by our College Data Analytics TeamOncology & Cancer Biology was the 874th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 150 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 2.0% increase in oncology and cancer biology degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 147.
Our 2023 Best Oncology & Cancer Biology Schools ranking analyzes 19 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for oncology and cancer biology students. Explore this or one of our many other custom oncology and cancer biology rankings further below.
When studying Oncology and Cancer Biology, you’ll learn that using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems will help you be successful in a wide range of jobs. Required skills include using scientific rules and methods to solve problems and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
oncology and cancer biology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific oncology and cancer biology careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Oncology and Cancer Biology degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in oncology and cancer biology to something that takes less time like a . The type of oncology and cancer biology degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to oncology and cancer biology, with approximately 28.9% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to oncology and cancer biology tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral Training | 45.6% |
| Doctoral Degree | 29.1% |
| Master’s Degree | 20.4% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4.1% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 1.2% |
74.2% of oncology and cancer biology workers have at least a doctorate. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in oncology and cancer biology have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which oncology and cancer biology career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your oncology and cancer biology degree? Oncology & Cancer Biology careers are expected to grow 13.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to oncology and cancer biology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists | 136,100 | 13.4% |
As you might expect, salaries for oncology and cancer biology graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for oncology and cancer biology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers oncology and cancer biology grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists | $96,420 |
With over 47 different oncology and cancer biology degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased oncology and cancer biology school rankings to help you with this.
Oncology & Cancer Biology is one of 12 different types of Physiology & Pathology Sciences programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 4,933 |
| General Physiology | 2,993 |
| Pathology/Experimental Pathology | 264 |
| Vision Science/Physiological Optics | 155 |
| Other Physiology, Pathology, & Related Sciences | 146 |
