by our College Data Analytics TeamAre you fascinated with math and science? A major in Biomathematics and Bioinformatics will allow you to fully explore mathematics and biology. You will learn how to complete mathematical computations that are essential to biology and research. Along with learning difficult mathematics you will also study areas such as genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, systems biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and physics. The information you learn in your classes will give you the knowledge to develop new mathematical methods, track genetic diseases, and help improve human life.
This major is unique to biology because it allows you to research in a very interdisciplinary field. You will become immersed in biology and mathematics and will decide what area interests you the most as you choose your concentration.
Concentrations in this major include: Biometry, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and others.
A degree in Biomathematics & Bioinformatics involves the study of Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, And Computational Biology. Read on to learn the key facts every biomathematics & bioinformatics major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering biomathematics & bioinformatics programs.
Nationwide, biomathematics & bioinformatics is a widely-pursued major, with 3,638 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Biomathematics & Bioinformatics Schools ranking analyzes these 174 schools to determine the best overall colleges for biomathematics & bioinformatics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of biomathematics & bioinformatics programs later in this article.
Studies in Biomathematics & Bioinformatics emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations biomathematics & bioinformatics graduates commonly enter.
Students who choose this major should enjoy mathematics. You will spend a great deal of time memorizing formulas and solving problems. Hard work along with analytical and critical thinking skills will help you succeed.
Assignments will involve group work as well as independent research. Work on your communication and interpersonal skills for success in completing group projects. Having a good relationship with your advisor is important as you tailor your courses around your interests, or pursue independent studies with their guidance. The ability to collaborate will be easily applied to any career path that you choose.
This major requires dedication and work, but is very rewarding as complex problems become solvable. Your classes and study will enable you to develop analytical and predictive models of biology. Motivation and an independent work ethic will help you gain skills and knowledge that are desirable in the workforce.
The skill set emphasized by a biomathematics & bioinformatics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a biomathematics & bioinformatics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several biomathematics & bioinformatics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 757 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,281 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 599 |
People currently working in careers related to biomathematics & bioinformatics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 41.7% |
| Master’s degree | 18.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 8.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 7.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.2% |
| Some college courses | 3.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in biomathematics & bioinformatics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majors in Biomathematics & Bioinformatics are well prepared to continue on to graduate school in areas such as mathematics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and mathematical biology. The background you will have built will allow you to be successful in any of these areas. There are also options for grads who want to go directly into the workforce. You will be able to work as a researcher in various scientific or medical industries. Some graduates also work in education as secondary or post-secondary teachers. You may also be able to apply for a grant to pursue independent research.
Majoring in biomathematics & bioinformatics can lead to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to biomathematics & bioinformatics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biomathematics & bioinformatics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of biomathematics & bioinformatics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $82,809 |
| 4 years | $104,458 |
| 5 years | $123,442 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for biomathematics & bioinformatics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers biomathematics & bioinformatics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Statisticians | $130,349 |
With 174 different biomathematics & bioinformatics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased biomathematics & bioinformatics school rankings to help you.
Students interested in biomathematics & bioinformatics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biostatistics | 1,546 |
| Bioinformatics | 1,336 |
| Computational Biology | 321 |
| Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other | 250 |
| Biometry/Biometrics | 185 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biology, General | 101,585 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 13,820 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 12,819 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 11,175 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | 9,295 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | 6,355 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | 4,711 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | 4,612 |
| Biotechnology | 3,869 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | 3,408 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
