What can you do with a Biochemistry degree from Penn State University?

First, some facts. Of the Biochemistry graduates from Penn State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 86%, Biochemistry graduates from Penn State University have a much higher likelihood (+19%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 86%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 37% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Biochemistry graduate.

See the details:

View a random Biochemistry graduate from Penn State University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 92%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Biochemistry. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Internal Medicine Intern
Allegheny Health Network
Jul 2018 - Jun 2019
The role of an Internal Medicine Intern may use some foundational biochemistry knowledge, but it primarily focuses on clinical skills and is not directly tied to the core qualifications of a biochemistry degree.

Interventional Radiology Resident
UPMC
Jul 2019 - Present
As an Interventional Radiology Resident, the job requires a strong understanding of human biochemistry and anatomy, making it highly relevant to the Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
2014 - 2018
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Biochemistry degree from Penn State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the LinkedIn profiles of Penn State University graduates with a degree in Biochemistry, it's clear that many have landed roles closely tied to their field. A significant number of these positions involve direct applications of biochemistry, especially in areas like quality control, research, and pharmaceutical development. For instance, several grads have taken on roles as Scientists and Analysts at pharmaceutical companies where their understanding of biochemistry is critical. In fact, positions like Quality Control Analysts and Research Associates rely heavily on the skills learned during their studies, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

However, not all jobs pursued by these biochemistry graduates are directly related to their degree. Some have taken on roles in quality assurance or management, where their scientific background might be useful but isn’t the main focus. For example, roles like Project Managers or Medical Operations Officers lean more toward organizational skills rather than a direct application of biochemistry principles. Overall, it seems like a lot of graduates stay within the realm of biochemistry, but there’s also a fair share that branches into positions where their degree may not be the core requirement. This highlights both the versatility of a biochemistry degree and the potential for graduates to explore a variety of career paths!

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biochemistry graduates (this is across all Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Penn State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Biochemistry graduates from Penn State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Biochemistry graduates from Penn State University, it seems like there's a strong leaning towards jobs that are relevant to their field of study, especially in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals. For many, the first job after graduating often involves roles like Quality Assurance or Research Assistant positions, which allow them to apply their lab skills and knowledge. Over the first handful of years, many of these graduates have moved on to more specialized scientific roles, such as scientists in various capacities at biotech and pharmaceutical companies. It’s clear that a solid number of these graduates have successfully carved out careers that are closely tied to biochemistry, biology, and medicine, suggesting that their education has set them up well for industry roles.

If we zoom out a bit to see where they are five to ten years down the line, the picture remains optimistic. Many have transitioned into positions like Senior Scientist or Project Manager within reputable companies, showcasing a trajectory of growth and increasing responsibility. Some have even ventured into specialized avenues such as medical operations or higher education roles, like postdoctoral research. While there are a few examples of graduates taking on non-scientific roles or positions outside traditional biochemistry paths, the overall trend points to a strong correlation between their degree and their career advancements in scientific and medical fields. Overall, it seems like a biochemistry degree from Penn State can open some pretty solid career doors down the line!

How hard is a Biochemistry degree from Penn State University?

Hey! So, here's the scoop on a Biochemistry degree, especially at a place like Penn State. Honestly, it can be pretty challenging because you're diving deep into complex subjects like organic chemistry, molecular biology, and enzymology. The coursework is usually rigorous and tends to require a solid understanding of both chemistry and biology, plus a good at math. That said, if you're really into science and are willing to put in the effort, it can be super rewarding. Some students find it tough, while others thrive on the challenge, but it's definitely not an "easy A" type of degree. Just be prepared to study a lot and stay organized with your time management!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry.

Do Biochemistry graduates from Penn State University tend to make good money?

Looking at the careers of these Penn State biochemistry graduates, it seems like they've generally landed some pretty solid gigs, especially in the biotech and healthcare sectors, which usually pay well. For example, many have worked or are currently working at well-known companies like Novartis and Johnson & Johnson, which often means they’re raking in a decent salary, especially as they move up the ladder. Some are even pursuing advanced positions like medical residencies or roles in renowned institutions, suggesting they're not just making money but likely taking on roles with significant earning potential down the line. Of course, starting salaries might not have been super high for some of the earlier jobs, but it looks like they’re on a good path to financial success overall!

What buzzwords do Biochemistry graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (this is across all Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Penn State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biochemistry?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biochemistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Penn State University 86 16
The Ohio State University 85 13
Georgia Institute of Technology 85 10
University of California San Diego 84 10
University of California, Santa Cruz 83 20
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 81 12
Binghamton University 81 10
University of California, Berkeley 80 35
Northeastern University 80 16
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 79 14
University of Massachusetts Amherst 77 16
Stony Brook University 76 13
University of California, Davis 75 34
North Carolina State University 74 11
Appalachian State University 73 10
Virginia Tech 73 18
University of Washington 71 51
University of Wisconsin-Madison 71 25
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 71 24
University of South Florida 70 17
University of California, Los Angeles 70 32
University of Michigan 70 16
San Francisco State University 70 14
Arizona State University 69 27
University of Florida 69 10
University of Arizona 69 16
Missouri State University 68 11
University of Colorado Boulder 66 15
University of California, Riverside 65 18
Boston University 65 10
Towson University 64 14
Boston College 63 13
Kennesaw State University 61 11
University of Oklahoma 61 11
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 60 14
Clemson University 60 13
The University of Texas at Austin 59 36
University of Connecticut 59 15
Temple University 58 10
The University of Texas at Dallas 56 10
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 49 10