Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees

Badge for BEST FOR BIOLOGY RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

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.

Top 10 Research Universities for Biology Degrees

Sort by:
  1. Harvard University
  2. Stanford University
  3. Yale University
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  5. Columbia University
  6. Johns Hopkins University
  7. University of Pennsylvania
  8. University of California, Berkeley
  9. University of Chicago
  10. Cornell University
  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. Columbia University
  4. University of Chicago
  5. Stanford University
  6. Yale University
  7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  8. University of Michigan
  9. Cornell University
  10. University of Pennsylvania
  1. University of Washington 53%
  2. University of California, San Diego 34%
  3. University of Florida 30%
  4. University of Virginia 21%
  5. University of Michigan 20%
  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 20%
  7. University of California, Berkeley 14%
  8. University of Southern California 13%
  9. New York University 13%
  10. Washington University in St. Louis 13%
  1. University of Washington 20 to 1
  2. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  3. University of California, San Diego 19 to 1
  4. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  5. University of Florida 17 to 1
  6. University of Virginia 15 to 1
  7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 13 to 1
  8. University of Michigan 11 to 1
  9. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  10. Cornell University 9 to 1
  1. Columbia University $63,530
  2. Brown University $62,304
  3. University of Chicago $62,241
  4. University of Pennsylvania $61,710
  5. University of Southern California $61,503
  6. Cornell University $61,015
  7. Duke University $60,244
  8. Yale University $59,950
  9. Washington University in St. Louis $58,866
  10. Johns Hopkins University $58,720
  1. University of Chicago $62,640
  2. Brown University $60,944
  3. University of Southern California $60,446
  4. Johns Hopkins University $58,720
  5. Duke University $57,900
  6. Washington University in St. Louis $57,750
  7. California Institute of Technology $56,364
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $55,510
  9. Stanford University $54,315
  10. Vanderbilt University $51,600
  1. Emory University
  2. University of Virginia
  3. University of Florida
  4. University of California, San Diego
  5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  6. Vanderbilt University
  7. University of Southern California
  8. New York University
  9. Brown University
  10. University of Washington
  1. Vanderbilt University
  2. University of Florida
  3. Emory University
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  5. Washington University in St. Louis
  6. University of California, San Diego
  7. University of Virginia
  8. Brown University
  9. University of Southern California
  10. Duke University
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  2. Stanford University 4%
  3. Harvard University 4%
  4. Columbia University 4%
  5. California Institute of Technology 4%
  6. Yale University 5%
  7. University of Pennsylvania 6%
  8. University of Chicago 6%
  9. Duke University 6%
  10. Brown University 6%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. California Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  3. Stanford University 4 to 1
  4. Yale University 4 to 1
  5. Harvard University 5 to 1
  6. University of Chicago 5 to 1
  7. Columbia University 6 to 1
  8. Duke University 6 to 1
  9. Brown University 6 to 1
  10. University of Pennsylvania 6 to 1
  1. University of Florida $4,477
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  3. University of Washington $10,927
  4. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  5. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  6. University of California, San Diego $11,442
  7. University of Virginia $16,547
  8. University of Michigan $16,865
  9. Emory University $55,468
  10. Harvard University $55,587
  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  2. University of Florida $10,770
  3. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  4. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  5. University of California, San Diego $11,442
  6. University of Washington $16,605
  7. University of Virginia $17,674
  8. University of Michigan $24,902
  9. Cornell University $29,500
  10. New York University $35,982

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.

Featured Programs

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Biology Bachelor’s Degrees

Once you’ve declared you major in biology, the common requirements include:

  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biology and/or Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • Calculus
  • Statistics

Biology majors are also expected to engage in original research, working at on-campus laboratories or research facilities, as well as in the field. They will work closely with faculty, laboratory support staff, and teaching fellows as they explore areas of scientific interest. Most colleges include a senior capstone project based on original research, presented via poster, workshop, keynote, or other presentation.

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Biology is a good major for anyone interested in life, living things, and what makes them tick at the macro and micro levels. Whether you have an interest in human anatomy, cell biology, neuroscience, or animal physiology, a degree in biology can prepare you for work in fields as diverse as marine biology, neuroscience, medicine, and more.

Biology is a popular major because it can provide a pathway into countless fields and career opportunities. If you’re looking for a well-paying and secure job, a biology degree is a great place to start. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the life, physical, and social sciences will grow at a rate of 5 percent between now and 2029. This is faster than the average rate for all occupations. Likewise, the median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations was $68,160 in 2019, as compared to a median wage for all occupations of $39,810. Whether studying humans, animals, plants, insects, microscopic cells of bacteria, or even pondering the existence of life in space, a biology degree can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to work in a wide range of professional settings.

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Biology is a hard major for many because the language of science seems so unfamiliar. Biology is not as math intensive as other fields such as chemistry, but you will need to learn the basics of calculus and statistics. However, for students passionate about the study of biology and where they hope it leads them in their careers, successfully completing a major in biology is achievable.

Obviously, having a propensity in the hard sciences is helpful. This isn’t to say that you need special background knowledge. Just like any other college degree, a planned path to a major in biology should have you adequately prepared.

As a biology major, you will hone your research and observation skills, develop strategies for collection and evaluation of data, and acquire the language of science so you can effectively present your research.

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Once you’ve declared your major in biology, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in STEM-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized biology electives, there are a number of common courses that most biology majors will be required to take, including:

  • Biostatistics
  • Biochemistry
  • Human Anatomy
  • Microbiology
  • Marine Biology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Biology
  • Molecular Biology

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Biology Degree jobs include Medical Lab Technician, Forensic Science Technician, Zoologist, Environmental Scientist, and Chemist. Students often study biology as preparation for a professional program (pre-med, pre-veterinary, etc.) That doesn’t mean that you have to get an advanced degree to begin using your biology degree. A bachelor’s degree in biology can prepare you for many jobs in medicine, zoology, and chemistry. Here are some of the professions you could explore:

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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.

Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $57,261
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $79,333
    Salary after 4 years: $133,747
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $58,416
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $80,587
    Salary after 4 years: $135,862
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  3. #3

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $62,250
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $70,949
    Salary after 4 years: $119,612
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $87,602
    Salary after 4 years: $147,689
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  5. #5

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $65,508
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $65,930
    Salary after 4 years: $111,151
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  6. #6

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $60,480
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $50,930
    Salary after 4 years: $85,863
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  7. #7

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $75,055
    Salary after 4 years: $126,535
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UPenn Biology Major Concentrations:

    • Computational and Mathematical Biology
    • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    • Mechanisms of Disease
    • Molecular and Cell Biology
    • Neurobiology

    Source

  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    46K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,395
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $48,444
    Salary after 4 years: $78,483
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  9. #9

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $62,940
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $58,744
    Salary after 4 years: $99,036
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  10. #10

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $63,200
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $57,717
    Salary after 4 years: $97,305
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  11. #11

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $62,688
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $65,303
    Salary after 4 years: $110,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,864
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $60,626
    Salary after 4 years: $102,209
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

  13. #13

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    50K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $17,786
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $48,444
    Salary after 4 years: $78,483
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    47K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $44,887
    Salary after 4 years: $72,721
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $50,132
    Salary after 4 years: $84,517
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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.

    Source

    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
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1326/30

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $42,680
    Salary after 4 years: $69,144
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  17. #17

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,046
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $50,816
    Salary after 4 years: $85,671
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  18. #18

    New York University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $58,168
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $44,828
    Salary after 4 years: $75,575
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    NYU Biology Major Concentrations:

    • Biology: General
    • Ecology
    • Global Public Heath Biology
    • Coterminal BS/MS

    Source

  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,726
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $50,645
    Salary after 4 years: $85,382
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  20. #20

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $60,348
    Expenses: $24,064
    Starting Salary: $49,162
    Salary after 4 years: $82,882
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Vanderbilt Biology Major Concentrations:

    • Biological Sciences
    • Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology
    • Molecular and Cellular Biology

    Source

  21. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $42,189
    Salary after 4 years: $68,349
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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

    Source

  22. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of California, San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $14,906
    Expenses: $22,134
    Starting Salary: $42,680
    Salary after 4 years: $69,144
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  23. #23

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $40,288
    Salary after 4 years: $65,270
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    Source

  24. #24

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,425
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $48,689
    Salary after 4 years: $78,880
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Virginia Biology Degrees

    • BA or BS in Biology
    • Specialization in Environmental and Biological Conservation

    Source

  25. #25

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $57,948
    Expenses: $20,866
    Starting Salary: $48,136
    Salary after 4 years: $81,152
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Emory University Biology Major

    BS or BA in Biology

    Advanced study options:

    • Cell and molecular biology
    • Physiology
    • Ecology and evolutionary biology
    • More...

    Source

Career Outlook for Students with Biology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Biology/Biological Sciences

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,691
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,459
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $29,245
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $47,379
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
  • Job Growth: 2.20%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,429,100
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers4.87%$122,066
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists9.83%$91,024
Life Scientists, All Other4.44%$83,663
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary8.49%$80,842
Biological Scientists, All Other3.81%$79,394

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$46,576$70,921$109,594

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Illinois7% higher than average$76,911
#3 New York5% higher than average$85,063
#4 Minnesota4% higher than average$76,827
#5 New Jersey13% higher than average$90,918
#6 Ohio14% higher than average$69,084

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers$122,066
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$91,024
Life Scientists, All Other$83,663

Go to all Research Universities for Biology programs

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