Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago gives students the chance to learn biology through hands-on research, laboratory work, field studies, and computational approaches. Depending on their chosen track, students can gain practical experience in areas such as ecology and evolution, global and public health, and computational biology, while also accessing research opportunities, internships, and specialised courses through the university and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Students can develop these practical skills through:

• Research opportunities: Students can work with Biological Sciences Division faculty and gain direct experience in scientific research and investigation.

• Internships: The program provides opportunities for students to gain professional experience through internships related to biological sciences.

• Computational biology: Students following the Computational Biology track can develop skills in applying computational tools and approaches to biological questions.

• Fieldwork: The Ecology and Evolution track includes field-based learning and advanced statistical training, allowing students to study biological systems in real environments.

• Marine Biological Laboratory: Students can take specialised courses at the Marine Biological Laboratory, including BIOS 27710 Ecology – Marine Biological Laboratory and BIOS 27714 Methods in Microbial Ecology – Marine Biological Laboratory.

• Oceanographic field research: BIOS 27716 Methods and Concepts in Oceanography combines lectures, laboratory activities, and fieldwork aboard a coastal research vessel.

• Research team experience: During Marine Biological Laboratory courses, students can work in research teams, collect samples and data during offshore fieldwork, use oceanographic instruments, and analyse their findings.

• Microbial research: BIOS 27714 Methods in Microbial Ecology – Marine Biological Laboratory introduces students to techniques for studying microbial activity, biomass, biogeochemical processes, and microbial genomic diversity.

• Independent research: BIOS 27712 Independent Undergraduate Research in Environmental Sciences – Marine Biological Laboratory gives students the opportunity to conduct an independent research project and produce a scientific research paper.

• Genomics and bioinformatics: Biological Sciences research facilities include a Genomics Facility, Sanger Sequencing, and CRI Bioinformatics Core, supporting modern biological data collection and analysis.

• Advanced imaging: Research resources include Integrated Light Microscopy and Advanced Electron Microscopy, providing access to sophisticated imaging techniques.

• Molecular research facilities: Students involved in relevant research can benefit from facilities supporting Proteomics, Mass Spectrometry, Metabolomics, and Biomolecular Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

• Cell and tissue research: Research infrastructure includes the Organoid and Primary Culture Research Core, Human Tissue Resource Center, and Transgenic Mouse Facility.

• Research institutes and centres: Students can connect with research taking place through institutes and centres such as the Duchossois Family Institute and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center.

• Specialised research laboratories: The university has specialised BSL-3 research facilities at the Cummings Life Sciences Center and Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory for approved infectious-disease research.

• Paris campus opportunities: Students in relevant Biological Sciences tracks can access courses and research opportunities at the University of Chicago’s Paris campus, particularly in global and public health.

The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago gives students a strong foundation for careers and further study across healthcare, research, biotechnology, public health, education, and other life-science fields. With flexible study tracks and access to research, internships, career guidance, and professional networks, students can shape their degree around their interests and prepare for roles such as Biological Researcher, Biotechnology Professional, Public Health Professional, and Computational Biology Professional:

• Career advising: Career Advancement provides specialised support for Biological Sciences students, including personalised career advising and guidance on exploring suitable career pathways.

• Internship opportunities: Students can gain practical experience through university-supported internships, including the Jeff Metcalf Internship Program, which provides thousands of paid internship opportunities each year.

• Industry and research experience: Students can explore opportunities with organisations such as Argonne National Laboratory, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chicago Biomedical Consortium, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Biogen, Ginkgo Bioworks, Tempus, and Impossible Foods.

• Research preparation: Students can gain research experience in areas such as molecular biology, ecology, computational biology, public health, neuroscience, and related life-science disciplines.

• Employer and alumni networking: Career Advancement provides opportunities to connect with employers and alumni through career events, networking activities, and career exploration programs.

• Industry exposure: Students can gain insight into professional careers through connections with organisations including AbbVie, Biogen, Ginkgo Bioworks, Flatiron Health, Impossible Foods, Tempus, and other life-science and technology organisations.

• Healthcare career support: Students interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other healthcare careers can receive specialised guidance through the university's Careers in Healthcare team.

• Graduate outcomes: UChicago reports that 98% of the Class of 2026 is expected to have secured post-college offers by graduation, including employment and graduate-school opportunities. This is a university-wide figure rather than a Biological Sciences-specific statistic.

• Medical school progression: UChicago reports a 91% medical school acceptance rate for the 2026 application cycle. This figure applies to UChicago candidates overall and is not specific to Biological Sciences BA graduates.

• Salary information: The official university sources do not provide a specific salary figure for graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences, so a program-specific salary figure cannot be confirmed.

• Accreditation value: The BA in Biological Sciences is an academically focused degree rather than a separately professionally accredited program. Its strong academic and research foundation can support employment, graduate study, and professional education in a range of life-science fields.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can continue into master's and doctoral programs or professional education in areas such as biological sciences, biomedical sciences, computational biology, public health, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. The combination of advanced coursework, research opportunities, internships, and career support provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue further academic or professional qualifications.