Computational Biology
A program that focuses on computational theoretical approaches to understanding biological systems, including computational models of biological processes, computational management of large-scale projects, database development and data-algorithm development, and high-performance computing, as well as statistical and mathematical analyses.
- Schools offering
- 15
- Annual completions
- 129
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $100k
About this major
A program that focuses on computational theoretical approaches to understanding biological systems, including computational models of biological processes, computational management of large-scale projects, database development and data-algorithm development, and high-performance computing, as well as statistical and mathematical analyses.
Examples of specialized tracks: Computational and Systems Biology.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer occupations, all other | $109k | +8.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Data scientists | $113k | +33.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Biological technicians | $52k | +3.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Biological science teachers, postsecondary | $83k | +7.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Biological scientists, all other | $93k | +1.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Mathematical science occupations, all other | $71k | +4.0% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$100k
Top colleges for Computational Biology
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 40 | 40 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 17 | 17 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Brown University | Providence, RI | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Colby College | Waterville, ME | 0 | 2 | 2 |
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