by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,660 U.S. colleges awarded 91,612 degrees and certificates in Biology Studies. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 84% of graduates. College Factual ranks 1,245 schools in its 2027 Best Biology Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $32,966 one year after completing, rising to $60,044 after four years.
A major in Biology Studies involves the study of Biology/biological Sciences, General. A General Program Of Biology At The Introductory, Basic Level Or A Program In Biology Or The Biological Sciences That Is Undifferentiated As To Title Or Content. Includes Instruction In General Biology And Programs Covering A Variety Of Biological Specializations.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, biology studies draws strong interest, with 91,612 degrees awarded annually. 1,660 colleges award biology studies degrees, an average of 55 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 929.
By level, the 91,612 awards include 18 certificates, 8,781 associate degrees, 77,343 bachelor’s degrees, 4,382 master’s degrees and 1,088 doctorates.
Women earned 68% of biology studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (62,615 of 91,612). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (41,751) and Hispanic or Latino (18,380), and international students earned 3,315.
College Factual ranks 1,245 schools in its 2027 Best Biology Studies Schools ranking, including 181 for associate degrees, 1,055 for bachelor’s degrees, 138 for master’s degrees and 44 for doctorates. It also ranks biology studies schools within 52 states. In all, 1,660 colleges offer biology studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Biology Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common biology studies credential is the bachelor’s degree: 77,343 of the 91,612 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to biology studies call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Speaking, and for knowledge of English Language, Biology and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
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How long a biology studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 18 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 8,781 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 77,343 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,382 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,088 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to biology studies, at 42.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 42.6% |
| Master’s degree | 13.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 9.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 5.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.6% |
| Some college courses | 2.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.9% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
16 occupations are related to Biology Studies, with an average median salary of $87,577; the strongest outlook belongs to Biological Technicians, at 12.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Biology Teacher, Research Coordinator, Clinical Trials Manager and Clinical Project Manager.
The occupation related to biology studies with the most projected jobs is Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, at 571,954.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Biological Technicians | 224,048 | 12.8% |
| Geneticists | 183,832 | -1.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Precision Agriculture Technicians | 167,331 | 6.9% |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | 164,357 | 8.7% |
Biology Studies graduates earn a median $32,966 one year after completing their program, $60,044 after four years and $62,520 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,966 |
| 4 years | $60,044 |
| 5 years | $62,520 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to biology studies is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Food Science Technicians | $100,898 |
| Biological Technicians | $100,160 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $97,541 |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | $92,484 |
Biology Studies has 1 similar major in the Biological & Biomedical Sciences field; the largest is Biomedical Sciences, General (12,185). Browse all Biological & Biomedical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences, General | 12,185 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
