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What is Biochemistry?

Get a Master's in Biochemistry

The Biochemistry M.S.

Prepare for a career at the intersection of chemistry, biology and innovation.

Biochemistry is the foundation of modern biology, medicine and pharmacology—an interdisciplinary science that explores the chemical reactions driving life itself.

The master’s in biochemistry program immerses you in advanced research on the molecular mechanisms behind health, disease and cellular change. From protein function and metabolic pathways to DNA and RNA interactions, you’ll gain hands-on experience investigating the building blocks of life.

Graduates are well prepared for careers in pharmaceutical research, medical and veterinary sciences, diagnostics and other fields where biochemistry plays a critical role in improving human and animal health.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Biochemistry?

At Florida Tech, you'll benefit from a close-knit academic environment where faculty know your name and your goals. Personalized mentorship helps you grow as a scientist and prepares you for research, industry or clinical roles. Whether you’re heading toward doctoral study or a role in industry or diagnostics, our interdisciplinary curriculum and research experience help open doors across science and healthcare sectors.

At Florida Tech, our faculty combine expert teaching with hands-on research opportunities designed to immerse you in the world of modern biochemistry.

With small class sizes and personalized mentorship, you’ll collaborate closely with professors who are advancing knowledge in protein biochemistry, innovative imaging and spectroscopy techniques and the molecular basis of diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, asthma and neurodegenerative disorders.

This environment means you can have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while developing skills that prepare you for a successful scientific career.

The biochemistry M.S. program offers two flexible paths to completion. Students are admitted to the nonthesis option, which includes guided coursework and a final comprehensive exam to demonstrate mastery of the material.

You may choose to pursue the thesis option with department approval. In this track, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor and advisory committee to conduct original research, culminating in a thesis of publishable quality and a final seminar presentation.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll receive personalized support to meet your academic and career goals.

Conduct your research in modern laboratories equipped for biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics. Gain experience using the same tools and techniques found in professional research labs.

The F.W. Olin Life Sciences Building and the Bioengineering and Sciences Building house research labs equipped for advanced biochemistry work.

Students gain hands-on experience with instrumentation for gene sequencing, recombinant DNA technology and tissue culture, as well as specialized tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation and elastography.

Florida Tech’s location in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast—home to one of the largest high-tech workforces in the country—puts you near biotech companies, research institutions and healthcare hubs, making it ideal for internships, networking and career growth. Our 130-acre campus is just south of NASA-Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.

When it’s time to unwind, enjoy 72 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches and the Indian River Lagoon, North America’s most biodiverse estuary. The Florida Keys and Orlando’s world-famous theme parks are also just a short drive away, offering the perfect balance of career-building and recreation.

To apply for the master’s program in biochemistry, you should have an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a related field.

We look for a solid foundation in key chemistry areas—organic, analytical, physical, inorganic and biochemistry—along with courses in math and physics. In some cases, students with gaps in their academic background may be admitted and allowed to complete missing undergraduate courses during the first year.

For more information, please see our graduate admission requirements and the University Catalog.

Careers in Biochemistry

With a master’s in biochemistry from Florida Tech, you'll be equipped to make meaningful contributions in fields such as pharmaceutical development, disease diagnostics, environmental protection and biomedical innovation.

Our graduates are prepared for careers in research institutions, healthcare, industry and government, where biochemists play a critical role in advancing science and solving real-world problems. Employers that have recruited Florida Tech biochemistry graduates include Intel, Merck, research consortiums and universities.

Careers in biochemistry include:

Healthcare & Clinical
  • Clinical laboratory scientist/technician
  • Drug discovery/development specialist
  • Regulatory affairs specialist
Research & Development
  • Biochemist or molecular biologist
  • Bioinformatics/computational biology analyst
  • Research scientist
  • Biotechnology product development
Industry & Regulation
  • Quality control/quality assurance analyst
  • Scientific technical writer
Environment & Agriculture
  • Agricultural biochemist
  • Environmental scientist/specialist
  • Food scientist/food safety specialist
Academia & Communication
  • Post-secondary educator

Keep in mind that some roles may require additional experience or a doctoral degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for jobs in biochemistry.

Advanced Degree Options

After completing a master’s in biochemistry at Florida Tech, many graduates continue their research in a related doctoral program such as biological sciences or cell and molecular biology. These Ph.D. programs build on the foundation of the master’s degree, supporting advanced research in areas like protein function, metabolism and gene regulation.

Explore the Biochemistry, M.S., Curriculum

The Biochemistry, M.S., Curriculum

Each student follows a personalized 30-credit program plan tailored to their academic and professional goals. Both nonthesis and thesis options are offered.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of enzyme structure and function, protein chemistry, metabolic pathways and the molecular regulation of cellular processes such as gene expression and cell signaling. Delve into how disruptions in these systems contribute to disease, and sharpen your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, communicate research findings and write scientifically for papers and grants.

Elective options let you explore specialized areas across biochemistry, chemistry and biomedical science. Depending on your interests, you might study drug design and delivery, cancer biology, plant or microbial biotechnology, bioinformatics, protein structure or biomedical materials.

This flexibility allows you to shape your degree around emerging fields or specialized career goals in research, industry or healthcare.

 

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Biochemistry, M.S., Curriculum now!

Research That Moves Science Forward

A graduate student and professor discuss a chemical formula

Biochemistry is a rapidly advancing field at the core of today’s most significant scientific breakthroughs.

At Florida Tech, students do more than learn in the classroom—they contribute directly to faculty-led research in state-of-the-art labs using advanced scientific technologies.

Whether investigating disease pathology and DNA replication or exploring chemical tools for brain mapping, protein function and sensory biochemistry, students collaborate with experts across both the biology and chemistry departments.

Hands-on lab work, field studies and instrument-based analysis closely mirror professional research environments, preparing graduates for impactful careers in molecular therapeutics, chemical biology, biotechnology and neuroscience.

Learn more about Biochemistry at Florida Tech on the website.

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