<p>I am a senior majoring in biochemistry. Right now I am want to switch to chemical engineering specializing in bioprocessing/bioreactor for my graduate study (masters only). I have a strong GPA, done some undergraduate research (bioethanol and immunology, all biology-based), a decent GRE score (90 percentile for both math and verbal), and some volunteer experience. I have never taken any real engineering courses, as expected.
So my questions are:
1) Is it possible to get accepted into ChemE masters w/ a BS in biochemistry?
2) If yes, what should I do to increase my chances of getting into ChemE masters programs? (ex: take some specific courses before I graduate? internship in related field? more research in ChemE topics?)
3) Which schools do accept students whose undergrad major is chemistry/biochemistry (or have history of accepting such students)?
4) Which schools are particularly strong in bioprocessing/biochemical engineering?</p>
<p>This sounds like a question to ask your U professors. Also, do you have a career office that offers placement and advice? They might be able to let you know what other people with your degree have gone on to do.</p>
<p>anxiousmom:
Yes, I did few days ago. Unforunately our adviosr told me my chance of getting into my school's ChemE masters is quite low. It can due to the fact that my school rarely accepts masters students, but the advisor hinted that ChemE BS students are what most schools are looking for.</p>
<p>ryan_kidz:
I don't want to spend too many years in academic research (usually 5~7 years for PhD + 3 years of postdoc for biologists/biochemist/etc.). The job prospects in biotech industry for biology PhDs aren't too great either (in fact, they are pretty bad). And I don't want to be a healthcare professional.</p>
<p>ChemE offers much better job prospects, as you all know. In fact, if I do get a masters in ChemE, I hope I can get into the bioprocessing industry, which is directly relevant to what I like! In addition, I am taking p-chem right now (thermo), and it is surprisingly interesting. However, I am really worried that even if I do get into somewhere, I won't be able to handle ChemE's rigorous coursework. That's quite a possibility considering that I have very little background in ChemE so far.</p>
<p>I thought we dont need to get a PhD Degree in order to get a good job position. My friend just graduated from UC Davis in Biochemistry (BS), and he is working a good biotech company now.</p>
<p>Many Biotech companies right now prefer to hire BS/MS in Biology/biochemistry/Chemistry than PhDs. </p>
<p>Biochem or ChemE, both of them are good. I dont think ChemE offers much better job prospects, they just make a little more money than Biochem</p>
<p>However, working as a biochemist or associate researcher ot whatever u call it, it's a very fun job. at least that's what i heard from my friend. Cuz he is doing a research to find a cure to a disease which is very helpful for everybody.</p>
<p>There are a handful of Math/Physics majors that switch to engineering. Your situation is a little bit more difficult since you aren't exposed to the traditional engineering core. I'd recommend trying to take (if you can) Thermo, Fluids or some ChemE electives just so you can have some exposure. </p>
<p>Most of all talk to your profs since they will be writing your recommendation as well as prospective school faculty. </p>
<p>You can also try shooting for a masters in BME as well.</p>
<p>If admitted, though, you will probably end up having to take extra prerequisite classes to shore up what you might be missing without a BS ChemE, so make sure you take that into account financially, academically, and time-wise.</p>
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I thought we dont need to get a PhD Degree in order to get a good job position. My friend just graduated from UC Davis in Biochemistry (BS), and he is working a good biotech company now.
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<p>I don't think anybody is saying that you 'need' a PhD degree. Heck, I know people who work at biotechs who barely graduated from high school, usually as production line workers. So you don't really 'need' anything.</p>
<p>I think what people are saying is that much of the interesting work at biotechs are reserved only for people with PhD's </p>
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Biochem or ChemE, both of them are good. I dont think ChemE offers much better job prospects, they just make a little more money than Biochem
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<p>A "little" more money? It's almost double. </p>
<p>MCB is Berkeley's equivalent of biochemistry. </p>
<p>The truth is, biochemistry bachelor's degrees don't really pay that well. Engineering degrees are noted for offering quite decent pay packages at the bachelor's degree level. To make good money as a biochemist, you generally need a graduate degree.</p>
<p>ryan_kidz:
Like sakky said, salaries for bio/biochem graduates are not nearly as good as ChemE graduates. Your friend was probably bluffing if he said he is paid very well.
As for the fun part, it really depends on how you define fun. Some ppl may feel doing RT-PCR or making media is "fun". But I certainly don't feel getting paid as low as 30K is fun.
o, I am a senior at the University of Washington.</p>
<p>jbusc:
I agree with you on the financial/time concerns. That is why I decided to abandon the thoughts of doing research and instead spend 3 years getting a ChemE masters.</p>