Biophysics

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Biophysics

As a biophysics major, you’ll be entering a scientific field that is transforming our understanding of biology and the practice of medicine. You’ll learn how to apply the laws of physics to study and understand biological processes—from how molecules are made and cells function to how complex systems in the body work. Research is incorporated into every upper-level physics course, which means you’ll begin doing original science right away.

Major requirements

Biophysics
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

Whatever your interests, Northwestern’s biophysics major allows you to tailor your course schedule to include additional biology, chemistry, math or computer science courses as your undergraduate electives.

Plus, if you plan to pursue a master's or even doctoral degree in biophysics, you can do so through Northwestern’s dual-degree partnership with Washington University in St. Louis. 

Requirements for a biophysics major include biology, chemistry and genetics courses, as well as courses in physics, biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry and the fundamentals of optics. Related minors include biology, chemistry, data science and statistics, physics, and physics education. 

CONTACT
Kim Jongerius
Kim Jongerius
Department Chair
$94,000 PER YEAR Median annual salary for those with a biophysics graduate degree
COLLAB PARTNERS Biophysics majors have been involved in research at the University of Kansas Medical School and the Stony Brook University Laser Teaching Center.
4 DEPARTMENTS Number of Northwestern STEM departments involved in biophysics major
5+ CLASSES Taken by biophysics majors involve original research

Career Outlook

The biophysics field could see an increase in employment as high as 19% by 2024. The median salary for a lab technician with a bachelor’s degree is $46,000. Bioengineers with a bachelor’s degree have a median salary of $92,000. With a master’s or doctorate, biophysicists report a median salary of $94,000.

Career Outlook

Experience

Engineering

Engineering

Northwestern's engineering program offers concentrations in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. As an engineering student, you’ll regularly engage in hands-on learning experiences, including 3D printing, wooden bridge building, machining, electric circuits, programming, geospatial analysis and traffic simulation. You’ll also study newly developing concepts like AI. Our program has been designed to achieve ABET accreditation, for which it will be eligible upon graduation of the first cohort in 2028.

Northwestern’s physics department also offers a dual-degree program with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. If you are accepted into the dual-degree program, you can choose from two tracks: a 3-3 program in which you’ll earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in six years, or a 3-2 program if you elect not to pursue a graduate degree.

Hands-on research

Hands-on research

A number of the classes you’ll take as a biophysics major will involve original research. You’ll join an interdisciplinary group—including biology, chemistry and physics professors—that seeks original answers to scientific questions. Northwestern biophysics majors have also been involved in research projects at the University of Kansas and Stony Brook University Laser Teaching Center.

Engineering

Northwestern's engineering program offers concentrations in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. As an engineering student, you’ll regularly engage in hands-on learning experiences, including 3D printing, wooden bridge building, machining, electric circuits, programming, geospatial analysis and traffic simulation. You’ll also study newly developing concepts like AI. Our program has been designed to achieve ABET accreditation, for which it will be eligible upon graduation of the first cohort in 2028.

Northwestern’s physics department also offers a dual-degree program with Washington University of St. Louis, one of the nation’s top engineering schools. If you are accepted into the dual-degree program, you can choose from two tracks: a 3-3 program in which you’ll earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in six years, or a 3-2 program if you elect not to pursue a graduate degree.

Hands-on research

A number of the classes you’ll take as a biophysics major will involve original research. You’ll join an interdisciplinary group—including biology, chemistry and physics professors—that seeks original answers to scientific questions. Northwestern biophysics majors have also been involved in research projects at the University of Kansas and Stony Brook University Laser Teaching Center.