BA in Biology—Behavioral Biology Specialization

The Behavioral Biology specialization at Boston University gives students plenty of opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom through faculty research, laboratory work, field studies, and interdisciplinary projects. Students can explore animal and human behavior using approaches from biology, psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology while developing practical skills in scientific research, data analysis, and communication. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged, with around 100 Biology students participating in research each year through faculty laboratories and research groups outside the department.

Students can build practical experience through a range of opportunities:

• Faculty Research: Students can work with faculty on research areas including behavioral ecology, communication, neuroethology, primatology, reproductive neuroendocrinology, and sociobiology.

• Undergraduate Research: Students can gain research experience through volunteering, funded opportunities, or academic research courses. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and Work-Study can also support students participating in research.

• Laboratory Facilities: Biology students have access to facilities that support behavioral and biological research, including freshwater and saltwater aquatic facilities, animal-care facilities, environmental chambers, and equipment for behavioral, physiological, molecular, genetic, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy research.

• Ecology, Behavior & Evolution Research: Research facilities support techniques such as microscopy, molecular genetics, stable isotope analysis, and mass spectrometry, giving students exposure to modern methods used in behavioral and ecological research.

• Field Research: Students can benefit from field-based research conducted in New England and international locations. Opportunities are also connected with the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador.

• Marine Semester: Students can gain hands-on laboratory and field experience through BU’s Marine Semester, using the Marine Research Teaching Lab and field sites in New England and Belize. Relevant Biology courses can count toward the Behavioral Biology specialization.

• Animal Behavior Facilities: The Marine Research Teaching Lab includes an advanced aquarium system and facilities for studying animal physiology and behavior, alongside resources for molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, and biogeochemistry.

• International Field Experience: The Australia Sydney Program provides opportunities to study ecology, conservation, and wildlife management, while the Quito USFQ Exchange Program includes fieldwork in the Galápagos.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Students can complement their Biology studies with courses in Psychological & Brain Sciences and Anthropology, allowing them to explore behavior from biological, psychological, neurological, and anthropological perspectives.

• Research and Teaching Spaces: Students benefit from Biology facilities across the Biology Research Building, Biological Science Center, and Life Sciences & Engineering Building, with teaching laboratories located in the Metcalf Science Center. Facilities include the Aquarium Room, Stable Isotope Laboratory, DNA Sequencing and Molecular Biology Facility, environmental rooms, and specialized microscopy facilities.

Boston University’s BA in Biology with a Behavioral Biology specialization prepares students for a wide range of careers and further study by combining biological science with psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology. Students develop strong research, analytical, scientific communication, and data-analysis skills, making the program a good fit for those interested in biological research, education, healthcare, and related fields.

Typical career options include Biological Researcher, Behavioral Researcher, Research Assistant, and Science Educator. Students can further strengthen their career prospects through Boston University’s career services, research opportunities, internships, and connections with professionals:

• Career support: Boston University’s Center for Career Development helps students prepare for internships and employment through career advising, professional-development activities, job resources, employer events, and Handshake. Biology students can also use BU Connects to connect with alumni for networking and mentorship.

• Internship opportunities: Students can pursue internships through programs such as the Yawkey Paid Internship Program and the CAS On-Campus Internship Program, which provide opportunities to gain professional experience and develop workplace skills.

• Research experience: Around 100 Biology students each year conduct research in Boston University faculty laboratories or laboratories outside the Biology Department. Students can gain experience through volunteer research, funded opportunities, or academic credit, including opportunities supported by UROP and Work-Study.

• Employment outcomes: Boston University’s 2025 First Destination Survey reported that 61% of undergraduate graduates entered full-time employment, while 25% continued to graduate or professional school. The survey also found that 87% completed an experiential learning opportunity and 72% completed an internship before graduation. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to the Behavioral Biology specialization.

• Starting salary: The 2025 survey reported a mean starting salary of $74,956, based on 580 respondents. This is a university-wide undergraduate figure and should not be considered a salary specific to Behavioral Biology graduates.

• Industry and professional connections: Boston University Biology graduates have moved into research positions at organizations such as Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Tufts Medical Center. Graduates have also continued into medical, dental, veterinary, and master's programs at institutions including Boston University, Harvard, Yale, Tufts, Rutgers, and George Washington University.

• Long-term professional value: The Behavioral Biology specialization does not list a separate professional accreditation. Its long-term value comes from the combination of biological knowledge, research experience, scientific-method training, data analysis, modeling, and communication skills that prepare students for employment and further study.

• Graduation outcomes: Boston University’s First Destination Survey tracks graduates during the first six months after graduation, including employment, starting salaries, continuing education, and other post-graduation activities. Separate employment and salary figures for the Behavioral Biology specialization are not publicly provided.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can continue their education through graduate or professional programs related to biology and behavioral science. Boston University offers a dual BA/MS in Biology for eligible students, while graduates can also progress to master’s and doctoral programs, medical school, dental school, veterinary school, and other professional or health-related programs.