Biology, Bachelor of Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Johns Hopkins University

Program Overview

The Biology, B.A. at Johns Hopkins University gives students a strong understanding of modern biology, from molecular and cellular processes to whole organisms. It is a great choice for students interested in research, medicine, biotechnology, or further graduate and professional study, with supporting coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a strong scientific foundation through General Biology I and II, Introductory Chemistry I and II, and Calculus I and II. Laboratory classes give students early hands-on experience and help them develop the practical skills needed for more advanced biological study.

Second Year: Students move into more specialized subjects such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Introductory Organic Chemistry I and II. Practical training continues through courses such as Developmental Genetics Lab and Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory, helping students connect biological concepts with experimental work.

Third Year: Students explore biology in greater depth through Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and advanced laboratory options such as Biochemistry Project Lab or Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab. They also continue their scientific training through physics and laboratory coursework, developing a deeper understanding of biological molecules, cells, and experimental methods.

Fourth Year: Students have greater flexibility to shape their studies through Upper-Level Biology Electives, allowing them to explore areas that match their academic and career interests. Students pursuing honors can also undertake independent research, present their findings, and work closely with faculty mentors.

Focus Areas

Molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, developmental biology, protein engineering, developmental genetics, biological laboratory techniques, organismal biology, biomedical sciences

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of biology at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, gain practical laboratory and research skills, learn to apply chemistry, mathematics, and physics to biological questions, strengthen scientific communication abilities, and prepare for graduate and professional study in biology, medicine, and related health and life-science fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biology, B.A. is an academic biology degree offered by the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences rather than an engineering program, so it does not carry professional engineering accreditation. The program provides a strong foundation for graduate and professional education, including preparation for students planning to pursue medical school.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Johns Hopkins University has a strong international reputation in biological and biomedical sciences. The university has reported high U.S. rankings across areas including biological sciences, molecular biology, cell biology, neuroscience, immunology, genetics, and biocomputer/bioinformatics/biotechnology, supporting its reputation as a strong environment for students pursuing careers and further study in the life sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology, B.A. at Johns Hopkins University gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience through laboratory work, research, and hands-on scientific investigation. Students can work with biological samples, conduct experiments, analyze data, and participate in original research while benefiting from Johns Hopkins’ wider network of biology, chemistry, engineering, biophysics, and medical research facilities.

Students can build practical experience through:

Biochemistry Project Lab: Students gain hands-on experience with biochemical concepts and laboratory techniques, with Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab also available as an advanced laboratory option.
Cell Biology Lab: Students apply concepts from Cell Biology through practical laboratory work focused on cellular structures, functions, and biological processes.
Developmental Genetics Lab: This laboratory gives students practical experience exploring genetics and developmental biology through experimental work.
General Biology Laboratory: Students can take part in project-based laboratory work involving the identification of bacteria from Homewood campus soils using molecular biology techniques, with related investigations in evolution, genomics, and biochemistry.
Independent Research: Students can undertake original research under the guidance of a Biology faculty member, gaining experience in laboratory investigation, data collection, analysis, and communicating scientific findings.
Cross-disciplinary research: Undergraduate students can pursue research opportunities in laboratories across biology, biophysics, chemistry, engineering, and the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, giving them exposure to different approaches to biological research.
Biology Research Complex: Students benefit from dedicated facilities including Seeley G. Mudd Hall and the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories, which support teaching and research in areas such as molecular biology.
JHU BioREU: Students have access to a 10-week summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, providing an intensive, mentored research experience with faculty and laboratory researchers.
Computational and analytical resources: Johns Hopkins provides resources supporting areas such as computational biology, bioinformatics, proteomics, and quantitative biology, allowing students to complement laboratory work with data-driven approaches.
Biological sciences library resources: The Sheridan Libraries’ Biological Sciences collection provides research and learning resources covering cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, and related areas.
Early research opportunities: Students can begin undergraduate research as early as their first year, allowing them to gain experience working alongside faculty and researchers throughout their degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology, B.A. at Johns Hopkins University opens the door to careers and further study across biological research, healthcare, medicine, biotechnology, and related life-science fields. The program also gives students opportunities to build research experience, connect with faculty mentors, and prepare for competitive graduate and professional programs.

Typical career paths include Biological Researcher, Laboratory Scientist, Biotechnology Professional, Healthcare Professional. Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Life Design support: Johns Hopkins provides dedicated Life Design Educators who help students connect with mentors and professional opportunities. The university reports that 98% of students enter the workforce with pre-professional experience.
Faculty mentoring: Biology students can work with faculty mentors who provide guidance on research opportunities, academic planning, and career development.
Undergraduate research: Students can gain hands-on research experience in laboratories across biology, biophysics, chemistry, engineering, and the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, helping them develop practical laboratory and analytical skills.
Research opportunities: The Biology Department has 27 research laboratories investigating biological questions using quantitative and molecular approaches, providing opportunities for students interested in research-focused careers.
Professional-school preparation: The Biology B.A. provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, and other professional schools. Pre-med advising is also available to help students plan coursework and prepare for medical-school applications.
Industry and career flexibility: Biology graduates have progressed into industry, medicine, academic research, and other professional fields, giving students flexibility to shape their careers around their interests.
Research recognition: Outstanding undergraduate research can be recognized through departmental awards, including the William D. McElroy Award and Ross Margolies Award.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biology B.A., students can continue into graduate and professional programs in areas such as biological sciences, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, and other life-science disciplines. Johns Hopkins also offers a B.A./M.S. pathway in Molecular and Cellular Biology, allowing eligible Biology students to continue into a master's degree with advanced coursework, faculty mentoring, laboratory teaching experience, and an intensive independent research project.