Biology and Biological Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Biology and Biological Sciences graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $105,152 compared to $60,980 in Vermont. Approximately 1,417,870 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 1,646 accredited institutions offer Biology and Biological Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Florida International University (FIU) (983 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (893 graduates), and University of California (UCI), Irvine (784 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 67,281 in 2010 to a peak of 91,804 in 2020, before declining slightly to 89,827 in 2023-24. This represents a 34% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Life Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 1,417,870 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.