by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Oncology & Cancer Biology explores Oncology And Cancer Biology. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of Carcinogens; The Onset Of Malignancy In Cells, Tissues, Blood, And Organs; The Genetics Of Cancer; The Anatomy And Physiology Of Cancer Cells; And The Study Of Cancer Behaviors And Treatments. Includes Instruction In Gene Expression; Oncogenes And Tumor Suppressor Genes; Viral Genes And Cancer Proliferation; Regulation Of Signal Transduction; Cancer Proteins; Hormonal And Growth Factors In Cancer Cells; Tumor Promotion, Progression, And Metastasis; Carcinogen Receptors And Metabolism; Carcinogen Ecology; Immunological Targeting; And Studies Of Genetic, Chemical, Radiologic And Other Treatment Therapies. Read on to learn the important information every oncology & cancer biology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering oncology & cancer biology programs.
In the U.S., oncology & cancer biology is a popular field of study, with 193 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Oncology & Cancer Biology Schools ranking analyzes these 30 schools to determine the best overall colleges for oncology & cancer biology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of oncology & cancer biology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Oncology & Cancer Biology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations oncology & cancer biology graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a oncology & cancer biology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a oncology & cancer biology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several oncology & cancer biology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 16 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 48 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 129 |
People currently working in careers related to oncology & cancer biology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 44.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 34.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 2.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.9% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in oncology & cancer biology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying oncology & cancer biology can lead to a variety of career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to oncology & cancer biology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to oncology & cancer biology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 125,815 | 8.9% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of oncology & cancer biology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,024 |
| 4 years | $53,598 |
| 5 years | $65,802 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for oncology & cancer biology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers oncology & cancer biology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $41,048 |
With 30 different oncology & cancer biology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased oncology & cancer biology school rankings to help you.
Those considering oncology & cancer biology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 7,132 |
| Physiology, General | 2,816 |
| Pathology/Experimental Pathology | 306 |
| Vision Science/Physiological Optics | 269 |
| Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other | 148 |
| Biomechanics | 62 |
| Cardiovascular Science | 62 |
| Molecular Physiology | 52 |
| Cell Physiology | 51 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine | 40 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
