Biology Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Biology major studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Biology majors study cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and physiology, with laboratory courses throughout.

A Biology major includes coursework in cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, physiology, and microbiology and more. You build skills such as laboratory techniques, scientific method, data analysis, and scientific writing. Programs often include laboratory work. Typical degrees: associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, physiology, microbiology, and general and organic chemistry. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Biology is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 56 colleges reported certificate awards, 334 colleges reported associate awards, 1,340 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 421 colleges reported master’s awards, and 173 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to biology include biological technician, microbiologist, medical laboratory technician, medical scientist, biochemist, forensic science technician, and epidemiologist. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include biological technician (typical training: 4 years), microbiologist (typical training: 4+ years), medical laboratory technician (typical training: 2 years (technician) or 4 years (technologist)), medical scientist (typical training: 5–8 years after a bachelor’s), biochemist (typical training: 5–6 years after a bachelor’s), and forensic science technician (typical training: 4 years + training).

Biology majors build skills such as laboratory techniques, scientific method, data analysis, scientific writing, and attention to detail.

Good pairings include Chemistry (required by many health and research graduate programs), Statistics (builds the data skills research depends on), Public Health (applies biology to community health), and Environmental Studies (fits ecology and conservation careers).

Often, yes. Programs commonly include laboratory work. Ask each college how its program arranges hands-on work.

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as biological technician, microbiologist, and medical laboratory technician, and enjoy subjects like cell and molecular biology and genetics. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes cell and molecular biology, genetics, and ecology and evolution; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

1,695 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (180), Pennsylvania (107), New York (102), Texas (102), and Massachusetts (64), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

1,426 of the colleges that offer biology also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Biology studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Chemistry studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react. Biology leads to careers such as biological technician and microbiologist, while Chemistry leads to careers such as chemist and chemical technician.

Biology studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Physics studies matter, energy, motion and the fundamental laws of the universe. Biology leads to careers such as biological technician and microbiologist, while Physics leads to careers such as physicist and astronomer.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to biology, such as Biological Technician Training.