromosome replication
• Chemical counter-measures for biological threat agents
• Plant molecular biology
• Biotechnology
• Chemical toxicology
• Alzheimer’s treatment
• Cancer research

Students present biochemistry research papers at academic meetings and conferences. This provides the perfect introduction to the world of professional biochemistry and a chance to network with colleagues around the world. Many Florida Tech students have had their work published in scientific journals such as those of the American Chemical Society—the largest national scientific society.

With a master's degree in biochemistry from Florida Tech, students can work in various capacities, including medical, pharmaceutical, academic, private industry, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and research institutions.

Florida Tech Graduates Are in Demand

Employers that have recruited Florida Tech students with a master’s in biochemistry include Intel, Merck, Andean Biodiversity Consortium, and various universities.

Careers in biochemistry continue to grow and the industry is very promising, with the job outlook set to increase by 19% over the next ten years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the BLS, provides information about specific jobs including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. According to the bureau, this increase is due to the demand for research and development of biological products and processes that improve our lives, such as new lifesaving drugs and procedures to cure and prevent disease, and fight genetic disorders and cancer. Other areas of growth for careers in biochemistry include energy, food, and environmental protection. Biochemists are responsible for most of the advances in medical research, agriculture, genetic engineering, pharmacy, forensics, and food science.

Biochemistry Careers

• Medicine
• Drug discovery/pharmacology
• Drug research and development
• Cancer research
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural research
• Animal population restoration
• Food science
• Chemist
• Environmental science
• Physician
• Wildlife biologist
• Post-secondary professor

Doctoral Program

After receiving a master’s in biochemistry from Florida Tech, many graduates choose to continue their research in a doctoral program with us. Not only does this program further student research activities, but it also increases lifelong career earning potential. Full-pay tuition scholarships are available for full-time doctoral graduate research assistants at Florida Tech.