BA in Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Boston University

Program Overview

Boston University’s BA in Biology gives students a broad understanding of the biological sciences while allowing them to explore areas such as cell and molecular biology, physiology and neurobiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution. It is a flexible choice for students interested in life sciences, research, healthcare, or further study, with opportunities to gain practical experience through laboratory, field, research, and seminar-based learning.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin with the fundamentals of Biology through courses such as CAS BI 107 and CAS BI 108, developing a strong understanding of core biological principles. They also start supporting coursework in Chemistry, Mathematics/Computer Science, and Physics, building the scientific foundation needed for advanced Biology study.

Second Year: Students broaden their understanding of Biology through courses such as CAS BI 203/213 Cell Biology and CAS BI 225 Behavioral Biology. Alongside these Biology courses, they continue their Chemistry, Mathematics/Computer Science, and Physics requirements, helping them connect concepts across different areas of science.

Third Year: Students move into more advanced Biology topics and laboratory-based learning, with courses such as CAS BI 310 Systems Physiology, CAS BI 315 Systems Physiology, and CAS BI 303 Ecology. They can begin focusing their electives on areas that match their interests while developing stronger scientific and analytical skills.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced Biology electives and have the opportunity to shape their studies around their academic and career goals. Research opportunities such as CAS BI 450–453 Undergraduate Research in Biology can provide valuable hands-on experience and help students prepare for employment or graduate and professional programs.

Focus Areas

Cell and molecular biology, physiology and neurobiology, ecology, behavior and evolution, genetics, biochemistry, quantitative biology, laboratory science, field biology, biological research, scientific data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students gain broad knowledge across Biology while developing the ability to apply the scientific method, evaluate scientific literature, analyze biological data, use modeling and simulation, and communicate scientific findings effectively. The program also develops the technical and analytical skills needed for careers in the life sciences and for postgraduate study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA in Biology does not list a separate professional accreditation. The program instead provides students with laboratory, field, research, scientific, and analytical skills that can support careers in the life sciences and progression to graduate or professional education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Boston University reports that 95% of recent graduates found employment or placement in graduate programs, military service, or fellowships within six months of graduation, while 87% of students complete an experiential learning opportunity during their studies. BU’s 2025 Annual Report also places the university #12 in the U.S. for employability according to Times Higher Education and #41 among national universities according to U.S. News & World Report. These figures represent Boston University overall and are not specific to the BA in Biology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Boston University’s BA in Biology gives students many opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom through laboratory work, faculty research, field studies, and independent projects. The major requires at least three Biology courses with laboratory components, while students are also encouraged to take part in research and practical learning opportunities. Around 100 Biology undergraduates participate in research each year in BU faculty laboratories and laboratories outside the Biology Department, helping students build valuable laboratory, analytical, and research skills.

Students can gain practical experience through a range of opportunities:

Laboratory-based coursework: At least three Biology courses used toward the major must include laboratory components. Courses such as CAS BI 310, CAS BI 315, CAS BI 303, and CAS BI 306 allow students to develop hands-on skills alongside their academic learning.
Undergraduate research: Students can work with Biology faculty or researchers outside the department through volunteering, academic credit, or paid opportunities. Research courses include CAS BI 140/141, BI 240/241, BI 340/341/350/351/352, and BI 450/451/452/453, allowing students to progress toward more advanced research experiences.
Paid research opportunities: Students may gain paid research experience through Work-Study or the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). UROP can also provide support for research-related expenses, conferences, and field-research travel.
Independent research projects: Students can develop individual research projects under the guidance of a faculty or research mentor. This gives them experience in planning research, carrying out investigations, and working with scientific findings.
Marine Semester: Students can participate in BU’s Marine Semester, which combines intensive laboratory and field-based learning. Students work at the Marine Research Teaching Lab and field sites in New England and Belize, with opportunities to complete their own research projects.
International field experience: Biology students can take part in the Australia Sydney Program, which includes ecology, conservation, and wildlife-management coursework, or the Quito USFQ Exchange Program, which provides fieldwork opportunities in the Galápagos.
Study abroad opportunities: BU also provides science-focused study-abroad opportunities in France and Spain, giving Biology students additional ways to gain academic and practical experience in an international setting.
Library-based research: Through CAS BI 171/172 Reading in Biology, students can conduct library research on a selected topic in the biological sciences under the guidance of a faculty member.
Honors research: High-achieving seniors can complete an honors research pathway that includes CAS BI 402 Honors Research, an Honors Seminar through CAS BI 497 or BI 498, and the preparation and defense of a senior thesis.
Research presentations: Students involved in undergraduate research can present their findings through posters, conferences, and symposia, helping them develop confidence in communicating scientific research to academic and professional audiences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA in Biology at Boston University gives students a strong understanding of biological sciences while developing practical laboratory, research, analytical, and scientific communication skills. It can prepare graduates for careers in the life sciences while also providing a strong foundation for medical, dental, veterinary, and graduate-level study.

Typical career opportunities include:

Biological Research Assistant
Laboratory Research Associate
Science Educator
Environmental or Life Sciences Professional

Career support and graduate outcomes:

Career support: Boston University’s Center for Career Development helps students prepare for employment through career advising, résumé and interview support, workshops, career fairs, networking opportunities, and access to Handshake for internships and job opportunities.
Research experience: Biology students can gain valuable hands-on experience through faculty research laboratories, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), Work-Study research, and undergraduate research courses. This experience can give graduates an advantage when applying for research positions or postgraduate study.
Employment and salary outcomes: Boston University’s 2025 First Destination Survey reported that 61% of undergraduate graduates entered full-time employment and 25% continued to graduate or professional school. The reported average starting salary was $74,956 among graduates who provided salary information. These figures are university-wide undergraduate outcomes rather than Biology-specific salary figures.
University and industry connections: Biology graduates have progressed into research positions at organisations including Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Tufts Medical Center. Boston University also has strong connections across biomedical research and biotechnology through initiatives such as the Center for Regenerative Medicine, a collaboration between Boston University and Boston Medical Center.
Long-term career value: The program develops skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, scientific research, evaluation of scientific literature, modelling, and communication. These skills are useful across research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and other life-science careers.
Graduation outcomes: Biology graduates can choose between entering the workforce and continuing their education. Boston University reports that its Biology graduates have gone on to medical, dental, veterinary, master's, and doctoral programs at universities across the United States.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA in Biology, students can continue their education through master's and PhD programs in Biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, environmental science, and related fields. Boston University also offers a BA/MS in Biology pathway, allowing students to combine their undergraduate and master's studies and gain additional advanced scientific and analytical training.

For students interested in healthcare, the Biology degree can also provide a strong foundation for applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school. Boston University Biology graduates have continued into professional programs at institutions including Boston University, Tufts University, Temple University, and the University of Illinois.