Biological Sciences BA/MS

5 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University at Buffalo SUNY

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences BA/MS at the University at Buffalo is a five-year combined degree for students who want to build a strong foundation in biology and then move into advanced study and research. It is a good fit for students interested in scientific discovery, laboratory work, research careers, or continuing on to a PhD, with opportunities to gain hands-on research experience alongside graduate-level study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students start by developing a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences, while also building an understanding of how living systems evolve and function. Courses such as BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology, BIO 201 Cell Biology, and CHE 101 General Chemistry 1 introduce students to evolution, cells and the chemical principles that support biological processes.

Year 2:
The second year takes students further into biological sciences and gives them more opportunities to connect classroom concepts with laboratory work. Students study areas such as BIO 203, BIO 205, and BIO Lab, while courses including CHE 201 Organic Chemistry 1 and CHE 202 Organic Chemistry 2 strengthen their understanding of chemistry as it relates to biology.

Year 3:
Students expand their knowledge across different areas of biology and begin developing a clearer understanding of potential research interests. Courses such as BIO 303 General Physiology, BIO 305 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry, and BIO 319 Genetics explore how organisms function at physiological, biochemical and genetic levels, while subjects such as ecology and genetics laboratory work provide further practical experience.

Year 4:
In the fourth year, students move into the combined BA/MS pathway and begin taking advanced coursework while developing their research interests. They continue working with faculty and preparing for the graduate-level component of the degree, with the BA awarded after completion of the undergraduate requirements.

Year 5:
The final year places a strong emphasis on advanced study and independent research. Students apply their knowledge through sustained research, developing practical skills in areas such as experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication while completing the work required for the MS degree.

Focus areas

Evolutionary biology, cell biology, physiology, biological chemistry, ecology, genetics, laboratory research, experimental design, data analysis, advanced biological sciences, independent research

Learning outcomes

Students develop a broad understanding of biological sciences along with practical laboratory, research, analytical and scientific communication skills. They learn to investigate biological questions, analyse scientific information and apply research methods through independent and collaborative work.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program is registered with the New York State Education Department. Its combination of undergraduate study, graduate-level coursework and research experience is particularly valuable for students planning careers in biological research or preparing for further doctoral study.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University at Buffalo has a strong research profile in the life sciences. According to the university, its 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject results placed it 92nd in the U.S. for Biological Sciences and 87th in the U.S. for Life Sciences & Medicine, supporting its position as a strong environment for students pursuing science and research-focused careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biological Sciences BA/MS at the University at Buffalo gives students plenty of opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom. Students can build practical experience through laboratory classes, faculty-guided research, internships and an independent research project, while the MS stage provides a deeper opportunity to work on real biological research. UB also offers access to specialized research facilities and equipment, helping students develop practical skills in areas such as microscopy, molecular biology, genetics and biological data analysis.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Faculty-mentored research: Students can work with Biological Sciences faculty on real research questions and gain experience with laboratory-based investigation and scientific problem-solving.
Laboratory learning: Practical laboratory activities allow students to apply biological concepts and develop skills in experimental methods and scientific analysis.
Independent research: The MS component includes sustained research under faculty guidance, giving students the opportunity to develop and complete an original research project.
Biological Sciences internships: Students can earn academic credit through BIO 496: Biological Sciences Internship, gaining experience in professional settings related to biology, laboratory work, healthcare, fieldwork or community-based activities.
Internship opportunities: UB's Bullseye powered by Handshake helps students find internships and employment opportunities relevant to their interests.
Experiential Learning Fellowships: Eligible students may receive financial support for approved internship experiences, allowing them to gain professional experience while completing their degree.
Undergraduate research opportunities: Through UB's Office for Undergraduate Research, students can explore research projects, connect with faculty mentors and document their research experience through a Digital Badge.
Specialized research equipment: Students involved in research can benefit from facilities containing equipment such as confocal and fluorescence microscopes, flow cytometers, gel imagers, microplate readers, qPCR systems and electron microscopy resources.
Research across biological disciplines: UB research covers areas including molecular biology, gene expression, neuroscience, sensory biology, evolutionary genomics and population biology, giving students opportunities to explore different areas of the life sciences.
Scientific communication: Research and project work helps students strengthen their ability to analyse findings and communicate scientific results through professional writing and presentations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biological Sciences BA/MS at the University at Buffalo prepares students for careers that combine biological knowledge with practical research and laboratory skills. The combination of undergraduate and master's-level study, along with faculty-guided research, can be particularly useful for students interested in scientific research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare or further study.

Typical career directions include research scientist, biological researcher, laboratory scientist, biotechnology scientist and pharmaceutical researcher. These opportunities can lead to roles in universities, research laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, government organizations and other science-related settings:

Career support: UB's Career Design Center provides career guidance, résumé and interview support, job and internship search assistance, networking opportunities, career fairs and graduate-school planning. Students can also use Bullseye powered by Handshake to explore job and internship opportunities.
Salary potential: UB's Biological Sciences career information reports 2024 U.S. salary figures including $100,440 for biological scientists, $58,020 for biological technicians, $75,260 for forensic science technicians, $101,340 for postsecondary biological science teachers, and $173,500 for natural sciences managers.
Research experience: Students complete faculty-guided research and develop practical abilities in experimental design, laboratory investigation, data analysis and scientific communication. This experience can help them transition into research positions after graduation.
Industry opportunities: The skills developed through the program can be applied across biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, healthcare, government laboratories and other life-science organizations.
Graduate outcomes: The BA/MS provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue into PhD-level study or pursue research positions in academic, industrial or government settings.
Long-term value: Completing both the BA and MS gives students a higher level of academic and research preparation than a traditional bachelor's degree alone, which can strengthen their profile for research-oriented employment and doctoral applications.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA/MS, students can continue into a PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field if they want to pursue advanced research, university teaching or senior scientific roles. At UB, doctoral research opportunities cover areas such as molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience and sensory biology, evolutionary genomics and population biology, and ecology and organismal biology. Students may also choose other advanced professional or health-related programs depending on their long-term career goals.