DEPARTMENT OF

BIOLOGY

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About the Department

The Department of Biology provides a comprehensive, high-quality education that fosters independence in the application of scientific knowledge to real world applications like human and animal health, biotechnology and nature conservation. Our curriculum integrates interactive learning and research opportunities to give you the skills and experience to be competitive for advanced degrees and fulfilling careers.

Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Faculty Research

Biology students learn from faculty who are active researchers and frequent contributors to scholarly journals. Faculty members offer students opportunities to work alongside them in their specific areas of research, fostering close mentorship in classrooms, laboratories, and field settings.

The Student Experience

In our department, you’ll have access to the resources and opportunities you’ll need to enhance and extend your education.

Student Research and Internships

Biology students may pursue independent research to deepen their academic experience and strengthen their resumes. Opportunities span areas such as computational biology, ecology, genetics, neuroscience, microbiology, cell biology, and teaching scholarship. Students earn academic credit by enrolling in designated research courses, including honors-level options. Research is typically completed over two semesters, for up to six total semester hours of credit.

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Programs Abroad

Biology students can participate in an immersive study abroad program that explores evolution, ecology, geology, and conservation in the Galápagos Islands. Through fieldwork, site visits, and daily excursions, students study iconic species, volcanic landscapes, and current conservation challenges such as tourism and invasive species. The program runs every other year and alternates with a similarly hands-on study abroad experience in Belize.

Explore: Galapagos Islands | Belize

Student Advisement

First-year biology majors are advised by the associate chair of undergraduate advising, Dr. Izquierdo. Sophomore, junior, and senior biology majors are assigned a biology faculty advisor who is the primary contact for questions about biology courses, major or pre-med requirements, and academic planning. Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly to confirm their progress, discuss career goals, and plan upcoming semesters. Advising from the Center for University Advising (CUA) complements faculty advising for matters outside the major.

Learn More About Student Advisement

Organizations and Affiliations

Biology students interested in medical and health-related careers can get involved with AMSA, a student organization that supports pre-med preparation through regular meetings, guest speakers, and guidance on topics such as medical careers, MCAT preparation, applications, personal statements, and interviews. AMSA also participates in volunteer and charitable activities. In addition, eligible students may join the Biology Honor Society, which builds community, supports biology-related causes, hosts academic events, and recognizes strong academic achievement.

Degrees & Programs

The most popular undergraduate program is the Bachelor of Science in Biology. Within this degree, students who have predetermined interests and career goals can choose among the following specialized study tracks: cell and molecular biology; ecology and evolution; marine biology; pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary studies; and secondary education. The department also offers BS degrees in pre-medical studies, neuroscience, and urban ecology, as well as BA degrees and minors.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Why Study Biology? BA in Biology BS in Biology BS in Pre-medical Studies BS in Neuroscience Minor in Biology Minor in Neuroscience

DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMS

Biology (BS) and Biology (MS) Dual-degree Program Urban Ecology (BA) and Urban Ecology (MA) Dual-degree Program Urban Ecology (BS) and Urban Ecology (MS) Dual-degree Program

GRADUATE DEGREES & PROGRAMS

MA in Biology MS in Biology MA in Urban Ecology MS in Urban Ecology

Pre-Dental and Pre-Vet Programs

Early Assurance Admission Program to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) Preferential Admission Program to Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine (LIU-CVM)

Two scientists wearing white lab coats, blue gloves, and safety goggles work together in a laboratory, handling tools and samples on a workstation with containers in the foreground.

Careers

Alumni of the Biology program move on to attend professional medical schools to attain advanced degrees such as Medicine (MD/DO); Veterinarian medicine (DVM); Dentistry (DDS); Optometry or attend Graduate school (MS/PhD). Others pursue careers in Public Health; Biotechnology; Research; Education; Environmental Management; Conservation Policy; Law; Business; and Technical Writing