Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major

About our program

Unlock the mysteries of life’s molecular, physical and chemical foundations and dive deep into the latest discoveries impacting medicine, agriculture and ecology. You’ll work directly with internationally recognized professors using cutting-edge techniques in research that spans gene regulation, cell signaling and the structure of molecular motors. 

Because the biochemistry and molecular biology major is a joint program of our Biological Sciences and Chemistry departments, you’ll get the combined strengths of both — including state-of-the-art labs. You’ll graduate well prepared for a career in a field such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or environmental research.  

And since we place equal value on scientific and ethical inquiry, you’ll be a professional adept at using science as a force for good in the world. 

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology from Marquette?

Many of our graduates go on to get advanced degrees from graduate and professional schools. Of those who are employed, here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.  

  • Advocate Aurora Health
  • Caris Life Sciences
  • Children’s Mercy Hospital
  • Eurofins Scientific
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Houston Cancer Institute
  • Medline Industries
  • Northwestern Medicine
  • ScribeAmerica 
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Urban Ecology Center

collage of a building and faculty member talking to students

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.   

 

Spaces to learn

Because the biochemistry and molecular biology major capitalizes on the strengths of Marquette's Biological Sciences and Chemistry departments, you get to tap into the resources of both: tissue culture and plant growth facilities and spectroscopy labs including laser, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction facilities. 

Internships

As a biochemistry and molecular biology major, you'll have lots of career options. Help decide the direction you'll take — and get valuable professional experience — with an internship. Internships can include working in a variety of professional settings, such as biotech/pharma companies, environmental and conservation nonprofit organizations, and educational, government and nonprofit scientific policy and advocacy organizations. Our internship program is here to help you find the best option for you. 

Here are a few intern positions our students recently held: 

  • Immunology research intern and lab intern at the Blood Research Institute 
  • Project manager – patent marketing with The Commons 
  • Research intern at the Milwaukee Public Museum 
  • Junior adviser at Global Health Coalition 
  • Animal care and training intern at Oceans of Fun 
  • Toxicology intern at Milwaukee Crime Laboratory 
  • Research intern at Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin 
  • Genetic counselor intern at Medical College of Wisconsin PURE 

Explore our internships. 

Undergraduate research

Here, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside faculty using the latest techniques involving recombinant DNA, protein electrophoresis and bioinformatics. You can assist with their research or conduct your own independent research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. It's great preparation for a career in research or medicine. 

Here are some of the areas Marquette faculty and students are researching: 

  • Gene regulation 
  • Chemical signaling between cells  
  • Structure of molecular motors  

Learn more about undergraduate biology/chemistry research.  

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program. 

Study abroad

Expand your biochemistry and molecular biology education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for you through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.