What can you do with a Biochemistry degree from University of Washington?

First, some facts. Of the Biochemistry graduates from University of Washington 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 51 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Biochemistry graduates from University of Washington have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 71%
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, 62% 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 University of Washington and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2015 from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Pharmacist Intern
Safeway Pharmacy
Oct 2015 - Present
As a Pharmacist Intern at Safeway Pharmacy, the individual directly applies knowledge and skills acquired in their Biochemistry degree, particularly in drug interactions and pharmacology, making it highly relevant.

Pharmacy Student
School Of Pharmacy University Of Washington
Sep 2017 - Present
The Pharmacy Student role at the School of Pharmacy University of Washington builds on the foundational knowledge from the Biochemistry degree and is directly aligned with further developing expertise in pharmacy practice.

ABOUT

I am exploring medical information/communication jobs, happy to connect!

What jobs can you get with a Biochemistry degree from University of Washington?

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


When we look at the job landscape for Biochemistry graduates from the University of Washington, we can see a fascinating blend of career paths, from the expected roles in healthcare and research to some surprising choices in business and real estate. Generally, many of these individuals have made their way into positions that either directly utilize their biochemistry knowledge or draw on the analytical and problem-solving skills they honed during their studies. However, it’s also clear that a significant number of graduates have moved into fields less related to biochemistry, often leveraging transferable skills rather than applying core biochemistry principles directly.

Starting with the roles that are more commonly associated with biochemistry, graduates have often found themselves in scientific and healthcare-related positions. A good number have taken on roles as research technicians or scientists, particularly in research institutions like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington, where their daily tasks are heavily rooted in the application of biochemistry principles. Positions in pharmaceuticals, such as pharmacists or pharmacy interns, have also been popular choices. These roles not only utilize biochemistry knowledge but also focus on its practical applications in pharmacology and patient care, making them highly relevant to the degree. Other notable avenues include positions in clinical settings, ranging from assistant roles in healthcare settings to more advanced positions like resident doctor or clinical associate.

On the flip side, graduates have ventured into a range of careers that seem to drift away from their foundational biochemistry training. Roles like business systems analysts, real estate brokers, and various administrative positions highlight this trend. While some skills such as analytical thinking and project management may carry over from their education, the relevance to biochemistry itself appears to diminish significantly in these contexts. Many of these roles focus more on business acumen and operational tasks rather than the scientific knowledge and laboratory skills that would have been central to their studies.

In conclusion, while there are plenty of paths that align well with a degree in biochemistry—especially in research, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare—there's a notable divergence as many graduates step into roles where biochemistry knowledge is not directly applied. This reality reflects a broader tendency for graduates to explore various interests and opportunities, demonstrating that a background in biochemistry can provide valuable skills that are applicable in a diverse range of fields, even if the connection to the core subjects of their degree isn’t always evident. It’s a reminder that your degree can open many doors, some more related to your studies than others, and that adaptability is a key part of navigating your career path.

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 University of Washington):

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

When looking at the career trajectories of Biochemistry graduates from the University of Washington, there’s a lot of variety in the paths they take. For many, the first job after graduation seems to lean towards roles that have a legitimate connection to biochemistry or related fields, such as laboratory technician positions, research roles, or positions in healthcare. These initial roles often reflect a focus on applying their knowledge of biochemistry while gaining essential experience in their field of study.

However, as we examine where these individuals are five or ten years out from graduation, the picture becomes more diverse. While some graduates continue to build on their science backgrounds—moving into advanced scientific roles or medical positions—others veer off into unrelated paths. For instance, we see some graduates taking up positions in business analysis or real estate, which may not directly utilize their biochemistry education. Also notable is the significant number of individuals who transition into healthcare roles that require further training, such as becoming doctors, pharmacists, and dental hygienists. This suggests that while they start in biochemistry, many are drawn toward healthcare professions that demand further education and specialization.

All in all, many UW Biochemistry graduates appear to start their careers on relatively strong footing, often landing roles that are quite relevant to their field. As they progress, a good number stick with science or healthcare, while others might drift towards professional environments that, while less related to biochemistry, still leverage their analytical and problem-solving skills. So, it seems like a mix of success stories related to the biochemistry field along with some graduates finding their way into different industries altogether, which is totally normal and can lead to fulfilling careers in different domains!

How hard is a Biochemistry degree from University of Washington?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry can be pretty challenging, and the University of Washington is no exception. Biochemistry involves a lot of tough concepts related to chemistry and biology, like understanding complex metabolic pathways and enzymatic functions. The coursework can be rigorous, with demanding labs and exams, so you'll definitely need to stay on top of your studies and be prepared to put in some serious effort. That said, if you're passionate about science and ready to dive into the details of how living things work on a molecular level, it can be super rewarding. Just be ready for those late-night study sessions and a fair amount of juggling between classes, labs, and homework!

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 University of Washington tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these Biochemistry grads from the University of Washington, it seems like there's a pretty decent range in earnings. Some of the earlier graduates, especially those in more specialized or managerial roles—like the Senior Business Systems Analyst and the Medical Director for Physician Advisors—are likely pulling in solid salaries. The people in fields like medicine and pharmacology generally do well, too, especially as they gain experience. For example, the guy doing residency at Mayo Clinic will likely start making good money once he finishes, and the same goes for graduates moving into research scientist roles at reputable institutions.

On the other hand, some of the roles like home care aide or internships may reflect a lower salary range, at least at the start. It’s pretty common for entry-level positions in healthcare or research to pay less, but they can lead to better opportunities down the road. Overall, while some jobs surely offer a more substantial paycheck right off the bat, many others seem to have a good trajectory, suggesting that with time and experience, these graduates will find themselves financially comfortable. It’s all about how they leverage their degrees and experiences moving forward!

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 University of Washington). 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