Biology major
Biology: courses, careers, and where to study
Biology is the foundational pre-health major, covering molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of living systems.
A Biology major covers cellular and molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Programs require a strong chemistry sequence (general and organic), physics, and calculus. Many BS-track programs require additional biochemistry and statistics. Common concentrations include Cell & Molecular, Ecology & Evolution, Marine, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.
Biology is the most common pre-medical major and a strong feeder into PhD programs in biological sciences. Graduates work in research labs, biotech, pharmaceutical, environmental, and clinical fields.
Academic classification (CIP)
In the federal Classification of Instructional Programs, Biology maps to CIP 26.0101, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, within the BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES family. The official definition:
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: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020. View on nces.ed.gov
What you'll study
- General biology, cell, and molecular biology
- Genetics
- Ecology and evolution
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Lab techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, sequencing)
- Senior research project
Typical careers
- Pre-medicine pathway → MD/DO
- Research Lab Technician
- Biotech Researcher
- PhD Biologist (academia)
- Medical Lab Scientist
- Forensic Biologist
Typical salary range: $48,000–$72,000 early-career (varies; PhD significantly higher)Ranges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.
Related occupations
Occupations the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk associates with Biology. Linked titles open a CampusPin career page with BLS pay and outlook data; others are listed for reference.
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- Life Scientists, All Other
- Agricultural Technicians
- Food Science Technicians
- Biological Technicians
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Crosswalk: CIP 2020 to SOC 2018. A program of study does not guarantee any specific occupation.
Before you commit to a Biology major
CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific Biology program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.
Ask the Biology department
- Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
- What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
- What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
- Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?
Ask current students & check the curriculum
- How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
- What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
- Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
- How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Find a Biology program
CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Biology programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.
Related majors
Health Sciences
Health Sciences is a broad pre-professional major for students preparing for medical, dental, PA, PT, or pharmacy school, combining biology, chemistry, and patient-care exposure.
Chemistry
Chemistry studies matter and its transformations, preparing graduates for pharmaceutical, materials, energy, environmental, and biotech careers, plus medical and graduate school.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry studies the chemistry of living systems, bridging biology and chemistry for students aiming at research, biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical and graduate pathways.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science combines biology, chemistry, geology, and policy to address climate, conservation, water, and pollution challenges.
Put this major in context
The salary above is an occupation-wide median from federal data, not a starting wage or a guarantee. These CampusPin guides and reports help you read it well, see where a Biology degree can lead, and weigh it against cost and program quality.
Explore Science & Research careers
Median pay, job outlook, and the occupations this field covers.
Explore Education & Library careers
Median pay, job outlook, and the occupations this field covers.
How one major leads to many careers
Why a single Biology degree can open more than one path, and how to read the occupations above.
Why a median wage is not a starting salary
How to read a BLS median, and why early-career pay usually sits below it.
When accreditation and licensure matter
How program accreditation and state licensure can shape a Biology path before you enroll.
Does a pricier college pay off?
How college cost lines up with graduation and earnings, an association, not a ranking.
How this guide is sourced
This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.