Biology Majors, Colleges, and Universities

College Degree Finder

Updated by College Atlas

Biologist

Biological studies at the college level can prepare you for various careers or advanced study in areas such as science, medicine, dentistry and teaching. Before selecting a biology degree program, aspiring students should first identify their career goals. For example, if you’re interested in a teaching career you may only need to earn a bachelor’s degree, but if you’re intent on pursuing a career in scientific research and medicine you’ll have to earn master’s or PhD degree. Students should seek to earn their degree at a college or university that provide programs that will support or further their career objectives. Students interested in applying to medical school should pursue a biology degree at a college or university that provides a pre-med track.

Biology offers a plethora of specializations, including microbiology, marine biology, genetics, plant biology or cellular biology. Students who already know where they want to specialize should look for a college that offers a degree or concentration in their area of interest. Biology students pursuing a master’s or graduate degree should seek a program that has a strong biological sciences research program and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in campus labs or through an internship.

Much of today’s biology work occurs in the lab. When review potential colleges, prospective students need to make sure they find a college that has modern, well-equipped labs and that provides courses with ample hands-on lab time.

Biology Colleges and Universities with the Largest Student Enrollment

College/University Student Population Institution Type
Arizona State University 67,082 4-year, Public
Ohio State University-Main Campus 53,715 4-year, Public
University of Florida 51,474 4-year, Public
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 51,140 4-year, Public
University of Central Florida 50,121 4-year, Public
The University of Texas at Austin 49,984 4-year, Public
Texas A & M University 48,039 4-year, Public
Michigan State University 46,510 4-year, Public
University of South Florida 46,189 4-year, Public
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 44,406 4-year, Public
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 43,246 4-year, Public
University of Wisconsin-Madison 41,620 4-year, Public
Purdue University-Main Campus 41,433 4-year, Public
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 41,028 4-year, Public
Indiana University-Bloomington 40,354 4-year, Public
College of Southern Nevada 40,310 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public
University of Washington-Seattle Campus 39,675 4-year, Public
Florida International University 38,759 4-year, Public
Florida State University 38,682 4-year, Public

Biology students study plant and animal life from the cellular levels and how environmental factors affect local and global ecosystems. A biologist studies how organisms evolve, what they’re composed of, how organ and systems function, and how organisms interact with the physical environment. Biologists frequently participate in research to determine how organisms within ecosystems are related. Research findings often lead to the development of new medicines and changes to public policy. Biology majors can pursue various careers after graduating, which includes biomedicine research and development, education, allied health, while many students attend graduate school. Many students enrolled in veterinary, dental, and medical schools studied biology as undergraduates.

Biology is ideal for students interested in generalized study, and those interested in specializing in a sub-field of biology. Students usually determine their focus after consulting with a biology advisor. Those interested in health or biological science careers should study biology or a related discipline as undergraduates. Additionally, students pursuing careers in non-biological industries who would benefit from developing knowledge about the scientific process and biology should consider majoring in biology.

Select a concentration below to explore various biology majors and view colleges and universities offering majors and degree programs in biology and biological sciences.

Originally posted June 24th, 2014