Biomathematics and Computational Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biomathematics and Computational Biology integrates advanced mathematical modeling, computational techniques, and biological sciences to analyze complex life systems. This interdisciplinary field equips students with the tools to interpret biological data, simulate dynamic processes, and develop predictive models across genetics, ecology, and disease research.
- Mathematical Modeling in Biology: Applying differential equations, probability theory, and statistical frameworks to represent and analyze biological phenomena such as population dynamics, biochemical reactions, and neural activity.
- Computational Genomics: Using algorithmic approaches to process and interpret large-scale genomic data, including sequence alignment, gene prediction, and functional annotation of DNA and RNA.
- Systems Biology: Studying biological systems as integrated networks of genes, proteins, and metabolites through simulation and data-driven modeling to understand emergent behaviors in cellular processes.
- Biostatistics and Data Analysis: Employing rigorous statistical methods to design experiments, assess biological variability, and draw valid inferences from high-throughput datasets in clinical and molecular research.
- Machine Learning in Life Sciences: Implementing artificial intelligence and pattern recognition algorithms to classify biological entities, predict protein structures, and uncover hidden relationships in complex biological datasets.
- Biological Network Analysis: Investigating the structure and function of biological systems through graph theory and network science, including protein-protein interactions and metabolic pathways.
Biomathematics and Computational Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biomathematics and Computational Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biomathematics and Computational Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians and Data Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 454,150 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Mathematicians 15-2021 | $121,680 | $63,430 - $187,660 | 2,220 | $58.50 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
Biomathematics and Computational Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,697 in Louisiana to $149,607 in California—a 103% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 454,150 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Biomathematics and Computational Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 21 institutions offering Biomathematics and Computational Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Biomathematics and Computational Biology is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (91 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (30 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (25 graduates), Yale University (16 graduates), and University of California (UCI), Irvine (14 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 250 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
91 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
30 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Harvey Mudd College (HMC) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Claremont, California | Private | hmc.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
8 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Other Award
|
6 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Duke University |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
4 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Rhodes College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | rhodes.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Nova Southeastern University (NSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | nova.edu |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Private | rose-hulman.edu |
| Northern Michigan University (NMU) |
Master's
|
1 | Marquette, Michigan | Public | nmu.edu |
| Minot State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Minot, North Dakota | Public | minotstateu.edu |
| Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ollusa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biomathematics and Computational Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Biomathematics and Computational Biology degree?
Salaries for Biomathematics and Computational Biology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Mathematicians earn around $121,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $149,607 compared to $73,697 in Louisiana. Approximately 454,150 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Biomathematics and Computational Biology programs?
Currently 21 accredited institutions offer Biomathematics and Computational Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (91 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (30 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (25 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Biomathematics and Computational Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 47 in 2010 to 250 in 2023-24. This represents a 432% 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.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Biomathematics and Computational Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 454,150 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.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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