Biology
Study living organisms, from bacteria to whales
What You'll Study
Biology is the broad study of life. It covers everything from genetics and cells to evolution and ecosystems. It is the most popular starting point for careers in medicine and life sciences.
- General Biology
- Genetics
- Evolution & Ecology
- Physiology & Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Botany / Zoology
- Cell Biology
- Bio-Statistics
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You love animals, plants, or the human body
- ✓You are curious about how life evolves and survives
- ✓You have a good memory for terms and systems
- ✓You are interested in healthcare or conservation
- ✓You enjoy observing the natural world
- ✓You aren't sure which science to pick (it's broad)
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You dislike memorization
- ✕You are squeamish about dissection or blood
- ✕You want a job that doesn't require grad school (Bio often does)
- ✕You dislike stats (needed for research)
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Did you like dissecting a frog in school?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Physician (MD)
Diagnose and treat illnesses, prevent disease, and improve patient health through medical expertise.
Biomedical Engineer
Apply engineering principles to healthcare, developing medical devices, prosthetics, and diagnostic equipment.
Environmental Engineer
Develop solutions to environmental problems including pollution control, waste management, and sustainability.
Dietitian
Advise on diet, food, and nutrition to promote health and manage medical conditions.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Biologist
- •Zoologist
- •High School Teacher
- •Genetic Counselor
- •Ecologist
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Go birdwatching or plant identification using an app like iNaturalist.
Grow mold on bread (controlled) and document the spread.
Conduct a small ecology study in your backyard (count species vs location).
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but basic Bio degrees are saturated. Specialization or grad school is highly recommended.
Yes, the most common one. But you do not HAVE to do Bio for Med School.
Yes, especially in Ecology/Marine Bio/Zoology.
Less than Physics/Chem, but Statistics is very important.
Medium. Less abstract math, but huge volume of information to learn.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Biology is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.