Major Discovery Series
Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry
Minor: Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living matter. The KU Biochemistry program provides extensive hands-on
laboratory experience to develop the skills required for industry and graduate school. Biochemistry majors may go on to
have careers in a variety of industries, research laboratories and government agencies. With a Bachelor of Science
degree, graduates may find employment doing routine laboratory work, assisting on a research team, working in product
development, or may work in the business-related areas of plant management, marketing or sales. Employers recommend
one or more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field.
Career themes associated with Biochemistry
Investigative, Realistic, and Social
Common interests of Biochemistry majors
 Conducting research and participating in science
fairs and competitions
 Attending science exhibits, museums, and
Related skills, values, and qualities
 Proficiency in reading, writing, thinking, questioning,
analyzing and problem solving
 Ability to organize, analyze and interpret scientific
research
 Strong math skills
 Proficiency with computers
 Good manual dexterity and ability to operate
scientific equipment
 Aptitude for accuracy and detail
 Ability to conduct and explain scientific research
demonstrations
 Participating in biology, chemistry or science clubs
 Working part-time or volunteering in a pharmacy,
hospital, or with an environmental conservation
organization
 Watching scientific programs
 Cooking
For more information about the major
Contact the Physical Sciences Department, 425 Boehm,
610-683-4447 or visit www.kutztown.edu/Biochemistry
KU Majors related to Biochemistry
Courses Biochemistry majors typically enjoy
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Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Geometry
Physical Science
Biology, Chemistry, Marine Biology, Secondary
Education– Science
Investigative students may also be interested in:
Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer
Science, Criminal Justice, Economics*, Environmental
Science, Geography, Geology, German Studies,
History, International Studies*, Marine Science,
Mathematics, Multicultural Studies*, PA German
Studies*, Physics, Political Science, Psychology,
Sociology, Spanish, and Women’s Studies*
* minor only
For More Information on Biochemistry Careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact
KU Career Development Center • 113 Stratton Administration Center • 610-683-4067 • careerhelp@kutztown.edu • www.kutztown.edu/careercenter
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 Attend your senior kick-off and
other info sessions to prepare
for job search/grad school.
 Enroll in the Career Success
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Update your resume and
Certificate.
LinkedIn profile.
 Complete an internship and/or
 Meet with CDC career
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Create cover letter drafts.
undergraduate
research.
coach.
Enroll in the Career
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Gain experience through
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Attend
info
sessions
about
 Attend info sessions to learn
Exploration Certificate.
internships and/or
internships, interviewing, job
about
resume
writing,
and
Attend info sessions to learn
undergraduate research.
search
strategies,
and
grad
externships.
about career development
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Secure references for job/grad
school.
 Confirm your choice of major
and personal branding.
school applications.
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Build
a
LinkedIn
profile
and
and consider options for
Take a career assessment to
continue to monitor your online  Create your “30 second”
double major or minor.
identify and confirm interests.
commercial.
presence.

Research
careers
of
interest.
Get involved in campus clubs

Meet with CDC to develop
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Complete
a
mock
interview.
 Complete a job shadowing
and organizations.
job search strategies.
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Build
skills
through
research
(externship) experience.
Develop basic workplace skills

Research employers.
projects,
part-time
employment,
through jobs or volunteer work.  Seek meaningful employand
volunteer
work.

Network with professionals
ment or volunteer work in a
Talk with professors, family,
through events and social
 Participate in Coffee and
field
related
to
your
major.
and friends about career
media.
Convos & networking programs.

Explore
options
for
underideas.
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Join a professional organization
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Attend
internship
&
job
fairs.
graduate research and
Conduct informational
in your discipline.

Take
on
a
leadership
role
in
a
study
abroad.
interviews with professionals
 Attend the senior etiquette
student
organization
or
work.

Write
a
resume
and
have
it
working in fields of interest.
dinner.
 Consider graduate school
reviewed by the CDC.
Develop a relationship with

Participate in job fairs and
options and prepare for
 Manage your online
your professors and faculty
on-campus interviewing.
admissions
tests.
presence.
advisor.
Sample Career Titles
Biochemistry majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be
of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training.
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Agricultural Scientist
Agronomist
Anesthesiologist
Assayer
Biochemist
Bioterrorism Expert
Cepalometric Analyst
Ceramic Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Oceanographer
Chemist
Chemistry Technologist
Clarifying Plant Operator
College Professor
Color Development Chemist
Consumer Protection Specialist
Crime Lab Analyst
Cytotechnologist
Dentist
Dietician
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental/Patent Lawyer
Fire Protection Engineer
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Food and Drug Analyst
Food Scientist
Forensic Chemist
Genetic Counselor
Geneticist
High School Teacher
Hospital Administrator
Hydrologist
Industrial Health Engineer
Industrial Hygienist
Internist
Laboratory Assistant/Technician
Medical Illustrator
Medical Librarian
Medical Technologist
Metallurgist
Molecular Biologist
Museum/Aquarium Administrator
Mycologist
Nuclear Scientist
Nutritionist
Occupational Safety Specialist
Patent Examiner
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Perfumer
Pharmaceutical Sales Rep.
Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Physician
Physicist
Plastics Engineer
Product Tester
Quality Assurance Manager
Risk Manager
Soil Scientist
System Analyst
Technical Writer
Technician
Tissue Technologist
Toxicologist
Underwater Technician
Veterinarian
Vector Control Assistant
Wastewater Treatment Chemist
Water Purification Specialist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Resources Worker
To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/ooh.
Common Internship Sites and Employers
Biochemistry majors often find internships and employment in the following industries:
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Technical Publishers
Biological Testing Laboratories
Chemical Companies
Schools, Colleges, & Universities
Food Companies/Administration
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Mining Companies
Pharmaceutical Companies
Research Organizations
State & Federal Government
Zoos & Ecological Organizations
KU Career Network is the primary online resource
for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers.
www.kutztown.edu/KUCN
Useful Websites for Biochemistry Majors
Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join
a professional association, these websites are for you!
Industry Information
Job/Internship Search Sites
Professional Associations
Careers in Federal Government
www.makingthedifference.org
BioSpace
www.biospace.com
American Academy of Forensic Science
www.aafs.org
Careers Resources for STEM
www.careercornerstone.org
BioPharmGuy
http://biopharmguy.com
Chemical Week Magazine
www.chemweek.com
Chemistry Jobs
chemistryjobs.com
American Association for the
Advancement of Science
www.aaas.org
CIRRUS—Chemistry Internet
Resource for Research by
cirrus.chem.plu.edu
Environmental Careers World
Job Bank
www.environmentaljobs.com
ChemWeb.com
chemweb.com
Health Care Recruitment
healthcarerecruitment.com
American Institute of Chemists
www.theaic.org
Chemical Elements
chemicalelements.com
Medical Jobs
www.medicaljobs.org
Journal of Chemical Education
jchemed.chem.wisc.edu
MedZilla
www.medzilla.com
American Society for Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology
www.asbmb.org
Life Sciences World
www.lifesciencesworld.com
New Scientist Jobs
www.newscientistjobs.com
National Academies
www.nas.edu
Pharmaceutical Careers
www.pharmaceuticalcareer.net
Pharma. Research & Manufacturing
www.phrma.org
Science Careers
www.sciencecareers.org
American Assoc. of Clinical Chemistry
www.aacc.org
American Chemical Society
www.acs.org
Biotechnology Industry Organization
www.bio.org
Council for Chemical Research
www.ccrhq.org
The National Academies
www.nas.edu
Building Your Resume for a Career in Biochemistry
Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire
graduates who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge
to real life situations.
Take note of the skills
and knowledge
obtained through your
educational background
and hands-on
experiences.
Highlight transferable
skills such as
communication and
critical thinking.
Learn more about your
field and develop the
necessary skills for
employment by gaining
hands-on experience
through externships,
internships, research,
part-time jobs and
related volunteer
positions.
Develop professionally
through campus
involvement and
professional
memberships.
This illustrates
responsibility, leadership
abilities and time
management skills.