Mathematical Biology
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics to genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, evolutionary biology and systems of analysis of neurobiology, physiology, and metabolism. Includes instruction in computational mathematics, chaos and nonlinear systems, perturbation methods, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and neurobiology.
- Schools offering
- 5
- Annual completions
- 14
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $95k
About this major
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics to genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, evolutionary biology and systems of analysis of neurobiology, physiology, and metabolism. Includes instruction in computational mathematics, chaos and nonlinear systems, perturbation methods, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and neurobiology.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data scientists | $113k | +33.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Biological scientists, all other | $93k | +1.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary | $79k | +2.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Mathematical science occupations, all other | $71k | +4.0% | Bachelor's degree |
| Mathematicians | $122k | -0.7% | Master's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$95k
Top colleges for Mathematical 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 Houston | Houston, TX | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Bennington College | Bennington, VT | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
84,595 completions/yr
Mathematics, General
19,435 completions/yr
Neuroscience
10,214 completions/yr
Statistics, General
3,715 completions/yr
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
3,505 completions/yr
Data Science, General
3,290 completions/yr
Nutrition Sciences
3,201 completions/yr
Applied Mathematics, General
2,701 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Mathematical Biology field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Mathematical Biology worth it? Read verdict