Engineer the Next Medical Breakthrough.
Biophysics majors at Presbyterian College harness the power of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology to unravel how living systems work—from the way cells generate energy and replicate DNA to how nerves transmit signals and drugs bind to biomolecules. You’ll learn cutting-edge quantitative methods and apply them in lab and research settings to advance medical imaging, drug design, and our fundamental understanding of life.
Through courses in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, bioinformatics, cell biology, and more, you’ll build a rigorous foundation in both theory and hands-on technique. Small classes and close faculty mentorship ensure you master complex concepts and develop the analytical skills vital for careers at the intersection of science and technology.
At PC, you won’t just study biophysics—you’ll live it, collaborating on research projects, presenting findings, and exploring real-world applications that can improve human health.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Understand how social, environmental, and biological factors impact community health and why evidence-based approaches matter. - Broaden your knowledge.
Explore the intersection of epidemiology, health policy, and behavioral science through population studies, preventive care, and global health initiatives. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop real-world projects in health education, research methodology, and program planning using tools like data analysis, needs assessment, and community engagement. - Become a critical thinker.
Analyze public health challenges, evaluate intervention strategies, and build solutions that are both equitable and sustainable.
65 to 68 Hours
Required for Biophysics major coursework
Senior Capstone
To demonstrate your skills in research, writing, and presentation
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
What You’ll study
The biophysics curriculum blends quantitative physical science with biological inquiry. You’ll explore how fundamental principles—like heat and thermodynamics or quantum mechanics—govern molecular machines in cells. Core courses develop your skills in bioinformatics, cell biology, and statistical analysis, while advanced electives let you model neural signaling, design novel imaging techniques, or investigate drug–molecule interactions. Eligible students may pursue an honors research project, earning distinction on their transcript and diploma.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for biophysics through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Biophysics
A concentration in Biophysics opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in specialized fields such as medical physics, biomedical engineering, or molecular biophysics, which often require completing graduate-level education and research.
Biophysics majors typically continue to graduate programs at research universities or medical schools. Others find rewarding careers at research institutions like the National Institutes of Health, pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Merck, medical technology firms, and in emerging fields spanning from renewable energy to artificial intelligence applications in healthcare.
Career Professions
Structural Biologist
Quantitative Biologist
Medical Physicist
Molecular Modeler
Biomedical Engineer / Medical Imaging Specialist
Data Scientist (Life Sciences)
Nano-biotechnology Researcher
Research Scientist
Neuroscience Researcher
Biostatistician
Biomechanical Engineer
Systems Biologist
UX Designer for Scientific Software
Computational Biologist
Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
Protein Chemist
Acquired Skills
Perseverance through experimental challenges
Project management and organization
Biochemical analysis techniques
Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Ethical reasoning in scientific research
Scientific writing and documentation
Mathematical modeling of biological systems
Critical evaluation of scientific literature
Computer programming (Python, MATLAB, R)
Microscopy and imaging techniques
Collaboration across disciplines
Communication of complex scientific concepts
Biomechanical system analysis
Spectroscopic methods (NMR, X-ray, fluorescence)
Laboratory instrumentation and calibration
Bioinformatics and biological data analysis
Data visualization and interpretation
Advanced computational modeling
Experimental design and methodology
Molecular dynamics simulation
Quick Stats
$75,000
Average Median Salary
The median salary for a biophysics major is approximately $75,000 per year. Advanced roles in research or industry, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare, can lead to higher salaries, often exceeding $90,000 annually.
7% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
The employment rate for biophysics professionals is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade, which is slightly faster than the average for all occupations. The growth is fueled by the increasing demand for interdisciplinary expertise in fields like healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
Biophysics majors have diverse career opportunities in research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, academia, and medical physics. Graduates can work in lab research, computational biology, medical technology, or even roles focused on drug development, with further specialization available through advanced degrees.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
