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.
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
Starting salary range: $48,000–$72,000 starting (varies; PhD significantly higher)
Find a Biology program
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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.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science combines biology, chemistry, geology, and policy to address climate, conservation, water, and pollution challenges.