Biology

SciencesBachelor's4 Years

Living organisms, genetics, ecology, molecular biology, and evolution.

Who It's For

Good Fit

You are fascinated by living things — from cells and DNA to ecosystems and evolution. If you enjoy lab work, observing nature, and understanding how organisms function, biology is a great fit. Students who are curious, patient with experiments, and comfortable memorizing detailed systems (anatomy, biochemistry) do well in this major.

×Consider Alternatives

If you dislike memorization-heavy coursework or find lab work tedious, biology may not be enjoyable. Students who prefer math-first problem solving over observation and experimentation might be better suited to physics, chemistry, or engineering.

How Your High School Classes Connect

How much each subject matters in this degree

Biology
Core
Chemistry
Core
Math
Important
Physics
Helpful
English
Minor

Common Coursework

Calculus I
ModerateReq

Master derivatives and integrals — the math of rates of change and areas under curves.

General Chemistry I & II
DemandingReq

Study atoms, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, and thermodynamics at the molecular level.

General Biology I & II
ModerateReq

Survey life from molecules to ecosystems — cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and organ systems.

Physics I & II
DemandingReq

Cover mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, and optics through problem solving and lab experiments.

Biostatistics
ModerateReq

Apply statistical methods to biological and health data for experiments and clinical studies.

Organic Chemistry I & II
NotoriousReq

Study carbon-based molecules, their reactions, and how to synthesize new compounds step by step.

Genetics
DemandingReq

Study how DNA encodes traits, how genes are inherited, and how mutations cause variation.

Cell & Molecular Biology
ToughReq

Examine how cells function at the molecular level — membranes, signaling, gene expression, and division.

Ecology
ModerateReq

Analyze how organisms interact with each other and their environments in populations and ecosystems.

Evolutionary Biology
ModerateReq

Trace how species change over time through natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation.

Biochemistry
NotoriousReq

Study the chemical reactions inside living cells — enzymes, metabolism, DNA, and protein structure.

Anatomy & Physiology
DemandingReq

Learn every major organ system — how the body is structured and how each part functions.

Common Next Steps

Medical SchoolMaster's in Public HealthPhD in BiologyVeterinary School

Brightest = most common path

Job Market Outlook

11/13related careers have positive growth outlook
Moderate Growth×6Strong Growth×5Declining×1Stable×1

Is Biology right for you?

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