| Your Path to a Career in the World of Science
Start your journey with a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biology
Launch Your Science Career at UIW
Explore diverse scientific pathways with our Biochemistry, Chemistry and Biology programs.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
From healthcare, to waste management, to cosmetics and personal care, many areas that are central to daily life depend on chemistry. UIW's Chemistry degree programs are designed to develop the next generation of forensic, environmental, and synthetic chemists by engaging students in laboratory training and research skill development using curriculum that has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Biochemistry provides critical knowledge that forms the foundation for new developments in healthcare, nutrition and wellness, pharmaceuticals, forensic processes and much more. UIW's Biochemistry degree programsare approved by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and are tailored to prepare students for careers paths as biomedical researchers, dentists, physicians and teachers.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Biology
The study of life itself, biology offers its students a world of options in terms of both academic focus and career choice. UIW's Department of Biology offers two degree programs, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology. The B.A. and B.S. are 120-hour programs that incorporate a broad range of disciplines including evolution, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, topics in animal and human physiology, microbiology and ecology.
All first-time freshman applicants are automatically eligible for a range of academic scholarships up to $22,000.
UIW By the Numbers
100%
of our chemistry students do 1 on 1 research
99%
of UIW full-time, first-time freshmen received financial assistance
$25,450
The average amount of need-based scholarships and grants awarded to full-time, first-time freshmen
Program Highlights
Students enrolled in the UIW School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering can expect rigorous and dynamic programs integrating significant lab experiences.
Biochemistry
Students Can Expect:
- To pursue advanced studies in biotechnology, medical research, pharmaceutical chemistry or the health professions
- To train in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and the use of biotechnology instruments
- To engage in research opportunities with individualized faculty mentoring
Chemistry
Students Can Expect:
- To pursue advanced studies in drug design and synthesis, chemical biology, forensics and environmental chemistry
- To train using high-tech instruments in our state-of-the-art facilities
- To engage in research opportunities with individualized faculty mentoring
Biology
Students Can Expect:
- A comprehensive education covering courses such as: Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry Principles and General Biology
- Opportunity for advanced research, particularly for UIW Honors students, fostering deeper exploration and application of theoretical knowledge
- The ability to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in research, government and industry, as well as positions in zoos, museums. botanical gardens and wildlife parks.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Countless industries rely on the work of chemists to operate, innovate and advance. Chemistry majors may be well suited to positions as research associates in private labs, lab technicians, toxicology assistants, forensic scientists, water or soil quality analysts and much more. Chemistry majors are particularly valuable in healthcare industries and medical labs, pharmaceutical companies, and government and public sector positions. Students may also progress to graduate school to pursue work as an educator in higher education, chemical engineering and analytical chemistry or advance in their chosen career paths.
Careers in the chemistry field are expected to grow by eight percent between now and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings Potential in Chemistry:
The national median salary for chemists and materials scientists was $86,620 as of 2024.
Examples of Career Opportunities:
- Product development
- Process development
- Analysis
- Testing
- Biotechnology
- Consulting
- Quality assurance/Quality control
- Management
- Environmental analyses
- Forensics
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Environment
- Agriculture
- Food Science
- Cosmetics
There are many careers open to students with a biochemistry degree. Students wishing to pursue medical school or advanced study in fields such as pharmacy or other health fields will be well prepared to move on to such professional programs. Students may also advance directly to the workforce as a clinical research assistant, lab technician, forensic scientist or other positions in biotechnology, product development, higher education, private labs, government, hospitals and medical centers, to name a few.
Careers in the biochemistry field are expected to grow by nine percent between now and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings Potential in Biochemistry:
The national median wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $103,650 as of 2024.Examples of Career Opportunities:
- Analysis and Research
- Testing
- Biotechnology
- Consulting
- Management
- Forensics
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
The Biology major serves a wide variety of career opportunities. In addition to professional school opportunities or graduate school in biological sciences, the biology major provides a strong foundation in the basic life sciences that prepares students for research and technical positions in universities, government and industry. A biology degree also prepares graduates for positions in zoos, museums, botanical gardens and wildlife parks. With a minor in teaching, graduates can be certified to teach biology in high school or science in middle school.
Earnings Potential in Biology:
The national median wage for biology degree holders was $71,000 as of 2022 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Examples of Career Opportunities:
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Nurse
- Dental Science
- Veterinarian
- Professor
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Protection
- Public Health Inspector or Analyst
- Biomedical Scientist
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Pharmacist
- Regulatory Compliance
- Nutritionist
- Epidemiologist
- Criminologist/Forensic scientist
Alumni Testimonial
Learn how UIW helped Dr. Amanda Roberts realize her dream of becoming a scientist and how she is helping mentor future students as a visiting professor at UIW.
Dr. Thomas M. Evans
President, University of the Incarnate Word