Biology Schools and Programs in The United States

Biology Studies in The United States

Biology is the science of living systems, from molecules and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems. In the United States it is taught at almost every kind of institution: research universities, liberal arts colleges and two-year community colleges. SpainExchange lists 222 schools in the United States that teach biology, most of them colleges and universities.

How the degree is organised

The first degree is a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study; each university sets the number of credits needed to graduate. Students normally do not declare their major until the end of the second year, so the first two years combine introductory science with general courses. Universities award biology as a Bachelor of Science (BS), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or both: Duke University, for example, offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and 12 optional concentration areas.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), biology programmes typically include subfields such as ecology, microbiology and physiology, and students may also need courses in mathematics, physics and other sciences. Laboratory work is central, and many departments build research into the degree. Some examples:

• At Northwestern University, biological sciences majors choose an area of concentration in their upper years, such as human health and disease or molecular neurobiology
• Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado requires a two-semester sequence of mentored research from all biology majors
• San Diego State University lists research areas in cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, marine biology and zoology
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute teaches the subject in a Department of Biology and Biotechnology and offers combined BS/MS options

Community colleges award two-year associate degrees that can count towards a bachelor's degree; Tacoma Community College, for example, lists biology as an A.A. and an A.S. option.

Graduate study and the route to medicine

The two main graduate degrees are the master's degree, which usually takes about two years, and the PhD. San Diego State University, for example, has separate master's programmes in cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and Stanford University offers a coterminal master's programme alongside its PhD. BLS notes that PhD programmes usually include a thesis or dissertation, and that PhD holders often move on to postdoctoral research positions. According to EducationUSA, the main types of university funding for graduate students are fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and administrative assistantships.

Biology is also a common preparation for medicine. In the United States medicine is a graduate degree: BLS states that physicians typically need a bachelor's degree as well as a medical degree, which takes an additional four years, and that applicants to medical school usually have studied subjects such as biology or physical science. No specific undergraduate degree is required.

Admission, language and costs

Teaching is in English, and universities require an English proficiency test before admission. Each institution sets its own requirements, so its international admissions page is the reference; EducationUSA advises starting the search 12 to 18 months before the planned start. For a full degree, international students need a student visa: once accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the international student office issues the Form I-20 used in the visa application.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition and fees at 4-year institutions in 2022-23 were $9,800 at public institutions and $40,700 at private nonprofit institutions. The public figure is the in-state rate, so check what each university charges non-residents. Starting at a community college, which is usually cheaper, and transferring to a university after two years can lower the total cost.

Where to study biology

Boston has four schools on the list, and Cambridge, Worcester, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Miami and Denver have three each. The choice is mainly between types of institution. Large research universities include The Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, The University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, Duke University and The University of Chicago. Liberal arts colleges such as Lawrence University, Claremont McKenna College and Fort Lewis College teach only or mainly undergraduates. Community colleges such as Pasadena City College and Tacoma Community College offer the first two years. When comparing programmes, look at the concentrations on offer, access to laboratory and field research for undergraduates, and whether the degree is a BA or a BS.

Careers

A bachelor's degree in biology is the typical entry qualification for several occupations tracked by BLS. Biological technicians, who help scientists with laboratory work, held about 74,400 jobs in 2025, and their employment is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035. Microbiologists held about 20,100 jobs and zoologists and wildlife biologists about 19,500; projected growth for these groups is 6% and 4%. Two thirds of zoologists and wildlife biologists (66%) work for government. For independent research, BLS notes that a PhD is typically needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a biology degree take in the United States?

A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study. A master's degree usually adds about two years, and a PhD takes longer.

Is biology a good degree for getting into medical school?

It is a common choice. According to BLS, no specific undergraduate degree is required for medical school, but applicants have usually studied subjects such as biology or physical science.

Can international students work while studying?

According to EducationUSA, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year, with permission from the international student office.