Undergraduate Study in Biology
Why study biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology at Syracuse?
Professors in our department provide a supportive and rigorous environment for undergraduate students. By studying biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology at Syracuse you will:
- Choose from multiple degree options (below), including B.S. and B.A. degree options, and customize your curriculum to focus on coursework and topics that are most interesting to you.
- Take small seminar courses and build close relationships with faculty as you learn about their unique research interests; our faculty are interested in the study of life from molecular, cellular, organismal, community and global perspectives.
- Learn by doing as you complete independent research and/or pursue internships; more than 60% of our majors engage in research or internships (during the academic year and/or summer) and all students are encouraged to participate, whether or not they have prior experience.
- Benefit from competitive paid internships for summer research in the department.
- Showcase your work by presenting at the annual undergraduate research conference.
- Work collaboratively with talented peers in small lab classes and seminars.
- Get advice for success in our Peer Mentoring Program, and then pass that on as a junior or senior mentor.
- Participate in social activities that will also give you an academic boost; consider honor societies like TriBeta and Nu Rho Psi, and more focused student organizations like the Biotechnology Society and Rebecca Lee Pre-Health Society.
Life After College
Biology is a dynamic, interesting, and important field of study that is relevant to careers in many different fields. With an undergraduate degree in biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology you can:
- Begin a career in industry, using laboratory skills to conduct research, develop new products and technologies and answer complex scientific questions.
- Apply for government jobs, where people with strong analytical skills help answer important questions about public health, the environment, technological advances, and more.
- Confidently apply to medical, dental, or veterinary school – or enter one of many specialized graduate degree programs in the biological sciences.
B.S. in Biology
The B.S. degree is intended for students interested in graduate study in biological sciences or the health professions (medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine).
B.A. in Biology
The B.A. degree is intended for students who wish to pursue technical or science-related careers that do not require a graduate or professional degree, or careers outside of biology in which a background in science may be useful, such as science writing, business, or law.
B.S. in Biochemistry
This interdisciplinary program of study is administered by both the Biology and Chemistry departments, and includes faculty from both departments.
B.S. in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary program that offers students an opportunity to take courses in biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, engineering, management, public policy and law that will be important for addressing biotechnology-related issues. Interested students may also join the Biotechnology Society.
Minor in Biology
The minor may be appropriate for students wishing to augment majors such as psychology, engineering, chemistry, exercise science or illustration with a biological component.