Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
The best biology research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best biology degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding biology faculty.
Key Takeaways
- Biology is the study of life. Biologists generally study living organisms’ structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
- The best research universities for biology degrees provide students with world-class research facilities and lab studies. Most top-ranked universities for biology are conducting world-changing research themselves, headed by their biology department.
- Undergraduate students and graduates earning a degree in biology get their foot in the door by developing a comprehensive understanding of the biological organization, including molecules, microbes, species, and ecosystems. Graduate studies enable them to pursue careers in medicine, zoology, and chemistry.
Top 10 Research Universities for Biology Degrees in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten research universities for biology degrees had a fair amount of shift. The University of California, Berkeley moved up to the second position as a result of the university expanding its cutting-edge research facilities, including new state-of-the-art labs for genetics, molecular biology, and bioengineering. Additionally, Berkeley has introduced more interdisciplinary programs that allow biology students to collaborate with fields like data science and environmental science, addressing real-world issues such as climate change and public health. New partnerships with biotech companies and research institutions also provide enhanced opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and hands-on learning experiences.
Featured Programs
Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
98%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/35
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Harvard University
Cost of Degree: $59,076Expenses: $27,629Starting Salary: $87,115Salary after 4 years: $133,434Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvard University known for?
Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Harvard Biology
Harvard University’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology offers students three undergraduate concentrations:
- Molecular and Cellular Biology (also offered as an MCB Secondary Field offering for students wishing to focus on a new field)
- Neuroscience
- Chemical and Physical Biology
- Integrative Biology
- Human Evolutionary Biology
The school’s Integrative Biology program offers students the opportunity to study biology across disciplines, exploring fields such as neurobiology, marine biology, mathematical and computational biology, biogeography, molecular systems, and plant biology.
Students at Harvard University benefit from world-class faculty with impeccable research outputs. All students will need to complete the general education core requirements, as well as 64 credits in the discipline of their choice. For biology students, this requirement also mandates a minimum of one term of laboratory research.
Faculty in Harvard University’s biology programs may experience large class sizes, particularly during the first two years of study, but class sizes do tend to drop in the higher levels. The school’s tutorial program creates mentorship opportunities for students, giving them access to faculty and tutors for one-on-one attention throughout their learning journey.
The school offers world-class research facilities where students and scholars study primate and human cognition, behavioral endocrinology, anatomy, and more. Among these facilities are the Harvard Center for Biological Imaging, the Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Facility, Bauer Core Facility, and the Center for Nanoscale Systems.
Students are encouraged to use an interdisciplinary approach to their research, and electives for these programs (except Integrative Biology, which is inherently interdisciplinary) can range from psychology to computer science.
- #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
48K
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $14,850Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $52,941Salary after 4 years: $77,625Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Berkeley known for?
University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
UC Berkeley Biology
University of California at Berkeley’s biology programs are divided among numerous on-campus colleges. This is reflective of the university’s understanding of biology as an interdisciplinary field. With many concentrations to choose from, students have the flexibility to chart a path toward their personal education goals.
College of Letters & Science
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Integrative Biology
- Earth & Planetary Sciences
College of Natural Resources
- Molecular Environmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
- Genetics and Plant Biology
- Microbial Biology
- Conservation & Resource Studies
- Forestry & Natural Resources
- Environmental Sciences
College of Chemistry
- Chemical Biology
College of Engineering
- Bioengineering
Interdisciplinary
- Public Health
Research opportunities at Berkeley are supported by world-class facilities, faculty, and scholarships. Students can apply for research funding via institutions such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship or the Innovation Grant for Underrepresented Researchers of Color. Core facilities across campus include the Computational Genomics Resource Laboratory, QB3/Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility, Biomolecular Nanotechnology Center, and Central California 900 MHz NMR Facility.
The College of Letters & Science’s Division of Biological Sciences has over 100 full-time faculty who work closely with students using cutting edge technology and research best practices. Within the Division are the Department of Integrative Biology, the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and even an opportunity to take the Scientific Diving Program, which provides SCUBA certification.
Students can also apply to research within some of the other prominent research units on and off campus, including the Electron Microscope Laboratory, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC Botanical Garden, and the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences.
- #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$66K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Columbia University
Cost of Degree: $68,171Expenses: $20,542Starting Salary: $72,398Salary after 4 years: $110,892Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbia University known for?
Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Columbia Biology
Columbia University offers several tracks for prospective students interested in studying biology. The school prides itself on a multidisciplinary approach to the sciences and biology students benefit from this holistic approach. Undergraduates can choose from the following programs, which require 124 credits to graduate:
- Biology major*
- Biochemistry*
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience and Behavior*
- Environmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology of the Human Species
*availble also as a minor
Columbia University is home to world-class research facilities. Undergraduates can conduct research at a number of well-funded labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Among these facilities are:
- CERC Center for Environmental Research and Conservation
- Science and Engineering Library
- Molecular Biology Facility— equipped with cutting-edge real-time PCR
- Proteomics Facility— equipped with gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and liquid chromatography equipment
- Faculty laboratories
Research interests among biology students vary, but Columbia University has the faculty and facilities to support student research in molecular biology, chemical biology, cellular biology, molecular genetics, developmental biology, structural biology, molecular biophysics, computational biology, systems biology and much more. Faculty members at Columbia University are highly regarded as experts in their fields. Each faculty member runs a laboratory exploring a different aspect of biology, giving students many opportunities to explore different subfields and interests in biology. Students who wish to work with a faculty member can apply to work within that faculty member’s laboratory.
Columbia also maintains partnerships with area institutions including the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Botanical Garden, the EcoHealth Alliance, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Through these partnerships, students are able to gain relevant experience working with professionals in the field.
- #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1540/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Stanford University
Cost of Degree: $62,484Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $88,493Salary after 4 years: $135,545Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stanford University known for?
Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Stanford Biology
Stanford University’s Department of Biology offers numerous concentrations for students wishing to study biology. After completing core institutional requirements, students can choose to complete a general biology degree or specialize any of the following:
- Biochemistry/Biophysics
- Computational Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Marine Biology
- Microbes and Immunity
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental
- Neurobiology
To graduate, Stanford University students must earn at least 180 units, with the typical course worth 3 units. For students who wish to go on to earn a master’s degree, Stanford offers a Coterminal Master’s Program that will allow them to begin their graduate coursework while working on their undergraduate coursework.
Almost 90% of biology students at Stanford conduct independent research as part of their studies. Stanford is home to the Carnegie Department of Plant Biology, the Jasper Ridge Biological Reserve, and the Hopkins Marine Station. Some of the current research areas explored by students include:
- Biochemistry
- Computational Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Marine Biology
- Physiology
- Population Biology
Stanford University’s Biology Department is staffed with world-class faculty and supported by partnerships with organizations such as the Woods Institute, Bio-X, and Wu Tsai Neuro. It is through such partnerships that Stanford University students gain real world experience by working shoulder to shoulder with current experts in the field. Graduates from a Stanford biology program will be prepared for further study in biology as well as other fields such as veterinary sciences, medicine, or other applied sciences.
The institution has invested heavily in diversity and inclusion policies and champion the use of culturally aware mentoring practices as they support students.
- #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
5%
Graduation
96%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1540/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Chicago
Cost of Degree: $65,619Expenses: $23,421Starting Salary: $64,507Salary after 4 years: $98,805Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Chicago known for?
University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Law
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
University of Chicago Biology
University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Collegiate Division offers two undergraduate majors and numerous specializations. The biological sciences major can be completed as a minor, a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, and these choices offer divergent paths. The Bachelor of Arts program offers a comprehensive survey of biology while leaving time and space for students to explore interests in other fields, whereas the Bachelor of Science program is a thesis-based program that provides a deep dive into the biological sciences.
For students working on the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences program, the college offers the following specializations:
- Cancer Biology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Global Health Sciences
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Quantitative Biology
The Biological Sciences Collegiate Division also offers a major and minor in Neuroscience. Another option for biology students is their minor in Computational Neuroscience. The school offers many opportunities for funding and support for academic research. The Marine Biological Laboratory provides facilities for research and the College Center for Research and Fellowships is available to help students in their research pursuits.
Major programs at the University of Chicago require a minimum of 4200 earned units for graduation. Each course is weighted, on average, as 100 units. The Committee on Clinical and Translational Science offers interdisciplinary training opportunities to students within the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division. Even undergraduate students can find research projects within health and the social sciences. Through these programs, students gain relevant experience working shoulder to shoulder with faculty, industry professionals, and graduate students.
- #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
5%
Graduation
98%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1540/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Yale University
Cost of Degree: $64,700Expenses: $23,600Starting Salary: $77,909Salary after 4 years: $119,333Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Yale University known for?
Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Yale Biology
Yale University’s biology programs span several departments and programs. Four-year degree programs at the school require the completion of 36 term courses within 8 terms of enrollment. The school offers four undergraduate programs specifically dedicated to the biological sciences, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in:
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
Research facilities at Yale University are among the best in the world. Students studying biology at Yale can learn and perform research via their many research facilities, including the Center for Science and Social Science Information, the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, the Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Keck Biotechnology Resource Laboratory, the Yale Center for Genome Analysis, and the Yale Center for Molecular Discovery. Research facilities on campus meet the needs of students in many specialties, from the Marsh Botanical Garden for research of botanicals to the DNA Analysis Facility on Science Hill for DNA sequencing studies.
Yale’s interdisciplinary approach to modern biology is reflected in the diversity of options for students. Beyond undergraduate studies, students can move into more specialized disciplines such as:
- Comparative Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunobiology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Core classes at Yale are generally very large, but as students move into their chosen specialties, they begin to see smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. Faculty at Yale are among the most highly respected in their fields, giving students the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in the biological sciences. Students will work with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate schools to hone their skills in research, analysis, and synthesis.
- #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1555/35
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $60,156Expenses: $22,574Starting Salary: $96,196Salary after 4 years: $147,344Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
MIT Biology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s ranks among the most prolific and prestigious research universities in the world. Students will have access to world-class research facilities such as the Center for Automated Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, the Genetically Engineer Models Core Facility, Metabolite Profiling Core Facility, and W.M. Keck Microscopy Facility. Students at MIT conduct research in many fields, including computational biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, cancer biology, stem cell and developmental biology, and are at the forefront of research breakthroughs in these fields and more. Undergraduate research is a key element of the school’s biology programs.
MIT offers robust student engagement opportunities in the sciences, with organizations such as the MIT Biotech Group, the MIT Microbiome Club, tutoring services and much more.
Their three undergraduate biology programs are as follows:
- Biology (Course 7)
- Chemistry and Biology (Course 5-7)
- Computer Science and Molecular Biology (Course 6-7)
Each of MIT’s programs require 17 subjects (as MIT refers to classes) in General Institute Requirements. These classes make up the general education core requirements for the school. Individual majors (or, as MIT calls them, courses) then require an additional 169-174 biology subjects as well as up to 62 unrestricted electives.
You can also choose to double major. MIT’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program (Course 7) offers students the flexibility to explore interdisciplinary interests ranging from art to religion. Some of the most popular options include:
- Biology/Biological Engineering
- Biology/Chemistry
- Biology/ Chemical Engineering
Biology is also offered as an academic minor and may be picked up after the student’s first year of study has been completed.
- #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
93%
Student body
52K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Michigan
Cost of Degree: $18,309Expenses: $17,554Starting Salary: $52,941Salary after 4 years: $77,625Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Michigan known for?
University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Education
- Mathematics
- History
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
UMich Biology Major Concentrations:
- Biology
- Biology, Health & Society
- Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
- CMBS (Joint Program with Biomedical Engineering)
- Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity
- General Biology
- Microbiology
- Plant Biology
- Neuroscience
- #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
87%
Student body
65K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at New York University
Cost of Degree: $60,438Expenses: $27,314Starting Salary: $49,225Salary after 4 years: $75,399Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New York University known for?
New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
NYU Biology Major Concentrations:
- Biology: General
- Ecology
- Global Public Heath Biology
- Coterminal BS/MS
- #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Cornell University
Cost of Degree: $66,014Expenses: $22,126Starting Salary: $63,379Salary after 4 years: $97,078Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cornell University known for?
Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Cornell University Office of Undergraduate Biology
Cornell University offers undergraduate degrees in biology through various schools. The 120-hour biology degree programs offered at Cornell are listed below and are offered across campus by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, and others.
- Biological Sciences— B.S., minor
- Biology and Society— Interdisciplinary with the College of Arts and Sciences/College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Human Biology, Health and Society— Interdisciplinary
- Plant Sciences— B.S., minor
- Fungal Biology— minor
- Viticulture and Enology— B.S., minor
The diversity of programs offers many tracks for students interested in a career in a biology-related field. For those who wish to enter a public health role, the degrees in Human Biology, Health and Society or Biology and Society degrees are ideal. For those pursuing environmental and ecological fields, Plant Sciences would be the right choice.
Biological Sciences majors are required to declare a concentration before they begin taking upper-level classes. Students may choose from the following concentrations:
- Animal Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Biodiversity and Systematics
- Computational Biology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- General Biology
- Genetics, Genomics and Development
- Human Nutrition
- Insect Biology
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Neurobiology and Behavior
- Plant Biology
Cornell University maintains an active database of faculty research projects for students to begin their search for opportunities. There are labs devoted to the study of molecular biology and genetics, nutritional sciences, disease pathogenesis, biomedical sciences, immunology, and cell biology. Cornell has the resources to support individual and collaborative research and offers regular undergraduate research events spotlighting topics of interest to Cornell students.
- #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
96%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Pennsylvania
Cost of Degree: $66,104Expenses: $22,924Starting Salary: $82,418Salary after 4 years: $126,240Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pennsylvania known for?
University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
UPenn Biology Major Concentrations:
- Computational and Mathematical Biology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Mechanisms of Disease
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Neurobiology
- #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,747Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $49,054Salary after 4 years: $71,926Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, Los Angeles known for?
University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- History
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
UCLA Biology Major Concentrations:
- Biology
- Cognitive Science
- Computational & Systems Biology
- Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
- Human Biology and Society
- Integrative Biology and Physiology
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics
- Molecular, Cell Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Psychobiology
- #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
94%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1545/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Johns Hopkins University
Cost of Degree: $62,840Expenses: $22,725Starting Salary: $55,927Salary after 4 years: $85,663Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Johns Hopkins University known for?
Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Johns Hopkins Biology
Johns Hopkins University is home to one of the country’s very first biology departments, as well as 27 world-class research laboratories. Its outstanding reputation as a center for health and research is well-known around the world, and Johns Hopkins University holds a place of special importance as a leader in public health education efforts.
Bachelor’s Degree— 120 credits to complete
- B.A. in Biology
- B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Combined Master’s
- B.S./M.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology— 4+1 program building on the B.S. program, allowing the student to complete the master’s degree with one additional year of study
Undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University will have the opportunity to participate in research efforts ongoing at the school’s laboratories. Paid research work is not eligible for credit, but unpaid work can help students gain experience and make progress towards their degree. With over two dozen to choose from, there is sure to be a lab that will suit every student. Many of the labs at the school are specific to the principal investigator and the research they are conducting. The Andrew Lab studies cell dynamics and the Cohen Lab studies biology of the brain. Course credits are available for unpaid research efforts in on-campus labs.
The school is also home to the Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Genetic Medicine, and the Brain Science Institute, among other highly esteemed think tanks and research facilities. Students at JHU will benefit from their proximity to real science having real impacts on the world around them and be well prepared for the career or graduate school of their choosing.
- #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
94%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Biology degree at California Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $63,255Expenses: $23,631Starting Salary: $66,573Salary after 4 years: $101,970Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Institute of Technology known for?
California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Caltech Biology
The California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech, has offered high-quality instruction in biology since the early days of the school. An impressive 3-1 student/faculty ratio at Caltech ensure that students receive the attention they need to succeed.
The biology department offers many avenues for research and study, including degree programs in:
- Biology (also available as a minor)
- Bioengineering
- Computation and Neural Systems
Caltech’s undergraduate programs run in three 10-week terms with full-time enrollment classified as 45-51 credits (5-6 classes) per term. All freshmen at Caltech take the same courses the first year, making up Caltech’s core curriculum. In all, students will need to earn 486 units with a GPA of no less than 1.9.
Students are encouraged to conduct research during their studies at Caltech, which is home to seven state of the art research facilities, including the Broad Center for the Biological Sciences and the Mabel and Arnold Beckman Laboratories of Behavioral Biology. The Caltech campus is also home to a monoclonal antibody production facility and a high throughput sequencing and microarray analysis facility.
Students use these facilities to conduct experiments in emergent fields of inquiry in biology such as:
- Molecular Biology
- Neurobiology
- Genetics
- Genomic and Computational Biology
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Immunology
The Biological Sciences department recognizes the interdisciplinary nature of the sciences, working closely with the Divisions of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Physics, and Earth Sciences. The program’s faculty and alumni are widely recognized, with ten National Medals of Science and nine Nobel Prizes to their credit.
- #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
6%
Graduation
97%
Student body
18K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Duke University
Cost of Degree: $65,805Expenses: $21,267Starting Salary: $71,709Salary after 4 years: $109,836Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Duke University known for?
Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Education
- Law
- Sociology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Duke Biology Major
Duke University offers two biology programs. The Bachelor of Arts in Biology (34 total class credits) is intended for students who either want to teach biology or use knowledge of biology in other fields such as law and policy. The Bachelor of Science in Biology (34 total class credits) is for students planning to have a career in biology or a related field. Duke also offers a minor in Biology that requires 5 biology courses in addition to the student’s degree program in another discipline.
Students at Duke University explore many fields within the biological sciences, including:
- Functional Biology
- Comparative Physiology
- Functional Morphology
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Macroevolution
- Molecular Genetics
Duke is home to many world-class research facilities, such as the Duke Environmental Stable Isotope Laboratory, the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, the Light Microscopy Core Facility, Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Duke Marine Lab. Students also perform off-campus research at the North Carolina Supercomputing Center, the Highlands Biological Station, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
As a Tier 1 research university, Duke University has both the facilities and staff available to support student research initiatives. Students can choose between volunteer, paid, and work study research positions, or take on an independent study project on campus or elsewhere. Most students begin their research work in their junior or senior year after completing the college core and some initial biology coursework.
Class sizes at Duke are rather large for the 100-200 level courses and those numbers drop off as students move into more specialized course work. Seminars, for example, have generally fewer than 20 students per class.
- #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
92%
Student body
54K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Southern California
Cost of Degree: $68,237Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $55,614Salary after 4 years: $85,183Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern California known for?
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Medical
- Education
- Computer Science
- Law
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
USC Department Of Biological Sciences, Undergraduate Programs
- BA or BS in Biological Sciences
- BA or BS in Human Biology
USC Biology Minors
- Biology of Human Movement
- Biotechnology
- Human Disease
- Natural Science
- Neuroscience
- Marine Biology
- #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
84%
Student body
58K
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Washington
Cost of Degree: $12,643Expenses: $21,909Starting Salary: $46,642Salary after 4 years: $68,389Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington known for?
University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
University of Washington Biology Degree Programs
- B.A. General Biology
- B.S General Biology
- B.S. Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology
- B.S. Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
- B.S. Physiology
- B.S. Plant Biology
- #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
5%
Graduation
95%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/35
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Brown University
Cost of Degree: $68,230Expenses: $19,418Starting Salary: $55,801Salary after 4 years: $85,471Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brown University known for?
Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Mathematics
- History
- Education
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Communications
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Brown Biology Major Concentrations:
- Biology AB
- Biology ScB
- Health & Human Biology
- Applied Mathematics-Biology
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Geology-Biology
- #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
95%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/33
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Virginia
Cost of Degree: $22,323Expenses: $18,940Starting Salary: $53,209Salary after 4 years: $78,018Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Virginia known for?
University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Virginia Biology Degrees
- BA or BS in Biology
- Specialization in Environmental and Biological Conservation
- #8 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
88%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of California, San Diego
Cost of Degree: $15,265Expenses: $23,240Starting Salary: $46,642Salary after 4 years: $68,389Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of California, San Diego known for?
University of California, San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
UC San Diego Biological Sciences Major
- Emphasizes biological processes and systems examined at molecular, biochemical, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem scales
- Contiguous BS/MS Program Offered
- #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
94%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Washington University in St. Louis
Cost of Degree: $62,982Expenses: $25,506Starting Salary: $55,050Salary after 4 years: $84,320Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washington University in St. Louis known for?
Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Washington University in St. Louis Biology
Washington University in St. Louis’s Department of Biology is anchored by 49 full-time faculty who are internationally recognized in their fields. The school is home to or partnered with the Jeanette Goldfarb Plant Growth Facility, Bayer Laboratory, the International Center for Energy, Environment, & Sustainability, Missouri Botanical Garden, and Center for Engineering Mechanobiology. Each of these affiliations represent opportunities for students to work in real labs, solving real problems, in real time. Students will also have access to top of the line imaging and computing equipment, as well as a scientific editing service to help faculty and students put their best foot forward.
The school offers seven biology degrees by way of five biology tracks. These degrees require the student to earn at least 120 credits and are organized as follows:
- Biology
- Ecology and Evolution Track
- Genomics and Computational Biology Track
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Track
- Neuroscience Track
- Microbiology Track
- Environmental Biology
Students at Washington University in St. Louis’s Department of Biology will have the support and guidance to explore many subfields and disciplines within the field of biology. Faculty and students are currently engaged in research in areas such as:
- Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
- Developmental, Regenerative, & Stem Cell Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Structural Biology
- Evolution, Ecology, & Population Biology
- Molecular Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis
- Neuroscience
- Plant & Microbial Biosciences
Washington University in St. Louis is dedicated to helping students sharpen their research and presentation skills, which is reflected in the vast resources available to help students. The Natural Sciences Learning Center exists as a study center for biology majors, offered in addition to the campus-wide Learning Center resources available to all students.
Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees
BS in Integrated Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Humanities
- Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- Biology
- #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cost of Degree: $8,989Expenses: $17,120Starting Salary: $46,106Salary after 4 years: $67,603Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
UNC Chapel Hill Biology Major Areas for Specialization
- Animal behavior
- Biomechanics
- Botany
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Genomics
- Marine biology
- Molecular biology
- Neurobiology
- Organismal biology
- Physiology
- Plant biology
- #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
23%
Graduation
90%
Student body
63K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Florida
Cost of Degree: $6,381Expenses: $16,220Starting Salary: $44,028Salary after 4 years: $64,557Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Florida known for?
University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Univeristy of Florida Department of Biology Offerings
Biology Major Concentrations
- Pre-professional (Pre-med)
- Applied biology
- Biotechnology
- Natural science
- Integrative biolgy
- BA in Biology
Botany Major
Zoology Major
- #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
90%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/33
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Emory University
Cost of Degree: $60,774Expenses: $22,848Starting Salary: $52,858Salary after 4 years: $80,962Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emory University known for?
Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Emory University Biology Major
BS or BA in Biology
Advanced study options:
- Cell and molecular biology
- Physiology
- Ecology and evolutionary biology
- More...
- #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
93%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Vanderbilt University
Cost of Degree: $63,946Expenses: $25,644Starting Salary: $53,985Salary after 4 years: $82,689Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Vanderbilt University known for?
Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Vanderbilt Biology Major Concentrations:
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
Career Outlook for Students with Biology Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolBiology/Biological Sciences
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,006
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,410
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $32,126
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $47,104
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
- Job Growth: 1.47%
- Number of Jobs: 1,457,600
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | 7.49% | $157,740 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 11.46% | $100,890 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | 5.69% | $91,100 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | 6.25% | $86,950 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 8.32% | $83,920 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $157,740 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $100,890 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $91,100 |
Biology Majors: Pick the Best Colleges!
Students studying biology should be curious about their surroundings because many people in this major have questions about how the world works. They must be adaptable, challenge-ready, and open-minded. They will be dealing with the unknown, and their research may raise more questions than it will resolve.
Students should embrace adventure as their study may lead them outside of a lab or a classroom and into the real world. As dissections occur in the lab, biology majors also need strong analytical abilities and a strong stomach.
A biology major requires a lot of knowledge intake from the students, which challenges and empowers them to make decisions about their their studies and about the world they live in.
Popular Degrees in Biology
For Bachelor Level
- BSc in Biology: This degree provides a foundational understanding of molecular, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and cell biology. Students learn essential information about organisms via lectures and labs. This degree is a prerequisite for graduate study in the biological sciences or a terminal degree to pursue professions in research and laboratories. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a top-rated school for this degree.
- BSc in Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering: With this degree, students will have a comprehensive understanding of molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics principles. This degree requires a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. University of California San Diego is an excellent school for this degree.
- BSc (Hons) in Microbiology: This degree requires biology students to focus on the biology of microorganisms that are unicellular, multicellular, or acellular (without cells). This includes microbes like bacteria and fungi and covers concepts like growth and regulation and how microbes react with each other and their environments. Cornell University is an outstanding choice when pursuing this degree.
- BA in Neuroscience: This degree involves studying the brain and nervous system, combining research into molecules, cells, genetics, brain structure, and brain systems with investigations of how these elements influence cognition and behavior. Johns Hopkins University is a leading school offering this program.
- Bachelor of Physical and Life Sciences: This degree focuses on the biology of acellular, multicellular, and unicellular microorganisms (without cells). This covers topics like growth and regulation and how microorganisms interact with one another and their environments. Harvard University is one of the top schools for this degree.
- Bachelor in Biology & Biochemistry: To complete this degree, one must conduct research on chemicals, cells, genetics, brain structure, and brain systems, as well as inquiries into how these components interact to affect cognition and behavior. Stanford University is one of the top schools for this degree.
- Bachelor in Evolutionary Biology: This degree integrates the fields of genetics and environmental science to provide you with a comprehensive grasp of the evolution of habitats, biodiversity, and species interactions with their environments. Duke University and Yale University are two of the top schools for this degree.
For Master Level
- MSc in Biology: This degree is intended to give students a solid foundation in the ideas and principles of the life sciences, to help them develop the necessary abilities, and to instill in them a positive attitude toward biological study and inquiry. Harvard University is the best school for this degree.
- Master’s Degree in Coastal and Marine Biology:This degree provides research- and tech-based instruction in the area. It is a promising degree for students looking for job prospects at state, federal, and international fisheries and marine conservation agencies. Stanford University is one of the most preferred schools for this degree.
- MS in Biological Sciences:This degree program aims to improve students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of biology and other life sciences. The curriculum covers biotechnological, ecological research, and environmental science. It is designed to get students ready for careers in biology and research. California Institute of Technology is known for offering this top-notch master’s program.
A bachelor’s degree in biology is an excellent starting point for a career in zoology, ecology, botany, and a host of other fascinating STEM fields. As a biology major, you’ll study the full spectrum of life sciences. Your biology degree may incorporate subjects such as evolutionary biology, biochemistry, and microbiology, as well as foundational courses in subjects like human anatomy and biodiversity. The best schools for biology are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of biology concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.
Degree popularity: Biology bachelor’s degrees are the 6th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It’s slightly more popular among women, and ranks the 4th most popular degree among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics
If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in biology.
