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What you'll do in college

This major focuses on the human body, studying how our systems function, develop, and interact. Coursework spans anatomy, physiology, human genetics, immunology, and human evolution, blending biology with chemistry and physics. Expect intense laboratory sessions involving dissection, anatomical models, physiological testing, and microscopic analysis. Many pre-med students choose this major because it strongly aligns with medical school prerequisites and builds a foundational understanding of human health.

What you'll do after college

Grads frequently use this major as a launchpad for medical, dental, or physician assistant school. Those entering the workforce with a bachelor's degree work as clinical research coordinators, lab technicians, or health educators. The deep understanding of human physiology is essential for any advanced clinical or biomedical research career, and pay rises significantly with clinical licensure or advanced degrees.

Selectivity vs. earnings

By acceptance rate

$63,830
897
100–78%
$67,997
1,760
78–72%
$67,005
1,777
72–55%
$74,195
1,720
55–42%
$59,414
1,655
40–14%
$71,690
949
9–0%
Acceptance rate · bar = degree-weighted adjusted 5-year earnings

By SAT median

$58,687
713
400–1081
$62,365
1,574
1085–1225
$71,750
1,228
1230–1275
$68,889
1,328
1275–1325
$73,171
1,290
1325–1415
$76,223
771
1425–1600
Median SAT · bar = degree-weighted adjusted 5-year earnings

Majors in this category

Major Colleges Degrees Male/Female Intl 5yr Earn
Human Biology 237 11,812 31% / 69% 2% $66,819
Biomedical Sciences 153 6,325 32% / 68% 2% $64,806
Human Biology 29 2,477 27% / 73% 3% $64,958
Physiology 24 1,236 35% / 65% 2% $69,655
Biological and Biomedical Sciences 21 1,005 26% / 74% 1% $72,945
Integrative Physiology 1 333 29% / 71% 1% $81,031
Physiological Science 1 207 29% / 71% 3% $68,343
Anatomy 3 81 46% / 54% 0% $92,237
Toxicology 7 47 38% / 62% 6%
Human Physiology 1 43 21% / 79% 2% $70,191
Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology 1 32 34% / 66% 3% $80,907
Pathobiology 1 26 31% / 69% 0% $66,014