Biophysics
A program that focuses on the application of physics principles to the scientific study of the mechanisms of biological processes and assemblies at all levels of complexity. Includes instruction in research methods and equipment operation and applications to subjects such as bioenergetics, biophysical theory and modeling, electrophysics, membrane biology, channels, receptors and transporters, contractility and muscle function, protein shaping and folding, molecular and supramolecular structures and assemblies, and computational science.
- Schools offering
- 57
- Annual completions
- 129
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $66k
About this major
A program that focuses on the application of physics principles to the scientific study of the mechanisms of biological processes and assemblies at all levels of complexity. Includes instruction in research methods and equipment operation and applications to subjects such as bioenergetics, biophysical theory and modeling, electrophysics, membrane biology, channels, receptors and transporters, contractility and muscle function, protein shaping and folding, molecular and supramolecular structures and assemblies, and computational science.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical scientists, except epidemiologists | $101k | +8.7% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Biological science teachers, postsecondary | $83k | +7.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Biochemists and biophysicists | $104k | +5.8% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$66k
Top colleges for Biophysics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 0 | 4 | 4 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Biophysics field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Biophysics worth it? Read verdict