Biology Majors

All incoming freshmen or transfer students can declare the Biology and Biotechnology major immediately. To declare as a Biology major, visit MySlice and complete a Major Declaration Form. You will then be assigned a Biology or Biotechnology advisor. If you have an advisor in another department but you need advice about a Biology major, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Melanie Blanden (mblanden@syr.edu).

Lifting Your Advising Hold for Registration

With online registration, Biology undergraduate advisors can provide academic advising and lift your registration hold via email. If you email your advisor with your degree program (B.A. or B.S.) and the classes you have taken so far and those you plan to take next semester, your advisor can give you advice by return email. This will save you time and effort trying to schedule appointments, although your advisor will still be able to meet with you in person if you wish.

Pre-Health Professions Students

You do not need to major in Biology to prepare for admission to health professional schools. These schools generally require specific courses in math, chemistry, physics and biology to be part of their applicants' undergraduate curricula. Some of these requirements are similar to requirements for the B.S. degree in Biology. If you are interested in any of the health professions, you should seek advice through the Office of Pre-Health Advising as early as possible in your undergraduate studies, preferably in your freshman year.

Career Advising

The following are programs in career areas of interest to some Biology majors:

Health Professions Advising

If you are interested in a career in any of the health professions, make an appointment with the Office of Pre-Health Advising as early as possible in your undergraduate studies, preferably in your freshman year.

Graduate Programs in Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Students interested in a graduate degree in Biology should obtain advice on selecting and applying to graduate schools no later than the end of their junior year. A Biology academic advisor, or any Biology faculty in your area(s) of interest for advanced study, can give you advice on different schools, letters of recommendation, and the graduate school application process.

Teaching

Students interested in science teaching may wish to consider a dual major with the Biology Department and the School of Education no later than the end of their sophomore year.