Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other.: The DTI for this program is 66.7%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $32890) to the average debt ($21932) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 66.7%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($32890) against the typical student debt ($21932), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $32890, and with an average debt of $21932, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.67—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 14354 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other (CIP 26.0299) is an advanced frontier discipline for scientists who operate at the extreme microscopic intersection of matter, energy, and life. While standard biochemistry focuses on chemical reactions, professionals in this "Other" category are "Molecular Architects." They study the physics of protein folding, quantum biological effects, and the engineering of synthetic life forms. It is a path for "fundamental theorists" who want to decode the mathematical and physical laws that allow inanimate atoms to become living systems.
This field is ideal for "multidimensional thinkers"—individuals who want to combine the predictive power of physics with the complexity of biology to design "smart" drugs, bio-computers, or carbon-capturing enzymes.
What Is an "Other" Molecular Science Degree?
A degree in this category is a mathematically rigorous STEM path that emphasizes structural biology, thermodynamics, and computational modeling. You will study the "Mechanistic Core"—how molecules move, vibrate, and interact—but your focus will be on interdisciplinary innovation. Because this code houses niche programs, your studies might focus on Quantum Biology, Nano-Biosystems, or Space Biology (how life reacts to microgravity and radiation). It prepares you to be a "Molecular Engineer" capable of manipulating the very machinery of life.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Synthetic Biologists" who build new biological parts and systems that do not exist in nature
- Develop experts in Structural Proteomics, focusing on the 3D shapes of proteins to find "lock-and-key" targets for new medicines
- Prepare professionals for Bio-Nanotechnology, using biological molecules to build tiny machines for targeted drug delivery
- Study Computational Biophysics, using supercomputers to simulate how viruses infect cells at the atomic level
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that "life is a physical process governed by the laws of energy"; they focus on the mathematical logic and mechanical forces that drive biological evolution.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master X-Ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM—using advanced imaging to "see" the atomic structure of complex molecules
- Use "Molecular Dynamics Simulations" to predict how a drug will bind to a specific protein
- Design Synthetic Gene Circuits—programming cells to perform specific tasks, like glowing in the presence of toxins
- Perform Kinetic Analysis—measuring the speed and efficiency of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
- Utilize Spectroscopy—using light to probe the chemical environment and movement of biological molecules
- Understand Bio-Thermodynamics—the study of heat and energy transfer within living cells
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a high-level blend of advanced math, theoretical physics, and organic chemistry:
- Quantum Biochemistry: Exploring how subatomic particles influence biological phenomena like photosynthesis and bird navigation.
- Mechanobiology: The study of how physical forces (like pressure and tension) change how cells behave and grow.
- Advanced Genomic Engineering: Moving beyond CRISPR to "re-write" entire sections of the genetic code.
- Single-Molecule Biophysics: Using lasers and "optical tweezers" to manipulate individual strands of DNA.
- Systems Biology: Modeling the massive network of interactions within a cell as a single mathematical system.
- Astrobiology Foundations: The chemical and physical requirements for life to exist on other planets.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as elite researchers, lead scientists, and consultants in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and aerospace sectors.
Common job roles include:
- Principal Scientist (R&D): Leading the discovery of new molecular targets for treating rare diseases.
- Structural Biologist: Solving the 3D puzzles of viral proteins to help design universal vaccines.
- Bioinformatics Engineer: Developing the software and algorithms needed to process massive biological data sets.
- Synthetic Biology Designer: Engineering microbes to produce sustainable biofuels or biodegradable plastics.
- Patent Agent (Life Sciences): Using deep technical knowledge to protect new molecular inventions and therapies.
- Astrobiologist / Space Scientist: Working on missions to detect life or manage biological safety in space exploration.
Where Can You Work?
These specialists are the "molecular inventors" of the scientific world:
- Advanced Biotech Startups: Working on "Moonshot" projects like anti-aging or carbon sequestration.
- National Research Labs: Working at places like Oak Ridge or Lawrence Berkeley on fundamental science.
- Top-Tier Pharmaceutical Firms: Designing the chemistry of next-generation personalized medicine.
- Aerospace Agencies: Working for NASA or private space firms on biological life-support systems.
- Agricultural Tech Companies: Engineering crops to withstand extreme heat and drought at the molecular level.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because this field requires an extremely rare combination of physics, math, and biology, salaries are among the highest in the life sciences.
- Senior Research Scientists: Median annual salary of approximately $110,000–$160,000+.
- Bioinformatics / Computational Scientists: Salaries typically range from $105,000 to $150,000.
- Biophysics Consultants: Median annual salary of around $120,000–$180,000.
- Entry-Level Molecular Researchers: Often start between $65,000 and $85,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the extreme mathematical and conceptual depth. You must be a "triple threat"—proficient in Calculus-based Physics, Advanced Organic Chemistry, and Molecular Genetics simultaneously. It requires a brilliantly logical, persistent, and highly abstract mindset—you must be comfortable thinking in four dimensions (3D space plus time) at the scale of a billionth of a meter. It is a major that rewards those who are "Scientific Visionaries" and who find beauty in the invisible laws of the universe.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Find "regular" biology too descriptive and want to get into the "math" behind how things actually move
- Are fascinated by the idea of building life from the ground up (Synthetic Biology)
- Love physics but want to apply it to something "messy" and complex like a human cell
- Want a career that places you at the very edge of human discovery and technological capability
- Enjoy working with both heavy-duty laboratory equipment and powerful computer simulations
How to Prepare in High School
- Take AP Physics C (Calculus-based) and AP Chemistry; these are the absolute foundation of the field
- Take Calculus and Statistics; you need the math to handle the "Biophysics" side of the degree
- Learn a Programming Language (like Python or R); modern molecular science is largely performed on computers
- Participate in Science Olympiad or Research Competitions to practice the scientific method at a high level
- Read about "The Tenth Anniversary of the Human Genome" and current news on "Protein Folding" and AI (like AlphaFold)
The ability to apply physical logic and molecular mastery to the complexities of living systems is the hallmark of a successful professional in this field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor