Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
Undergrad Majors & Programs Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Majors & Minors
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

This Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is offered jointly by the departments of biology and chemistry, with six full-time professors with Ph.D.'s in either biochemistry or molecular biology. This degree provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation that is attractive to employers, graduate schools, and professional programs such as medical, dental, and physician assistant. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology majors complete rigorous coursework in biochemistry; genetics; cell and molecular biology; organic, analytical, and physical chemistry; along with supporting courses in math, physics, and general education. Students have the opportunity to do significant research alongside established faculty and earn the distinction of an American Chemical Society-approved Biochemistry/Molecular Biology degree.
Why should I study biochemistry/molecular biology?
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies the tools of chemistry and physics to biological systems in order to understand their chemical composition, function, and organization. Students will learn how to think independently, solve problems, and gain a broad understanding of the principles that govern biological systems at a molecular level.
Students have the opportunity for an education that is second-to-none, working alongside professors focused on teaching courses for and doing research with undergraduate students. Students will have all the benefits of two world-class departments, working alongside highly-qualified professors in Bethel's Department of Biology and Department of Chemistry. This challenging degree is pursued within a supportive, Christian environment.
What can I do with this degree?
Recent Bethel graduates earning the B.S. degree have gone on to Ph.D. programs in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry. Our graduates are employed in education and at companies such as 3M, R&D systems, Beckman Coulter, and Ecolab. The biochemistry major is extremely popular for students who go on to professional programs in medicine, physician assistant, dental school, doctor of osteopathic medicine, and optometry.
- Sarah P. ’11, Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Minnesota
- Paul D. ’11, M.D., Loma Linda
- Matt F. ’11, M.D., University of Minnesota
- Kailey S. ’11, Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Minnesota
- Kaitlyn O. ’11, M.D., University of Minnesota
- Hannah H. ’11, M.D., Loma Linda University
- Jed A. ’12, M.D., University of South Dakota
- Erika B. ’12, P.A., Bethel University
- James C. ’12, Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Minnesota
- Trevor F. ’12, O.D., Michigan College of Optometry
- Jenna W. ’12, D.O., Des Moines University
- Molly H. ’12, M.A.T., Bethel University
- Zac M. ’12, M.D., Michigan State University
- Nathan M. ’12, D.O., Des Moines University
- Tyler S. ’12, M.D., Loma Linda University
- Nate T. ’12, D.O., Des Moines University
What skills will I develop?
- Real-world research skills in a broad range of areas
- Hands-on experience using research-grade instruments
- Quantitative data analysis
- Experimental design, implementation and interpretation
- Critical and creative thinking for solving problems
- Reading, writing, and presentation of scientific ideas and experimental results
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
All biochemistry/molecular biology majors participate in junior and senior research projects in collaboration with faculty from either the biology or chemistry departments, including presenting their results at regional and national conferences. Many students participate in full-time paid summer research at Bethel or are accepted into research and internship positions across the country. Students will use state-of-the-art instrumentation in their courses and research. In addition to the core courses, there are also opportunities to study abroad and pursue coursework in special topics.
20
full-time professors in biology and chemistry
91st
National percentile for student scores on field tests
#3
best research university in Minnesota
- Academic InfluenceNews Feed
Graduates Reflect on God’s Presence in Moments Big and Small
As Bethel’s class of 2022 prepares for the next steps of their journeys, graduates reflected on the growth and support they’ve felt in Bethel’s supportive community.
May 24, 2022 | 10 a.m.
Pre-Med Student Finds Her Community at a National Medical Conference
At the 2022 Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) National & Northeast Regional Conference last month, pre-med biology major Amy Ruiz Plaza ’23 presented a poster covering her work at a mobile health clinic initiative dedicated to serving migrant workers in Minnesota.
April 18, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.
From the Coast Guard to Bethel
Jillian Carlson ’21 earned her environmental science degree a little later than traditional undergraduate students. But it was all part of the plan. Carlson, who grew up loving the outdoors, served four years in the Coast Guard on the Great Lakes, where she helped maintain navigational buoys and break ice in shipping channels. Her military service helped her pursue her goals to study at a faith-based university like Bethel.
February 04, 2022 | 9:45 a.m.
Event Feed
JUNE 14 2022
Biochemistry Overnight Camp 2022
8 a.m.
Experience cutting-edge laboratory techniques in the area of Biochemistry.
JUNE 15 2022
Biochemistry Overnight Camp 2022
8 a.m.
Experience cutting-edge laboratory techniques in the area of Biochemistry.
JUNE 16 2022
Biochemistry Overnight Camp 2022
8 a.m.
Experience cutting-edge laboratory techniques in the area of Biochemistry.

My foundational education at Bethel really influenced my choice to pursue academic medicine instead of just clinical care. I’m so appreciative of the professors and their gift of incredible dedication to their students, while always giving God the glory!
Jonathan Eliason '92Current Job: S. Martin Lindenauer Collegiate Professor of Vascular Surgery; Co-Director, CVC-Multidisciplinary Aortic Program; Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan

While working with the Conservation Corps, I found that Bethel's Environmental Studies program gave me a lot more experience and made me more well-rounded than many of the other environmental studies students.
Kevin Berens '13Current job: Park Overseer, Parks and Trails Division of Minnesota DNR

Bethel chemistry students not only receive a world-class education, but also training that incorporates the beauty of God's creation in every aspect of learning.
Brent Kobielush, Ph.D. '04Current job: U.S. Regulatory Affairs Manager at Cargill, Inc.
The biology department was integral in getting me where I am today. It provided research opportunities, unique experiences such as interim in the Galapagos Islands/Amazon Rainforest/Ecuador, personal relationships with professors, and the academic foundation to smoothly transition to medical school.
Nate Paulson '10Currently: University of Virginia Anesthesiology Resident; received M.D. from University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine

I thought I needed to go to a large institution to get the research experience I need to apply for medical doctor/Ph.D. programs. I was so unbelievably wrong about that! The ability to build rapport with professors and having extracurricular research options available as soon as freshman year were what convinced me to stay.
Elise Ogden ’21What I deeply enjoyed about the neuroscience program is the open minded environment. I loved how we were able to have conversations that weren't typical in the faith community or the science community, but delved into both.
Alexa Hanowski '20
I’m not doing this because I want to save the world one heart valve at a time, but because I get to impact students who then impact others.
Angela Stoeckman ’97Associate Professor of Chemistry

My favorite part of Environmental Studies courses was hands-on lab experience outside, connecting classroom learning to nature. Creation Restoration was a great way to put our coursework into practice on campus. Bethel's Environmental Studies program equipped me to steward Creation.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University
Having a good relationship with your professors and classmates makes a world of difference. My experience was greatly improved by knowing I had professors that cared for me as a whole person not just a student. Having classmates to lean on and discover cool neuroscience things together just added to the fun that neuroscience in general provides.
Shannon McCollough ’20
Research definitely gave me the confidence that I have something that I can contribute and something that shows too that I’m willing to work hard to get the results. And it sort of opened the door for a lot of things in my life.
Jennifer Berger. ’07Children’s Minnesota
It's difficult to overstate the significance of the Bethel neuroscience professors and program in my life trajectory. You may find brilliant neuroscientists at any number of universities; however, you'd be lucky to find the degree of care and intentionality—combined with brilliance—that I found in my Bethel professors.
Rachel Wahlberg ’19
The Environmental Studies program prepared me as a well-rounded student. I gained the field skills to study ecology, and also the ethical perspectives behind environmental stewardship. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate, which is passed on to their students.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University
The neuroscience program taught me a lot of valuable, hands-on, and applicable lab skills that graduate students—and even post-doctoral students—have not gotten a chance to practice and learn yet.
Elizabeth Dao ’20
My college experience not only gave me the knowledge I needed to pursue a career in medicine, but also provided me with opportunities to gain real-life skills that increased my confidence as both a researcher and a Christian. Having this experience in a Christian environment allowed me to learn with others who share similar core values and reminded me that faith can exist in every aspect of our lives.
Hannah Manion '18
I’m going to graduate from Bethel having done things that I would have never thought I could do, and research was a big one.
Maria Pecoraro ’19University of Minnesota Medical Center