Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Oncology and Cancer Biology?

Oncology and cancer biology are fields of study within medicine focused on cancer.  Oncology emphasizes the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer.  Cancer biology takes a systems approach to cancer research taking a holistic view of cancer.

In plain terms, cancer biologists look at a number of biological scales and clinical manifestations to best understand cancerous properties and complexities.  Examples of scales can include cellular behavior, histology, genetics, epigenetics, signaling networks,  and epidemiology.

The cancer biology degree helps to inform students on the genetical behaviors of cancerous cells, the malignancy of living systems (including organs, cells, blood, tissue), the cell physiology of cancer, viral genes, cancer proliferation, gene expression, tumor suppressor genes, hormonal factors, cancer proteins, signal transduction, metastasis, and the various treatment options (genetic, chemical, radiological).

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,160

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

53.76%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

16,600

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Oncology and Cancer Biology Degree

Stanford University (Stanford, CA) is a private research university recognized as one of the leading teaching and research institutions in the U.S. and in the world. Stanford is focused on preparing students to be leaders and competent members of the society. The university is providing a wide range of degree programs for students in both undergraduate and graduate levels. Stanford School of Medicine is one of the most recognized in the world. It manages the Oncology Division that initiates studies and bridges science to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Cancer Biology degree is one of the Biosciences programs grinding Ph.D. degrees. Students from different scientific backgrounds are welcome to this program. Fellowship in Oncology is also available for students. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) is a private university composed of one undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. The university is known for its arts and sciences programs but it also boasts great programs in business, medicine, law, leadership and governance, and engineering. Some publications describe UChicago’s learning experience as rigorous and intense. The Department of Medicine manages a Comprehensive Cancer Center. The center manages a wide range of academic programs from undergraduate up to graduate levels. The top ranked Cancer Biology degree program fosters an interdisciplinary approach. It leads to a PhD degree or a postdoctoral fellowship focused on cancer research. 

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C) is a private university and the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States but managed independently from church. Georgetown has ten colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs. The university gives undergraduate students the opportunity to design their courses of study. Georgetown exposes its students to a variety of learning experiences. Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center aims to provide research and education that will contribute to the battle against cancer. The center seeks to develop next clinical cancer researchers through its wide range of comprehensive programs. The university also provides mentoring and career developments for students and professionals. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private university with a very high research activity. Undergraduate students can choose from a wide variety of majors across four schools and colleges. The university posts a lot of student and fellowship opportunities through engagements with world-renowned experts and health care resources. The School of Medicine offers Cancer Biology graduate degree programs. Students are trained to be next cancer researchers. The curriculum exposes students to cutting-edge research areas, and allows students to learn from both course work and laboratory training. Graduates of these programs can immediately assume roles across a variety of industries. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) extends its highly recognized academic programs across two main campuses and several educational centers located in Southern California. USC is also one of the oldest research universities in the United States. The university’s strong medical-health and science programs are renowned because of its contributions to new discoveries and innovations. The Keck School of Medicine offers a wide range of graduate programs including Cancer Biology and Genomics leading to a Ph.D. The program aims to train critical thinkers and skilled students to be future cancer researchers. The program is designed to turn research and studies into actual cancer cures. The school also manages the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.  

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, GA) is the oldest public university in the state. The university is recognized for its academic excellence and research activities. The university is affiliated with the University of Michigan Health System which is a great contributor for providing training and education to medical and allied health students. Students are required to take Biomedical Sciences entry-graduate programs to be admitted to the Cancer Biology Ph.D. program. The degree in Cancer Biology fosters an interdisciplinary approach in learning. It aims to seek and train clinical cancer researchers. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) is a private research university providing programs that are designed to teach students new knowledge that can be beneficial for their future careers. UM has 12 colleges and schools that manage a variety of courses in psychology, law, social sciences, business, and marketing, etc. Miller School of Medicine houses a wide range of graduate programs for students who aim to be leaders, researchers, and professionals in the field. Cancer Biology major is a Ph.D. program that provides an interdisciplinary training for interested health and medical professionals. The program focuses on cancer research and the fundamentals across other areas of study related to cancer. Graduates of the program are trained under the supervision and guidance of both a research mentor and a physician mentor. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, NC) is a private research university with 42 majors and programs offered across six colleges and schools. Wake Forest is listed under the top 30 best national universities in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. The school has a large number of degree programs for students and has an active research program. Wake Forest’s Cancer Biology degree program leads to a Ph.D. The program is offered at the School of Medicine and the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The university aims to provide students a strong foundation on cancer research. 

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) is one of the flagship universities under the SUNY system. It is also known as the largest campus among 64 campuses. UB fosters a culture of creativity and resourceful thinking. The institution allows students to choose from a wide range of academic disciplines to learn and explore. The university is also home to innovative inventions, particularly in the medical field. UB has a master’s and a doctoral program in Cancer Sciences. The university is affiliated with the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, known to be one of the pioneers cancer research institutes in the world. Students are exposed to world-class education facilitated at a state-of-the-art research environment. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of South Florida-Main Campus (Tampa, FL) is a public university under the State University System of Florida. The university offers programs for all degree levels and it is also very active on its research initiatives. This public university has been recognized as the “Harvard of the South”. USF offers four majors under the Cancer Biology degree program - Cancer Biology, Cancer Chemical Biology, Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, and Integrated Mathematical Oncology. All majors are designed to prepare students to be next generation cancer researchers. USF faculty, staff, students, and alumni collectively have over 2,000 patents. 

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

University of the Sciences (Philadelphia, PA) is a private university that grants bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It offers academic programs across a wide range of pharmaceutical and healthcare-related disciplines. The university also offers several programs online. USciences a Ph.D. program on degree in Cancer Biology. The program fosters an multidisciplinary curriculum that focuses on research leading to drug discovery. Students are given hands-on training and exposed to top-notch research activities. 

Acceptance Rate

70.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) is a public research university. It is also the flagship university under the Utah System of Higher Education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate levels of education. The School of Medicine is also the state’s first medical school. The Department of Oncological Sciences offers programs that focus on training and educating future cancer researchers. It is affiliated with the Huntsman Cancer Institute allowing groups to improve their skills on research and postdoctoral experience. Training programs are designed for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students. 

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) is a public university considered as one of the most dynamic colleges in the United States. The university houses more than 100 areas of study for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Iowa fosters a small class size allowing for a more focused teacher-student interaction. The top rated degree in Cancer Biology is a specialized program offered by the university. Students are given advanced training and knowledge on cancer research. The program leads to a Ph.D. degree. Graduates can assume roles across academic, clinical, and a variety of industry environments. 

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO) is a public research university. The Anschutz Medical Campus offers a wide range of academic health sciences programs. It has both undergraduate and graduate programs. The university also fosters an active research program focused on medicine and health sciences studies. Cancer Biology is a graduate program that leads to a Ph.D. degree. The program provides students with training on biomedical sciences and clinical and translational research on cancer. 

Acceptance Rate

67.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) is a recognized public research university. The school has over 200 academic degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. The school boasts its nationally ranked academic programs as well as renowned faculty in their respective fields of study. The university is known for its theoretical and practical approaches to learning as well as its active research programs. Cancer Biology major is a full-time program that leads to a master’s degree. Students of this program will have the opportunity to work with leading cancer research and scientists from top institutions including Drexel University, The Wistar Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research.

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) is a public research university extending its academic excellence across six satellite campuses in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Jackson counties. The university has become popular because of its research activities. It focuses on innovations that solve real-world problems. The Cancer Biology degree program is a graduate program offered by the School of Medicine and the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Students are exposed to training programs and research before being granted a Ph.D. degrees. A dissertation research and complete a publishable research project are also required from students under this program. 

Acceptance Rate

73.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) is a public research university and it is the first university established across the state in 1885. The university is organized into 19 schools and colleges. The College of Medicine houses a long list of comprehensive academic programs. UA also offers a Cancer Biology graduate degree program that is structed to be an Interdisciplinary Program. Interested students can choose from a Ph.D. major or minor; or a MD/Ph.D. track for this particular program. The MD/Ph.D. track prepares students to gain skills as a physician as well as a researcher/scientist. The program is also open for interested in postdoctoral fellowships. 

Acceptance Rate

84.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) is a public research university extending its academic programs across its satellite campus. It also manages several research centers and medical centers. The university has a long list of highly-recognized undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The Department of Cancer Biology offers a master’s and doctoral program. The university’s cancer center also offers a separate Cancer Biology research program. All programs are designed to train students on critical thinking and practice to be competent in cancer research. 

Acceptance Rate

93.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Toledo (Toledo, OH) is a public research university that offers a large number of academic programs across a diverse area of study. The university fosters an ideal student-teacher ratio. The Department of Cancer Biology manages a Ph.D. program and a combined M.D./Ph.D. track for interested students. These programs are designed to train cancer researchers to be skilled, competent, and critical thinkers that can contribute to cancer research.  

Acceptance Rate

96.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of District of Columbia (Washington, DC) is a public historically black research university. The university provides workforce development programs, certificate programs, undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The university offers a Master Degree in Biology. Students can choose among three majors- Cancer Biology, Prevention and Control, Infectious Diseases and General Studies. The program allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in formulating and developing help to health issues like cancer and infectious diseases. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Top Oncology Degrees

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most of the occupations in cancer biology require a graduate degree or greater.  In fact, the government’s resource portal ONet shows that 78% of survey respondents have a doctoral or post-doctoral training in this field.  Students seeking employment in this field will need to meet the requirements of a graduate or doctoral program.  General requirements for students include a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from a nationally or regionally accredited institution or approved equivalent plus an acceptable grade point average as established by the university.

To help you discover the best cancer biology program for you, we have created an overview of the two most popular programs.  Below you will find a summary of each graduate degree to help you better understand school requirements as you prepare for a career in the field of cancer biology and oncology.

Oncology Master Degrees

Graduate students in a cancer biology program can expect the program to be science-latent and research-intensive.  Master degrees are conferred as a Master of Science (MS) in cancer biology.  An MS degree will typically take a full-time student 2-years to complete.  Part-time students can expect the program to take longer based on course load and school requirements of the program.

Students will take an array of upper-level courses to prepare for work in a research facility or industry setting.  Classes you can expect to see include a variation of the following:

  • Cancer Epidemiology
  • Environmental Health
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Tumor Biology
  • Biostatistics
  • Research Methods & Analysis
  • Behavioral Science in Cancer
  • Dietary Cancer Prevention
  • Applied Ethics
  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Genetics

In addition to the core classes listed above, students in a graduate degree program should be prepared to perform substantive research.  In most cases, research will culminate with a board-approved thesis project.  A thesis project is designed to add value to the cancer biology domain.  Upon completion, students will be equipped to enter the workforce or continue with their academic work into a qualifying doctorate program.

Oncology Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees in oncology and cancer biology are research-focused.  Students will invest time to analyze pathways, mechanisms, and molecules that are involved in the development of cancer.  Given the fact cancer biology relies on a variety of biological systems, graduate students can expect to work with a variety of students, researchers, and faculty.  The doctoral degree in cancer biology and oncology is conferred as a PhD.

Coursework in the PhD program will typically be quite flexible.  Formal courses are required to ensure students have a solid foundation in biological sciences.  Once established, a student will have the ability to specialize in a particular area of cancer research.  Specializations can combine a particular area of interest with a defined disease.  As an example, a student can elect to study cancer therapeutics within the nexus of genetics, biology, or biochemistry.  In addition to core classes, PhD students will complete substantive research and several lab rotations.

Educational Requirements for Oncologists

In terms of educational requirements, Oncology and Cancer Biology degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment in Oncology

For students that earn a college degree in Oncology and Cancer Biology, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from high school teacher, post-secondary teacher, researcher, genomics, immunologist, toxicologist, virologist, biologist, biological technician, biomedical engineer, microbiologist, medical scientist, epidemiologist, food scientist, surgeon, and nutritional scientist to name a few possible career tracks.

Cancer Biology Careers

The job growth in the greater Oncology and Cancer Biology domain are well above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for college professors is expected to rise 13% through 2024 and biomedical engineers an amazing 23% growth rate is expected during the same period.  Given the broad nature of the Oncology and Cancer Biology degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include botany, teaching, microbiology, research, genomics, medical science, immunology, pharmacology, radiobiology, and neuroanatomy.

Best Resources in Cancer Biology & Oncology

The following associations and organizations provide working professionals and students in cancer biology with resources, tools, and professional opportunities.  To learn more about each organization, simply connect with them to find out how they may benefit your research or professional goals.

  • Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO)
  • American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO)
  • Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)
  • Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators (SROA)
  • American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG)
  • Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
  • American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO)
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
  • American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPH/O)
  • Association of Cancer Executives (ACE)
  • Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG)
  • Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)
  • Children's Oncology Group (COG)
  • Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses (APON)
  • International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP)
  • Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Work (APOSW)
  • Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO)
  • Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO)

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com