Systematic Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Systematic Biology is a rigorous, research-driven discipline dedicated to understanding the evolutionary history, relationships, and diversity of life on Earth. It integrates empirical data with theoretical frameworks to explore how species originate, diversify, and go extinct, while also examining the geographic patterns that shape biodiversity across time and space.
- Phylogenetic analysis: The reconstruction of evolutionary relationships among organisms using genetic, morphological, and other biological data to build accurate family trees of life.
- Molecular evolution: The study of genetic changes over time, focusing on how DNA and protein sequences evolve and contribute to species divergence.
- Classification and taxonomic theory: The development and application of principles for organizing organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared ancestry and evolutionary relationships.
- Biological nomenclature: The standardized system of naming organisms, ensuring consistency and clarity in scientific communication across global research communities.
- Taxonomic assignment: The process of identifying and placing organisms into appropriate taxonomic categories using morphological, molecular, and ecological evidence.
- Evolutionary theory: The foundational framework for understanding how populations change over time through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation.
- Biological surveys and inventories: Systematic field and laboratory efforts to document species presence, abundance, and distribution within ecosystems.
- Computer modeling: The use of computational tools to simulate evolutionary processes, predict species distributions, and test hypotheses about biodiversity patterns.
- Database building: The creation and management of structured digital repositories for storing, retrieving, and analyzing biological data at scale.
Systematic Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Systematic Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Systematic 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 |
Systematic 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 Systematic Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Systematic 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 Systematic Biology is found at Harvard University (18 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Systematic Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Systematic Biology degree?
Salaries for Systematic 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 Systematic Biology programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Systematic Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harvard University (18 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 Systematic Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to 18 in 2023-24. This represents a 350% 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 Systematic 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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