Whether you plan to attend graduate school or move directly into a career, a degree in biology will prepare with the fundamentals and competence you'll need to move in either direction. Earn a B.A. or a B.S. degree in biology, or pursue a minor in it. Or major in biology with a focus on environmental science. If you have diverse scientific interests, choose an interdisciplinary major as biochemistry and biological and medical physics.
You’ll prepare to follow career paths or graduate specialties in:
- Plant biology
- Developmental biology
- Reproductive biology
- Environmental biology
- Marine biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
You will also be prepared for medical, dental, or veterinary schools.
Syracuse drew out so many of my passions and gave me outlets, creative spaces, programs and other opportunities to express them. It has led me down pathways I never expected.
—Ryan Patel '19, Biology, Public Health
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The founding college of Syracuse University remains at the center of undergraduate learning. The College is divided into the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences, with the lattermost offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Courses
Core coursework covers biology, genetics, and ecology. Sample courses include:
- Biology of Cancer
- Advanced Neuroscience
- Animal Communication
- Conservation Biology
- Evolutionary Medicine
Practical Experience
Extensive biological field and extracurricular opportunities will enable you to earn hands-on experience in the industry.
- Gain research experience by working in the labs of biology faculty.
- Participate in the annual Undergraduate Research Conference.
- Get involved with TriBeta, the undergraduate student-run life sciences interest group.
Study Abroad
Broaden your perspective and enhance your resume with a study abroad experience during your college years. Consistently ranked among the top 25 international education providers in the U.S., Syracuse Abroad has more than 100 programs in 60 countries.
Biology students most commonly go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence, London, and Santiago, and to World Partner programs at the University of Queensland , the University of New South Wales , DIS Copenhagen, and OTS Duke: Costa Rica.
Life after Syracuse University
With a degree in biology, you can explore such careers as:
- Medical doctor
- Environmental scientist
- Botanist
- Dentist
- Clinical researcher
- Marine biologist
- Biology teacher
Or pursue a graduate degree in medicine, chemistry, education, public health, public administration or more. Recent graduates of the program have attended some of the top graduate schools in the U.S.
The College of Arts and Sciences Career Services will work with you to find out where you want to go after graduation and provide the tools to help you get there.