School Overview
Biology is a broad field, with applications in scientific and medical research. Thus, many schools offer biological and biomedical science programs. Here we look at some of the top schools in the nation that stand out because of how they compare to other top schools and the different types of programs they offer students. The top schools for biological and biomedical science include Cornell University (an Ivy League institution), as well as the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Their graduate programs in the biological sciences can lead to master's or doctoral degrees. The biological sciences programs at these universities were ranked as some of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY
Cornell University offers more than 60 majors through its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. Biological and biomedical sciences programs are available through various schools in the university, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Human Ecology and College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2019, the graduate field of Biological/Agricultural Engineering was ranked tied at 3rd by U.S. News & World Report, and tied for 10th in the field of biological sciences in 2018. Courses are also offered through the Weill Medical College in New York City as part of Cornell's biological sciences curricula. Examples of subjects taught include evolutionary biology, entomology, microbiology, and neurobiology.
University of Texas SW Medical Center
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center offers a multitude of Ph.D. tracks in biology. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center was the 26th best medical school for research on U.S. News & World Report's 2019 ranking and tied for 18th in the biological sciences in 2018. As a place for education in patient care, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in several fields. These include biological chemistry, biomedical engineering, cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, integrative biology, and molecular biophysics. Also offered is the combined M.D./Ph.D. program. Non-degree programs, too, are available in fellowships and research, like a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, students have access to five Signature Research Thrusts in biomedical science and engineering. In 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's graduate biological sciences program as tied for 73rd. Students in the School of Science may pursue a number of Bachelor of Science degrees including in biology, bioinformatics and molecular biology, and biochemistry and biophysics. Undergraduate students may also enroll in B.S. plus M.S. or B.S. plus Ph.D. programs, as well as a B.S. plus M.D. Physician-Scientist Program. Graduate students may pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology or Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Top Biological and Biomedical Science Schools
Let's explore a few other well-respected biological and biomedical sciences programs offered at five other schools.
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Marine biology department has access to Monterey Bay | Stanford, CA |
| University of California - San Diego | Home to the Center for Circadian Biology | San Diego, CA |
| University of Chicago | Biological sciences program offers integrated education for undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduates | Chicago, IL |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Home to the UM Biological Station | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of Washington | Biology department houses Medicinal Herb Garden and Greenhouse | Seattle, WA |
Three of the top biological and biomedical sciences programs in the nation are offered at Cornell University, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. These schools have been ranked as some of the best by U.S. News & World Report and offer a plethora of both undergraduate and graduate programs.
