Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Programs studying living organisms at every scale, from molecular biology to ecology. Includes biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and marine biology.

Common careers: Research Scientist, Biotech Researcher, Lab Technician, Epidemiologist, Geneticist, Environmental Biologist

5,754Programs
1,837Schools
$36,823Median Earnings
$30,178$44,074Middle 50% Earnings
$22,105Avg Debt at Graduation

Specializations

Top Earning Programs

Highest median earnings one year after graduation

1
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)University of Pennsylvania, PA
$185,874
2
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences(masters)Duke University, NC
$171,112
3
Biology(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$153,622
4
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA
$150,114
5
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)Harvard University, MA
$142,377
6
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology(doctoral)University of California8 campuses
$117,339
7
Pharmacology and Toxicology(professional)Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, NJ
$113,264
8
Biology(doctoral)Rutgers University2 campuses
$106,354
9
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology(masters)New York University, NY
$100,602
10
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$100,512
11
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology(masters)University of Chicago, IL
$99,193
12
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology(grad-cert)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$97,522
13
Biology(doctoral)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$96,695
14
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology(masters)Oregon Health & Science University, OR
$93,583
15
Pharmacology and Toxicology(masters)Michigan State University, MI
$93,234
16
Physiology, Pathology(masters)Ohio State University-Main Campus, OH
$93,164
17
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(doctoral)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$91,570
18
Biology(masters)Salisbury University, MD
$91,503
19
Biology(masters)University of Maryland2 campuses
$91,503
20
Biology(masters)Hood College, MD
$91,503
21
Biotechnology(masters)Northeastern University, MA
$90,091
22
Biotechnology(masters)Northeastern University Professional Programs, MA
$90,091
23
Genetics(masters)Long Island University, NY
$89,484
24
Biotechnology(masters)University of Maryland Global Campus, MD
$89,105
25
Biotechnology(masters)California State University5 campuses
$88,886

Career Paths

Occupations linked to biological & biomedical sciences programs

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

$103,650/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Genetic Counselors

Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

$98,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

$87,330/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Top States

States with the most biological & biomedical sciences programs

CA507 programs$41,189 avg
NY454 programs$43,574 avg
TX342 programs$40,926 avg
PA324 programs$40,594 avg
OH263 programs$39,020 avg
MA241 programs$48,368 avg
IL201 programs$42,442 avg
MI182 programs$38,329 avg
NC161 programs$42,505 avg
FL155 programs$39,497 avg
CT154 programs$47,392 avg
IN146 programs$40,511 avg
GA128 programs$38,596 avg
TN124 programs$38,976 avg
MO119 programs$40,415 avg