BA in Biological Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Cincinnati

Program Overview

The BA in Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati gives students a broad and flexible foundation in the study of life, from biological organization and cellular processes to genetics and ecosystems. It is particularly suited to students interested in ecology, environmental work, teaching, animal-related careers, laboratory research, or combining biology with another field of study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin by building a strong scientific foundation through Biology Lecture and Lab (BIOL 101/111, 102/112, 103/113) and First Year Chemistry Lecture and Lab (CHEM 101/111, 102/112, 103/113). Applied Calculus I & II (MATH 226, 227), alongside English Composition and statistics requirements, develops the quantitative, communication and analytical skills needed for further biological study.

Second Year: Students progress into Sophomore Biology through BIOL 302, BIOL 301 and BIOL 303, building deeper knowledge of genetics, cell structure and function, and ecology. They also continue with chemistry through either Bio-organic Chemistry (CHEM 204, 205, 206) or Organic Chemistry I & II with Labs (CHEM 201/211, 202/212), while completing humanities, social sciences and literature requirements.

Third & Fourth Years: The final two years provide the flexibility to shape the degree around individual interests through at least six upper-level biology electives, including two courses with laboratory components. Students also complete the Biology Capstone (BIOL 686), foreign-language and broader College of Arts and Sciences requirements, with undergraduate research potentially counting toward a laboratory requirement when the required research and presentation components are completed.

Focus Areas

Biological sciences, genetics, cell biology, ecology, organismal biology, environmental biology, laboratory research, biological data analysis, chemistry, scientific communication, interdisciplinary study

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to observe biological systems carefully, analyze scientific information, apply biological knowledge to draw evidence-based conclusions, work with laboratory-based learning, and think critically about issues affecting human health and the environment. The curriculum also develops scientific communication, quantitative reasoning and research skills through laboratory courses, upper-level electives and capstone or research experiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The University of Cincinnati and its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The BA in Biological Sciences is offered through UC’s College of Arts and Sciences; the university does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for this BA program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Cincinnati describes the College of Arts and Sciences as part of a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation’s top 25 public research universities. UC also reports that 92.5% of its graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, supported by more than 1,700 employer partners worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA in Biological Sciences places strong emphasis on learning by doing. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, use UC’s well-equipped teaching laboratories, undertake internships for elective credit, and take field-based courses through the Cincinnati Center for Field Studies at Miami Whitewater Forest. The department also provides opportunities to earn academic credit for research, while its teaching laboratories incorporate new teaching methods and technology.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led biological research and earn academic credit that can count toward upper-level biology requirements.
Biology teaching laboratories: UC states that the department’s teaching laboratories are well-equipped and dedicated to undergraduate education, with faculty using new teaching methods and technology.
Cincinnati Center for Field Studies: Students can undertake field-based learning at the center located at Miami Whitewater Forest, providing opportunities to study organisms and ecosystems outside the traditional classroom.
Internships: Biology students can complete internships for free-elective credit, allowing them to connect their academic studies with practical workplace experience.
Biological Sciences Greenhouse: UC’s greenhouse in Rieveschl Hall houses plant collections used in classes and provides space for undergraduate, graduate and faculty research.
Field research and ecology: UC’s Center for Field Studies supports hands-on research in areas such as stream ecology; recent student projects have included surveying fish to evaluate aquatic ecosystem restoration.
Capstone experiences: Biology students can complete the capstone through options including fieldwork at a biology field station, research in a biology laboratory, or work as an assistant teaching assistant in undergraduate laboratories, with written and presentation components.
Career and professional preparation: UC’s Bearcat Promise Career Studio provides career exploration, résumé and interview support, while the Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education connects students with real-world experience and career preparation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA in Biological Sciences gives graduates flexibility to move into laboratory, environmental, animal-related, education, healthcare-support and scientific communication careers, while also providing a foundation for further professional or graduate study. UC specifically identifies opportunities ranging from biological and pharmaceutical research to environmental work, medical laboratory technology, education, regulatory affairs, scientific writing, forestry, wildlife and zoological work.

Typical career directions include:

Academic researcher, laboratory researcher, environmental biologist, wildlife biologist

Students can also benefit from:

Career support: UC’s Bearcat Promise Career Studio helps students explore career options, develop résumés, prepare for interviews and plan for life after university.
Employment outcomes: UC reports that 92.5% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Employer connections: The university reports more than 1,700 employer partners worldwide, giving students access to a broad professional network.
Industry exposure: UC biology students have pursued opportunities with organizations and employers including Medpace, Cincinnati Children’s, UC Health, Christ Hospital, P&G and Eli Lilly.
Co-op opportunities: Across UC, students earned $99.5 million through paid co-op experiences in the 2025–26 academic year, with an average reported co-op earning of $13,130 per semester and $21.89 per hour. These figures are university-wide rather than specific to BA Biological Sciences students.
Long-term academic value: The degree can provide preparation for graduate study and other professional pathways, although UC notes that some careers require additional degrees or training.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can continue into graduate-level study in biological sciences or related fields. UC’s Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate study including an MS and PhD in Biological Sciences, while the department also offers a 4+1 pathway that can allow eligible students to earn a BS and a non-research MS in five years.