Biology
BS

Major in biology

Do you dream of curing illnesses, conserving species, or exploring marine life?

When you major in biology, you begin your studies with a solid foundation in fundamental biological principles and practices. Then you'll focus on your specific interests, such as cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology and evolution, or the biology of marine organisms.

We offer programs of study leading to bachelor's degrees in biology and marine biology. Both programs emphasize field and laboratory opportunities, so you will learn biology while studying living organisms. Our semi-rural campus and nearby coastal environments will be your living laboratories.

You'll be prepared for careers in industry and government in areas such as animal biology, biotechnology, botany, cell biology, developmental biology, education, and medicine—or to pursue research in fields such as biomedicine, the environment, and marine science. Our curriculum prepares you for graduate study in biology, medicine, and other health professions. We also offer teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching biology at the middle or high school level. Learn more about teacher preparation.

4 concentrations available

conservation biology
cell and molecular biology
ecology and evolution biology
marine biology

You'll progress from the study of biology's fundamental principles and practices to electives in your own areas of research interest and career preparation. To guide your progress, students may select concentrations in conservation biology, cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution biology, and marine biology.

For the major, you'll complete 120 credits comprised of courses in biology plus related science and mathematics.

Pre-medical studies: As a biology major, you'll be prepared to continue your studies in medical school or other health professional programs (such as dental, optometric, osteopathic, podiatric, or veterinary school).

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

Student success

Students wade into a fjord in Héðinsfjörður, Iceland to take water and sediment samples.

Biology class studies microbial diversity in Iceland

Students earn three credits in two weeks with European peers.

Graduate Schools

Baylor College of Medicine
Brown University
Johnson & Wales University
New York University

Career Placements

Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Genzyme
Massachusetts General Hospital
Millennium Pharmaceuticals
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Southcoast Hospitals Group
The Spine and Orthopedic Center
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Zoo New England

Research

Biology alumna and associate professor win Journal of Zoology's "Paper of the Year"

Paper explores the ecological consequences of chronic road noise near predatory environments.

UMassD advantages

Internships and independent study: gain experience or investigate a specialized area of study

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

Expand your opportunities

MS in Biology/Marine Biology Earn a master's degree in biology
PhD in Marine Science: Earn your advanced degree in the UMass intercampus Marine Science doctoral program
PhD in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology: Advance your studies at the intersection of biology and engineering

Teacher preparation

Your path to becoming a middle or high school teacher in Biology.

Biology faculty

Our faculty engage in research at the forefront of their fields, with a strong focus on marine biology, ecological and evolutionary genetics, and integrative biology, in which we use diverse approaches to study the complexity of biological organisms.