BA in Biology—Biodiversity, Conservation & Global Change Biology Specialization

Boston University’s Biodiversity, Conservation & Global Change Biology specialization gives students plenty of opportunities to take biology beyond the classroom. Through laboratory work, field studies, undergraduate research, and hands-on experiences with organisms and ecosystems, students can build practical skills in ecological research, conservation, biological data analysis, and the study of environmental change. Students can also work alongside Biology faculty in research laboratories and make use of specialized facilities and equipment that support ecological, organismal, molecular, and environmental research:

• Marine Semester: Students can take part in BU’s Marine Semester, gaining hands-on laboratory and field experience through the Marine Research Teaching Lab and field locations in New England and Belize. Marine Semester courses can contribute toward BCG specialization electives.

• Fieldwork: CAS BI 307 Biogeography includes field trips and gives students practical experience examining the distribution of plants and animals and the environmental and human factors that influence them.

• Global field experience: Students can access international learning opportunities through BU programs such as the Quito–Universidad San Francisco de Quito Exchange Program, which includes fieldwork in the Galápagos, as well as the Sydney program, where students can study ecology, conservation, and wildlife management.

• Biology of Global Change laboratory: CAS BI 306 Biology of Global Change includes a three-hour laboratory component, allowing students to investigate topics such as climate change, pollution, eutrophication, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem restoration.

• Conservation-focused learning: CAS BI 448 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology explores practical approaches to protecting endangered species while examining environmental, population, genetic, and human factors that influence species survival.

• Undergraduate research: Students can undertake research with Biology faculty or researchers outside the department through volunteer, paid, or for-credit opportunities. Research courses include CAS BI 140/141, BI 240/241, BI 340/341/350/351/352, and BI 450/451/452/453.

• Research funding: Students may receive research support through Work-Study and Boston University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), helping them gain experience while contributing to active research projects.

• Specialized research facilities: Biology students have access to aquatic facilities for freshwater and saltwater organisms, animal-care facilities, environmental chambers, and equipment for electron, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy, along with tissue-culture and behavioral, biochemical, physiological, molecular, and genetic research equipment.

• Teaching and research laboratories: Biology teaching laboratories are located in the Metcalf Science Center, while department research laboratories are located across BU’s Biology research facilities.

• Honors research: Qualified senior students can undertake advanced research through CAS BI 401 and BI 402, culminating in an Honors Thesis and faculty defense.

• Research participation: Around 100 Biology students each year participate in research in BU Biology faculty laboratories and laboratories outside the department, giving undergraduates opportunities to become involved in real scientific research.

• Quantitative and computational learning: BCG students can select experiential and quantitative courses such as CAS BI 550 and CAS BI 586, strengthening their ability to work with biological data and modern approaches to biological research.

Boston University’s BA in Biology with a Biodiversity, Conservation & Global Change Biology specialization prepares students for careers that combine biological science with conservation, environmental research, biodiversity, and global environmental challenges. Graduates can move into roles across academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, while the strong research and analytical foundation also supports further study.

Typical career options include Biological Researcher, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Policy Analyst, Biodiversity Specialist, and Science Educator. Students can strengthen their career prospects through research, fieldwork, quantitative training, internships, and Boston University’s career and professional development resources:

• Career support: Boston University’s Center for Career Development (CCD) provides career guidance and resources to help students explore career options, develop application materials, prepare for interviews, find employment opportunities, and plan for life after graduation.

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

• Starting salary: The 2025 First Destination Survey reported an average starting salary of $74,956, based on 580 undergraduate respondents. This is a university-wide figure and should not be treated as the expected salary for graduates of this particular specialization.

• Research experience: Students can gain valuable professional experience by working with Boston University Biology faculty or researchers outside the department through volunteer, paid, or for-credit research. Opportunities through UROP and Work-Study can also provide support for undergraduate research.

• Career sectors: The program prepares students for opportunities in academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, particularly in areas connected with biological research, conservation, environmental management, education, and policy.

• Industry and external experience: Boston University does not identify a specific corporate placement or guaranteed industry partnership for this specialization. Students can instead build professional connections through faculty research, internships, external laboratories, field programs, and other university-supported experiential opportunities.

• Long-term professional value: The BA specialization does not list a separate professional accreditation. Its long-term value comes from developing strong biological, ecological, evolutionary, quantitative, research, and communication skills that can be applied across a wide range of biology and environmental careers.

• Graduation outcomes: Boston University graduates commonly progress into employment or further education after completing their undergraduate studies. For this specific specialization, BU does not publish a separate employment rate or salary figure, so university-wide outcomes should be viewed as general indicators rather than program-specific guarantees.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can continue their education through graduate study in biology and related disciplines. Boston University offers a BA/MS in Biology, and students interested in biodiversity, ecology, conservation, evolution, environmental science, marine science, or related areas can pursue appropriate master's or doctoral programs; graduates may also use the degree as preparation for other professional or research-focused postgraduate pathways.