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Biological Sciences · Biochemistry Rank #131 of 136

Biochemistryat Old Dominion University

Graduates earn $25,819/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Biochemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $388K; scenarios range from $387K to $379K depending on AI disruption.

Norfolk, VA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
22 AT RISK
23
Optimistic
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,819
1-year post-graduation
ROI
4.3x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$388K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
50% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Old Dominion University

The earnings data for ODU's Biochemistry program suggests its graduates often enter a regional job market that differs significantly from major biotech hubs. In the Hampton Roads area, opportunities may lean more towards healthcare support, public health, environmental science, or academic lab roles rather than high-paying pharmaceutical or pure R&D positions. As a large public university, the program likely prepares students for a broad array of scientific careers, and initial salaries can reflect entry-level roles in these diverse sectors.

To maximize your potential, focus heavily on gaining practical experience through internships with local hospitals, research institutions like EVMS, or government agencies. Strong networking within the regional scientific community is vital. Given the field's evolving landscape and AI's increasing impact, consider how you might specialize or pursue advanced degrees to enhance your long-term career prospects and differentiate yourself.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$387K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score26/100
Earnings Multiple7.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$388K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple7.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$379K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple7.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Old Dominion University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biochemistry graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Biochemists and biophysicists
+5.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$103,650/yr
Moderate
3
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
4
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
5
Microbiologists
+4.1% 10-yr growth · 1,700 openings/yr
$87,330/yr
Moderate
6
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biochemistry

How Old Dominion University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
53
DW Score
$64K
1-yr earn
2.9x
ROI
California State University-San Marcos
CA · Public
54
DW Score
$58K
1-yr earn
17.6x
ROI
Top score
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
CA · Public
61
DW Score
$58K
1-yr earn
15.4x
ROI
MCPHS University
MA · Private nonprofit
47
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
3.6x
ROI
University of Colorado Boulder
CO · Public
53
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
9.5x
ROI
Also at Old Dominion University

Other top programs at Old Dominion University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Old Dominion University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Biochemistry at Old Dominion University

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry at Old Dominion University?

At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biochemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry at Old Dominion University?

The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Old Dominion University a good choice for Biochemistry despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Old Dominion University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.