Biopsychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biopsychology explores the intricate connections between biological processes and psychological functions, with a primary focus on how biochemical and biophysical mechanisms influence the structure and operation of the central nervous system. This interdisciplinary field integrates principles from neuroscience, psychology, and biology to uncover the physiological foundations of behavior, cognition, and emotion.
- Neuroanatomy: The study of the physical structure and organization of the nervous system, including brain regions and neural pathways involved in sensory, motor, and cognitive functions.
- Neurochemistry: Investigation into the role of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other chemical messengers in regulating neural activity and influencing mood, perception, and behavior.
- Neurophysiology: Analysis of the electrical and chemical processes that govern neuron function, signal transmission, and the dynamic responses of neural networks.
- Behavioral Neuroscience: Examination of how biological systems underlie observable behaviors, including learning, memory, motivation, and emotional regulation.
- Systems Neuroscience: Focus on how different brain systems interact to produce complex behaviors and cognitive processes, emphasizing functional integration across neural circuits.
- Biological Foundations of Cognition: Exploration of the neural mechanisms supporting perception, attention, decision-making, and higher-order thinking processes.
Biopsychology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biopsychology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biopsychology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. 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 389,000 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 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1066 | $80,330 | $47,870 - $158,900 | 41,610 | N/A |
Biopsychology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $76,060 in Vermont to $133,756 in California—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 389,000 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 Biopsychology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 21 institutions offering Biopsychology 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 Biopsychology is found at Tufts University (70 graduates), Oglethorpe University (18 graduates), Simmons University (17 graduates), McKendree University (13 graduates), and Thomas Jefferson University (13 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 194 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
70 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Oglethorpe University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | oglethorpe.edu |
| Simmons University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | simmons.edu |
| McKendree University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Lebanon, Illinois | Private | mckendree.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Augsburg University |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | augsburg.edu |
| Messiah University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania | Private | messiah.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | metro.inter.edu |
| Wagner College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Staten Island, New York | Private | wagner.edu |
| Bryan College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Dayton, Tennessee | Private | bryan.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Monmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Monmouth, Illinois | Private | monmouthcollege.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Morningside University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Sioux City, Iowa | Private | morningside.edu |
| Ohio Dominican University (ODU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Columbus, Ohio | Private | ohiodominican.edu |
| Ripon College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Ripon, Wisconsin | Private | ripon.edu |
| Life University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Marietta, Georgia | Private | life.edu |
| University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | uhsp.edu |
| Geneva College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania | Private | geneva.edu |
| Immaculata University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Immaculata, Pennsylvania | Private | immaculata.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biopsychology programs
How much can I earn with a Biopsychology degree?
Salaries for Biopsychology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $133,756 compared to $76,060 in Vermont. Approximately 389,000 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 Biopsychology programs?
Currently 21 accredited institutions offer Biopsychology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Tufts University (70 graduates), Oglethorpe University (18 graduates), and Simmons University (17 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 Biopsychology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 92 in 2010 to 194 in 2023-24. This represents a 111% 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 Biopsychology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 389,000 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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