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The Biological Sciences BA at the University at Buffalo gives students a broad and flexible understanding of biology while leaving room to explore other subjects through minors, double majors, study abroad and interdisciplinary learning. It is a good fit for students interested in areas such as healthcare, research, education or environmental science, with coursework covering everything from cells and genetics to physiology, ecology and evolution.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and quantitative skills. Courses such as BIO 200 Evolutionary Biology, BIO 201 Cell Biology and CHE 101/102 General Chemistry introduce students to evolution, cellular processes and the chemical principles that are important for understanding living systems.
Year 2: Students move into more advanced biological and chemical concepts while continuing to develop their laboratory and scientific reasoning skills. Courses such as BIO 203, BIO 205, CHE 201 Organic Chemistry I and CHE 202 Organic Chemistry II help students understand biological processes in greater depth and strengthen their understanding of how chemistry connects with life sciences.
Year 3: Students begin to have more freedom to choose upper-level biology subjects based on their interests and future plans. Options such as BIO 303 General Physiology, BIO 305 Fundamentals of Biological Chemistry, BIO 309 Ecology, BIO 319 Genetics and BIO 329 Genetics Laboratory allow students to explore areas ranging from human biology and biochemistry to ecology and genetics.
Year 4: In the final year, students bring together their knowledge through advanced biology coursework and specialized electives. Depending on their interests and academic pathway, they may study subjects such as BIO 387 Communicating in Biological Sciences, BIO 500 Bioinformatics/Genome Analysis, BIO 501 Advanced Biological Chemistry or BIO 502 Advanced Cell and Developmental Biology, while completing their remaining degree requirements.
Focus Areas
Cell biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, molecular biology, developmental biology, bioinformatics, laboratory science, scientific communication and interdisciplinary life sciences.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop a broad understanding of biological sciences along with practical laboratory skills, scientific reasoning, quantitative thinking and problem-solving abilities. They also learn how to evaluate scientific information, conduct and interpret experiments, work collaboratively and communicate scientific ideas clearly.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Biological Sciences BA is an academic undergraduate degree rather than a professionally licensed program, so UB does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the BA. Its flexible structure provides a strong foundation for graduate study, health professional programs, research, education and a variety of science-related careers.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University at Buffalo is ranked No. 1 among public universities in New York State in the QS World University Rankings 2026. UB also ranks 31st among U.S. public universities for employment outcomes, demonstrating the university's strong focus on helping graduates move successfully into further study and employment.
The Biological Sciences BA at the University at Buffalo gives students plenty of opportunities to learn biology through practical experience rather than relying only on lectures and textbooks. Students can develop laboratory skills through hands-on courses, work alongside faculty on research projects, complete internships and take part in field-based experiences. These opportunities help students connect what they learn in biology with real research, healthcare, environmental science and other professional settings.
Students can develop practical skills through:
Laboratory-based learning: Biological Sciences students complete laboratory courses where they gain experience with experiments, scientific methods, data analysis and problem-solving.
Faculty-mentored research: Students can work with Biological Sciences faculty in research areas such as cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, neurobiology, microbiology and immunology, genetics and genomics, and computational biology.
Biological Sciences internships: Through BIO 496: Biological Sciences Internship, students can earn academic credit while gaining supervised professional experience. Placements can include laboratory, fieldwork, healthcare and community-based settings.
Paid internship opportunities: Eligible students can apply for the Biological Sciences Experiential Learning Fellowship, which provides financial support for a semester-long internship while students earn academic credit through BIO 496.
Summer research: UB's Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) offers an eight-week, full-time research experience. Students work closely with faculty mentors on original research projects and present their findings at a research symposium.
Original research projects: Students involved in research can develop research questions, apply scientific methods, analyze results and communicate their findings. These experiences are particularly useful for students considering graduate school, professional programs or research careers.
Field-based opportunities: Internship experiences can include fieldwork, giving students interested in ecology, environmental science and conservation an opportunity to apply their biology knowledge outside the laboratory.
University-wide research opportunities: UB's Office for Undergraduate Research connects students with research opportunities across the university, including projects involving areas such as animal behavior, soil properties, brain structure and bio-inspired robotics.
Computational biology: Students interested in modern approaches to biology can explore research involving computational and data-driven methods, combining biological knowledge with analysis and computational techniques.
Faculty mentorship: Biological Sciences faculty bring their research expertise into teaching and provide opportunities for students to work with them on research and other experiential activities.
Career and internship resources: Students can use UB's career resources and Bullseye powered by Handshake to explore internships and employment opportunities related to their interests.
Research and learning environment: Students benefit from UB's wider research community, including departmental laboratories, faculty research spaces and university-wide undergraduate research resources.
Facilities and experiential learning resources: University at Buffalo provides Biological Sciences students with access to departmental laboratories, faculty research environments, internship opportunities and university-wide undergraduate research resources.
The Biological Sciences BA at the University at Buffalo gives students a broad scientific foundation that can lead to employment or prepare them for further study. Its flexible structure allows students to explore careers in research, healthcare, education, biotechnology, science communication and other science-related areas while developing useful laboratory, analytical and communication skills.
Typical career roles include biological technician, research assistant, biology teacher, science communicator. Students can also explore opportunities in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, government organizations, universities, museums, nonprofit organizations and healthcare-related fields.
Students can build toward these opportunities through:
Career support: UB's Career Design Center provides career advising, help with job and internship searches, resume and interview support, networking opportunities and graduate-school planning. Students can also use Bullseye powered by Handshake to explore available employment and internship opportunities.
Employment and salary information: UB provides 2024 U.S. Department of Labor and O*NET information for careers related to biological sciences. Reported mean annual wages include $100,440 for Biological Scientists, All Other, $58,020 for Biological Technicians, $75,260 for Forensic Science Technicians and $101,340 for Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary.
Research and industry opportunities: The program provides a foundation for students interested in research careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities and government agencies.
Faculty research exposure: Students can explore research areas including cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, neurobiology, microbiology and immunology, genetics and genomics, and computational and data-driven biology. Working around these research areas can help students develop interests for future careers or graduate study.
Practical preparation: Laboratory learning, research opportunities, data analysis, scientific problem-solving and communication help students develop skills that can be useful in both employment and further education.
Professional-school preparation: The Biological Sciences BA can provide a strong academic foundation for students planning to enter medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and other health-related professional programs.
Teaching opportunities: Students interested in education can explore UB's UB Teach pathway, which provides a route toward a bachelor's and master's degree and preparation for New York State professional teaching certification.
Graduation outcomes: Biological Sciences graduates can move into areas such as healthcare, university and industry research, government, education, science communication, biotechnology, museums, nonprofits, policy and other science-related fields.
Long-term value: The Biological Sciences BA is an academic degree rather than a professionally licensed program, so it does not have a separate professional accreditation. Its broad curriculum provides a foundation that students can build on through professional programs, graduate study or specialized training.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can pursue graduate programs such as a master's or PhD in Biological Sciences or related fields. They can also apply to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and other healthcare disciplines, while students interested in research or teaching can explore UB's combined BA/MS and education pathways.
UB requires your high school transcript or completion of your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS).
High-School Preparation: Suggested 4 years English, 4 years Social Studies, 3 years college-preparatory Science, 3 years second language, and at least 3 years college-preparatory Mathematics.
Application portal: Common Application, Coalition Application or SUNY Application.
Recommendations: At least 1 recommended; up to 3 accepted. Admission: Holistic review of GPA, coursework, and academic/non-academic factors. Tests: SAT/ACT not required; optional submission for admission and scholarships. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Biological ScientistBiological TechnicianResearch AssistantResearch ScientistBiology TeacherCurriculum SpecialistScience CommunicatorScience WriterBiotechnology ResearcherPharmaceutical Researcher
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