If you’re asking yourself, is a biology degree worth it? you’re not alone. According to College Factual, biology is one of the most popular majors(See disclaimer 1 )for students interested in science, healthcare and research, but it’s also a path that requires careful planning.
Whether a biology degree is worth it for you depends on your goals, your willingness to continue your education and how you plan to use your degree. For many students, biology can open doors to careers and long-term growth opportunities, but it’s important to understand what the journey looks like.
To help explore what a biology degree can offer, we spoke with Will Primack, MD, faculty of the College of Natural Sciences at GCU, for insight into the field and what students can expect.
What You Study in a Biology Major
A biology major centers on the study of living organisms, from cellular structures to entire ecosystems. Coursework typically includes subjects such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry and biochemistry, helping students build a strong foundation in the life sciences.
Many programs also incorporate hands-on learning to help connect classroom concepts to practical applications. According to Dr. Primack, this approach is a key part of the learning experience. He explains, “Many pre-health programs are moving away from cadaver-based anatomy instruction in favor of virtual tools, but at GCU, we still use real cadavers because nothing truly replaces that hands-on experience. It’s a key part of how students learn anatomy in a practical way.”
In addition to anatomy instruction, lab-based coursework and research opportunities can play an important role in helping students apply what they learn and build relevant skills. Courses in the hard sciences — which rely on rigorous, objective and repeatable experimental methods, quantitative data, and mathematical models to test theories — further support this hands-on learning.
"All of our hard science courses include lab components that reflect what students will encounter in their careers. We also offer research opportunities through Canyon Emerging Scholars, where students can gain experience with research protocols and technical writing to help strengthen their graduate school applications."
Experiential learning opportunities like these can help students build confidence and prepare for future clinical or research settings.
Skills You Can Gain as a Biology Student
Biology majors can develop a wide range of transferable skills that may be applied across industries. In addition to building scientific knowledge, students can strengthen abilities that are valuable in both technical and non-technical roles.
The skills you can develop in a biology program may include:
Through coursework, lab experiences and research opportunities, students explore how to evaluate complex information, draw evidence-based conclusions and communicate their findings clearly.
Strong communication and adaptability are especially important in today’s evolving workforce. As Dr. Primack explains, “Communication is key. According to Forbes, adaptability is one of the top skills employers are looking for.(See disclaimer 2) Students need to know how to apply their foundational knowledge in meaningful ways, not just generate answers.”
Is a Biology Degree Worth It Overall?
So, is biology a good major? The value of a biology degree often depends on how you plan to use it. For students pursuing healthcare careers, biology can be a strong foundation, but it’s important to understand both the focus and flexibility of the degree.
Biology can serve as a strong starting point for a variety of career paths, especially in healthcare and science-related fields, but its value often comes from the steps you take after graduation. Understanding how the degree aligns with your goals, as well as the additional education or experience you may need, can help you determine if it’s the right fit for your future.
Key Factors That Determine Value
A biology degree can offer flexibility for those willing to build on it. Pursuing graduate education, certifications or specialized experience may expand career options beyond a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS.(See disclaimer 3) Developing communication, adaptability and other professional skills can also play a key role in how students apply their degree in different industries.
Ultimately, maximizing the value of a biology degree comes down to planning ahead and aligning your education with your long-term goals.
Long Term Outcomes for Biology Majors
Many biology students continue their education after earning a bachelor’s degree. Dr. Primack explains, “Most of our students plan to pursue some type of graduate degree. A bachelor’s in biology can be a terminal degree, but the opportunities at that level are more limited. In many cases, students will need additional education or research experience after completing their degree."(See disclaimer 3)
According to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data from the BLS, approximately 59% of biology bachelor's degree holders go on to earn a master's, doctoral or professional degree.(See disclaimer 3) Graduate school can lead to many career opportunities, with 13.7% of biology graduates becoming physicians, and 57% of medical school applicants holding a degree in biology.(See disclaimer 4,5) They may also become dentists, pharmacists, medical scientists and more, after completing graduate education.(See disclaimer 3)
Is Biology a Good Major?
Choosing biology as a major can be a good choice for students who are curious about how living systems work and are motivated to turn that interest into a career path. It’s a field that challenges you to think deeply, stay disciplined and engage with complex material, all while building skills that extend beyond the lab or classroom. At the same time, it’s important to weigh the level of commitment required and consider how the degree fits into your long-term plans.
For students who are ready to put in the work and think strategically about their next steps, biology can offer opportunities to grow both academically and professionally.
Pros of Majoring in Biology
Biology can be a strong major for students who are interested in science and are willing to commit to a rigorous academic path. It provides a foundation for a wide range of careers and encourages the development of critical skills that apply across industries.
Dr. Primack says, “Students in a biology program can develop highly transferable skills. Analytical thinking is a major one, along with the ability to interpret complex data, maintain discipline and manage a demanding workload. It’s a challenging major at any university, and students can’t coast through it, they must consistently demonstrate effort and commitment. Scientific communication is also critical. Even with advancements in AI, students still need to understand and clearly communicate information.”
These skills can help students build a strong foundation for both graduate school and long-term growth.
Challenges to Consider
While biology offers many opportunities, it also comes with challenges that students should carefully consider before choosing the major. In addition to requiring further education in many cases, biology programs can be demanding and require long-term commitment.
“Time management is essential. Simple habits like showing up, staying committed, demonstrating grit, and not giving up when things get challenging are going to help you succeed. Regardless of the degree, these qualities are critical for long-term success,” adds Dr. Primack.
Should I Major in Biology?
Biology may be a good fit for students who are curious about living systems and enjoy subjects like science and math. If you are interested in topics such as human health, ecosystems or laboratory research, this major can provide opportunities to explore those areas in more depth.
It may also be a strong choice for students who are open to continuing their education after earning a bachelor’s degree. Many biology-related careers can require advanced degrees, so being prepared for that possibility can help you plan ahead.(See disclaimer 3 )Students who are motivated to seek out hands-on learning experiences, such as labs, internships or research projects, may also find added value in this field.
GCU’s BS in Biology (includes emphases) was in the top 5 programs of traditional campus, online and evening cohort students as of Fall 2024
When You May Want To Choose a Different Path
Biology may not be the best fit for students who prefer a more direct path into the workforce after graduation. If you are considering a biology degree, Dr. Primack shares this advice:
“I always tell my students to have a plan B and even a plan C. Graduate programs are extremely competitive, so it’s important to start strong, finish strong and perform well on entrance exams. The good news is that a biology degree can still be valuable even if graduate school doesn’t work out, but students may need to do additional research to identify alternative paths. I also encourage students considering related pathways, like an exercise science degree or athletic training degree, to explore the job market ahead of time and understand the potential return on their investment.”
Having a backup plan and understanding different career pathways can help students make more informed decisions.
Career Advantages of a Biology Foundation
A biology degree can offer more than subject-specific knowledge. It can help students build a range of skills and experiences that support both personal growth and future career opportunities. From developing adaptable skill sets to exploring leadership roles, students may find opportunities to grow in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
Dr. Primack adds, “We offer a wide range of clubs, and I always encourage students to go beyond just joining. Get involved and take on leadership roles. Organizations like HOSA provide opportunities for clinical experience, and we have clubs aligned with each biology specialty. We’re also launching a book club to help students strengthen their reading comprehension skills, which is especially important for exams like the MCAT, a long, passage-based test.”
These experiences can help students build skills, gain confidence and stand out when applying for graduate programs or jobs.
GCU’s College of Natural Sciences building houses 24 labs
Career Paths for Biology Majors
A biology degree can prepare graduates to explore a variety of paths across science, health and research-focused fields. While some roles may require additional education or training, a bachelor’s in biology can serve as a starting point for pursuing biology career opportunities in both laboratory and applied settings.
Common career paths for graduates with a bachelor’s in biology include:
How To Increase the Value of a Biology Degree
A biology degree can offer a strong foundation, but the steps students take during their program can play an important role in shaping future opportunities. Seeking out hands-on experiences, such as internships, research projects or lab work, can help reinforce classroom learning while building practical skills.
Students may also consider selecting minors or electives that align with their interests and goals. This can help broaden knowledge and provide additional context for how biology is applied in different fields.
Best Minors and Complementary Skills
Choosing the right minor can help biology students expand their skill set and support a variety of career interests. At GCU, students may consider pairing their degree with natural science minors such as:
Developing skills in areas like data analysis, communication and critical thinking can also help students apply what they’ve learned across different professional settings.
Experience That Improves Career Outcomes
A biology degree can open the door to a range of career paths, especially when students actively pursue hands-on learning opportunities. Gaining practical experience can help deepen understanding of the field while strengthening preparation for what comes next.
Dr. Primack adds, “We’ve spoken with admissions committees from several graduate programs, and they consistently emphasize the importance of clinical experience. They want students who not only perform well academically but also understand what the day-to-day work in their chosen field actually looks like. It’s not enough to shadow or volunteer occasionally, they want to see meaningful, hands-on experience. That helps ensure students are fully prepared and committed before entering a rigorous program.”
Explore Biology Degree Opportunities
If you’re thinking about where a biology degree could take you, this is your chance to start turning that curiosity into a plan. At GCU, you can learn through hands-on lab experiences, explore research opportunities and follow pre-health pathways that align with your goals.
You’ll also be supported by knowledgeable faculty, experience a vibrant campus community and complete coursework through a Christian worldview that encourages you to grow both academically and personally. Take a look at the programs below and see how you can start shaping your future at GCU.
Explore our types of biology degrees:
No matter where you’re starting from, taking that first step with a clear plan can help you move toward your future career.
Discover GCU biology programs and take the next step toward your science or healthcare career path.
