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The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati provides a rigorous foundation in biology while preparing students for careers and further study in areas such as medicine, research, biotechnology, environmental science and other life-science fields. The program combines core study in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics with advanced biology coursework and formative research experiences, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of cellular and molecular processes, organisms, evolution and ecosystems.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through introductory biology, chemistry and mathematics coursework. Core study includes BIOL 1081-1082: Biology I & II, CHEM 1040-1041: General Chemistry I & II, and the associated laboratory courses, giving students practical experience alongside fundamental concepts in the life and physical sciences.
Year 2: Students progress into more advanced biological concepts through BIOL 2083: Genetics and BIOL 2084C: Evolution and Ecology or BIOL 2085C: Cell Biology. Chemistry and supporting science coursework continue to strengthen students' understanding of the molecular, cellular and organismal processes that underpin modern biological science.
Years 3–4: Students move into upper-level biology courses and can build greater specialization through advanced electives, including courses with laboratory components. The program encourages undergraduate research as part of upper-level study, and students can also complete the 4+1 BS/MS program, allowing eligible students to earn a BS and a non-research MS in five years.
Focus areas
Cell and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, organismal biology, physiology, biological research, environmental biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences and preparation for professional health programs.
Learning outcomes
Students develop the ability to explain fundamental structural, physiological, molecular and cellular mechanisms of life, analyze evolution and ecosystem processes, conduct biological experiments safely, critically evaluate scientific information, and communicate biological concepts effectively to professional and general audiences.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
The University of Cincinnati and its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The BS in Biological Sciences is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and provides a science-intensive foundation suitable for employment, research and continued professional or graduate education.
Reputation (employability rankings)
UC is nationally recognized for its cooperative education model, which is ranked No. 4 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. UC reports that 98% of co-op students are employed or continuing their education at graduation, while the university has 1,798 employer partners participating in its co-op ecosystem.
The University of Cincinnati gives Biological Sciences students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning through laboratory courses, faculty research and field-based experiences. Department teaching laboratories are equipped for undergraduate education, while students can also participate in research within the Biological Sciences department and in nearby facilities such as the UC Medical School, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Students can develop practical experience through:
Undergraduate laboratories: Biology I and II include dedicated laboratory components, while upper-level biology electives can include laboratory experiences as part of the BS requirements.
Undergraduate research: Students can complete undergraduate research for academic credit, including research that can satisfy an upper-level biology laboratory requirement when accompanied by a public presentation.
Faculty-mentored research: Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences are actively involved in research, giving undergraduates opportunities to participate in research and earn academic credit toward upper-level biology requirements.
Medical research exposure: Students can pursue research opportunities in nearby laboratories at the UC Medical School and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Environmental research: Undergraduate research opportunities can also extend to the Environmental Protection Agency, providing exposure to biological and environmental research outside the university.
Field-based learning: UC's Biological Sciences department highlights field courses at the Cincinnati Center for Field Studies at Miami Whitewater Forest, allowing students to study biological systems outside the traditional laboratory setting.
Research facilities: UC's research infrastructure includes facilities such as the Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry and other specialized research facilities available to university researchers and undergraduate research programs.
Honors research: Outstanding Biological Sciences undergraduates with at least a 3.3 overall GPA can apply for admission to the Biology Honors Program as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year.
Co-op and professional experience: UC provides access to paid, career-related co-op experiences across disciplines, allowing students to apply academic knowledge in professional settings.
4+1 opportunity: Students interested in continuing into graduate study can use UC's 4+1 BS/MS program, combining undergraduate study with a non-research master's degree over five years.
The BS in Biological Sciences provides a strong foundation for students planning careers in biological research, biotechnology, environmental science and laboratory-based fields, while also supporting progression into professional health programs and graduate study. Students can strengthen their career profile through undergraduate research, laboratory experience, field study and UC's wider career-development and co-op opportunities.
Typical career directions include Biological Research Scientist, Laboratory Researcher, Biotechnology Specialist and Environmental Biologist.
Students can build their professional pathway through:
Career and professional support: UC provides career coaching, job-search support and employer connections through its career services infrastructure, helping students develop resumes, prepare for interviews and connect with employment opportunities.
Co-op opportunities: UC's cooperative education model connects students with paid, career-relevant professional experiences. UC reports 1,798 employer partners and 98% of co-op students employed or continuing their education at graduation.
Co-op earnings: Across UC's co-op programs, students earned an average of $13,130 per semester during 2025–26, with average hourly co-op wages of $21.89. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to Biological Sciences.
Research connections: Biological Sciences students can gain research experience with UC faculty and in laboratories connected to the UC Medical School, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Industry and employer network: UC's broader employer network includes organizations such as Procter & Gamble, GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honda, Baxter International and Amazon Web Services, alongside many other employers participating in the university's co-op and career ecosystem.
Graduate preparation: Research experience and advanced biology coursework can support progression into graduate research programs and professional education in areas such as medicine and other health professions.
Academic progression: UC's Department of Biological Sciences offers a 4+1 BS/MS program, allowing eligible students to complete a BS and a non-research MS in five years.
Professional foundation: The program's rigorous combination of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, laboratory work and research prepares students for further specialization and careers where additional professional or graduate education may be required.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Biological Sciences, students can continue into UC's 4+1 BS/MS pathway or pursue master's and doctoral study in biological and related life-science fields. Students interested in healthcare can also use the biological sciences foundation as preparation for appropriate professional programs, while research-focused students can build on undergraduate research and laboratory experience for graduate-level scientific careers.
completion of a college-preparatory secondary-school curriculum and a graduation certificate or diploma that qualifies the student for university admission in their home country
High-School Preparation: 4 English; 4 Mathematics (including Algebra II or equivalent); 3 Science; 3 Social Studies; and 5 Electives.
UC is test optional for undergraduate programs.
Application portal: International first-year applicants apply through the Common Application.
The letter of recommendation is preferred but not a requirement to complete an undergraduate first-year application. 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 ResearcherIndustrial ResearcherEnvironmental ResearcherOrganismal BiologistMedical ResearcherPharmaceutical ResearcherCosmetic ScientistLaboratory ScientistBiotechnology SpecialistMolecular Biology ResearcherGenetics ResearcherEcologistConservation BiologistBiological Technician
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University of Cincinnati
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