Key Takeaways
- Phoenix is home to several top-tier biology degree programs offering extensive research, internships, and biotechnology career pathways.
- Arizona State University (ASU) leads in breadth, research funding, and life sciences innovation opportunities.
- Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, and online options across public and private institutions.
- Phoenix’s strong biomedical sector provides numerous hands-on internship and employment prospects for biology graduates.
Best Biology Degrees in Phoenix: 2024 Guide
Whether you’re fascinated by genetics, ecology, or molecular science, a biology degree can open the door to diverse careers in research, healthcare, environmental management, or biotechnology. If you’re searching for the best biology degrees in Phoenix, Arizona, this guide outlines the top programs, their specialties, and what sets them apart in 2024.
Why Study Biology in Phoenix?
Phoenix isn’t just Arizona’s largest city—it’s a fast-growing hub for biosciences, offering access to some of the most advanced research facilities and employers in the Southwest. Global names such as Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, and TGen (Translational Genomics Research Institute) provide internship and research opportunities that strengthen the real-world value of local biology degrees.
Top Biology Degree Programs in Phoenix
1. Arizona State University (ASU) – School of Life Sciences
Degree Options: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biological Sciences, with numerous concentrations (e.g., Genetics, Ecology, Biomedical Sciences)
Overview: ASU’s Tempe campus, part of the Greater Phoenix area, is consistently ranked among the top public universities for life sciences. Its biology programs integrate cutting-edge lab training with interdisciplinary research in fields like sustainability and biotechnology.
Highlights:
- Access to the Biodesign Institute – Arizona’s largest life sciences research hub
- Collaborative opportunities with the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
- Undergraduate research grants and study abroad options
- Highly flexible curriculum for students interested in medical school preparation
Tuition Estimate (2024): $11,600 (in-state); $31,200 (out-of-state)
Career Outlook: Graduates move into roles in biotechnology, biomedical research, or environmental sciences, with average starting salaries between $52,000–$65,000.
2. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Degree Options: Bachelor of Science in Biology; Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Overview: GCU is a private Christian university offering a highly structured biology curriculum emphasizing scientific research and ethical leadership. Students often use the program as a stepping-stone to graduate or medical school.
Highlights:
- State-of-the-art laboratories and high student-faculty engagement
- Undergraduate research projects supported by local healthcare partnerships
- Option for online and evening classes for working students
- Emphasis on faith-integrated scientific education
Tuition Estimate (2024): $17,800 per year
Career Outlook: Graduates pursue careers in biological research, diagnostics, and healthcare education, or transition into advanced degrees in medicine or pharmacy.
3. Phoenix College
Degree Options: Associate of Science (AS) in Biological Sciences
Overview: Part of the Maricopa Community Colleges network, Phoenix College offers an affordable foundation in biology designed for transfer to four-year universities. It provides a strong base in general chemistry, anatomy, and cell biology.
Highlights:
- Extensive articulation agreements with ASU and Northern Arizona University
- Hands-on laboratory experience in state-of-the-art classrooms
- Small class sizes and strong academic support services
Tuition Estimate (2024): $2,100 (in-district, annual)
Career Outlook: Ideal for students aiming to transfer into bachelor’s programs or for entry-level lab technician roles.
4. Arizona Christian University (ACU)
Degree Options: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Overview: ACU delivers a liberal-arts approach to science education, balancing rigorous biology coursework with a Christian worldview. The program’s tight-knit campus and personalized mentorship are major draws for small-class learning.
Highlights:
- Strong faculty mentorship in biological and environmental research
- Opportunities for internships in Phoenix’s nonprofit and educational sectors
- Integration of ethics and scientific inquiry
Tuition Estimate (2024): $31,500 per year
Career Outlook: Graduates often pursue teaching, health-related professions, or environmental stewardship roles.
5. University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Degree Options: Graduate programs (MS and PhD in Biomedical Science and related fields)
Overview: While primarily a graduate institution, UA College of Medicine in Phoenix deserves mention for students planning to continue advanced biological research. Its partnerships with hospitals and labs form the backbone of Phoenix’s biomedical innovation landscape.
Highlights:
- Clinical collaboration through Banner Health and Barrow Neurological Institute
- Graduate fellowships and NIH-funded research projects
- Focus areas include molecular biology, pharmacology, and genomics
Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Biology Programs in Phoenix (2024)
Institution Degree Offered Tuition (Annual) Format Key Strength Arizona State University BA/BS in Biological Sciences $11.6K (AZ), $31.2K (out-of-state) On-campus & Online Research depth & biotech partnerships Grand Canyon University BS in Biology / Biomedical Sciences $17.8K On-campus, Online Clinical alignment & flexible scheduling Phoenix College AS in Biological Sciences $2.1K On-campus Affordability & university transfers Arizona Christian University BS in Biology $31.5K On-campus Intimate learning & ethical science focus UA College of Medicine – Phoenix MS, PhD (Biomedical Science) Graduate-level only On-campus, Research-based Advanced life sciences research
Online Biology Degree Options in Phoenix
ASU Online offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, identical in curriculum to the on-campus program. Students gain laboratory simulation experience using digital tools and collaborate virtually with faculty researchers. While GCU also offers some hybrid biology coursework, most degree-seeking students complete their practical labs in person to meet graduate school prerequisites.
Key Factors When Choosing a Biology Program
- Curriculum specialization: Choose based on your career trajectory—ecology, genetics, or biomedical sciences.
- Research access: ASU and UA Phoenix provide access to high-level lab environments, critical for graduate school applications.
- Affordability and transfer pathways: Community college degrees like Phoenix College’s AS program can save thousands before transferring.
- Internship support: Prioritize institutions offering partnerships with Phoenix health and biotech firms.
Career Opportunities for Biology Graduates in Phoenix
Phoenix’s life sciences sector employs over 30,000 professionals across pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and health systems. Graduates of local biology programs often pursue:
- Research Assistant or Laboratory Technician
- Environmental Consultant
- Healthcare Analyst or Clinical Specialist
- Biotech Sales Representative
- Graduate or Professional School (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary)
Major regional employers include Mayo Clinic, TGen, Barrow Neurological Institute, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Median annual wages for bachelor’s-level biology graduates exceed $60,000 in the Phoenix metro area, according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How to Get Started
Prospective students should begin by comparing program curriculums, contacting academic advisors, and exploring financial aid options. Apply early—some universities offer research-based scholarships or priority admission for high-performing students pursuing STEM majors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Biology Degrees in Phoenix
What biology degrees can you earn in Phoenix?
In Phoenix, you can earn associate degrees at community colleges, bachelor’s degrees at universities like ASU, GCU, and ACU, and graduate degrees in biomedical sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. ASU also offers a fully online BS in Biological Sciences.
Why should you study biology in Phoenix?
You study biology in Phoenix to gain access to a strong bioscience hub with major employers such as Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, TGen, and Barrow Neurological Institute. These partners offer internships, research projects, and jobs that connect your coursework to real-world lab and clinical work.
Which Phoenix school is known for research in life sciences?
Arizona State University is widely known for life sciences research in the Phoenix area. Through the Biodesign Institute and the School of Life Sciences, you can work on projects in genetics, ecology, sustainability, and biotechnology with access to significant research funding.
How much does a biology degree cost in Phoenix?
Costs vary by school and level. Phoenix College’s associate degree is around $2,100 per year in-district. ASU’s in-state biology tuition is about $11,600 per year, while out-of-state is about $31,200. Private options like GCU and ACU range from about $17,800 to $31,500 per year before financial aid.
What careers can you pursue with a biology degree from Phoenix?
With a biology degree from a Phoenix school, you can work as a research assistant, lab technician, environmental consultant, healthcare or clinical specialist, or in biotech sales. Many graduates also apply to medical, dental, veterinary, or other professional programs. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, median wages for biology-related roles in the Phoenix area are often above $60,000 per year.
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