Population Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Population Biology is an advanced scientific discipline dedicated to understanding the structure, behavior, and evolutionary trajectories of biological populations across species and ecosystems. This field investigates how genetic variation, environmental pressures, and ecological interactions shape the distribution, abundance, and long-term survival of organisms in natural systems.
- Biostatistics: Applies statistical methods to analyze biological data, enabling researchers to draw reliable conclusions from complex ecological and genetic datasets.
- Population Dynamics: Examines how population sizes change over time, influenced by birth rates, death rates, migration, and environmental factors.
- Population and Quantitative Genetics: Studies the genetic variation within populations and how traits are inherited, with a focus on measurable characteristics shaped by multiple genes.
- RNA and DNA Sequencing: Utilizes molecular techniques to decode genetic material, revealing evolutionary relationships and functional elements in organisms.
- Genomics: Explores entire genomes to understand genetic architecture, gene regulation, and the role of genetic diversity in adaptation and survival.
- Evolutionary Ecology: Integrates evolutionary theory with ecological principles to explain how natural selection shapes organismal traits in response to environmental challenges.
- Natural Adaptation and Hybridization: Investigates how species evolve in response to environmental pressures and how genetic exchange between species can influence diversity and fitness.
- Geographic Differentiation: Analyzes how populations diverge across space due to isolation, environmental gradients, and gene flow patterns.
- Life History and Life Cycle Studies: Focuses on the timing and sequence of key biological events—such as reproduction, growth, and mortality—that define an organism’s existence.
- Animal and Plant Demography: Tracks population trends through age-structured models to assess survival, fertility, and overall population viability in both flora and fauna.
Population Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Population Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Population Biology degrees, including Biological Scientists, All Other and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 112,960 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Population Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,785 in Arkansas to $118,840 in California—a 70% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Connecticut, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 112,960 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 Population Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Population 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 Population Biology is found at University of California (UCD), Davis (4 graduates), Texas State University (TXST) (4 graduates), Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (1 graduates), and Saint Vincent College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 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 (UCD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Master's
|
4 | San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Saint Vincent College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Latrobe, Pennsylvania | Private | stvincent.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Population Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Population Biology degree?
Salaries for Population Biology graduates vary by role and location. Biological Scientists, All Other earn a median of $93,330 annually, while Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $83,460. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $118,840 compared to $69,785 in Arkansas. Approximately 112,960 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 Population Biology programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Population Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCD), Davis (4 graduates), Texas State University (TXST) (4 graduates), and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (1 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 Population Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 22 in 2010 to 10 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Population Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Biological Scientists, All Other, Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 112,960 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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