BA in Biological Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lehigh University

Program Overview

Lehigh University’s Bachelor of Arts in Biology provides a broad foundation in the principles governing life at molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels, while allowing students to shape their studies around their interests. The program suits students interested in biological research, health-related fields, environmental and forensic sciences, teaching, or further graduate and professional education.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with Lehigh’s core biological foundations through BIOS 041 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and BIOS 042 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, developing an understanding of cellular and molecular processes alongside practical laboratory skills. They also progress into BIOS 044 Introduction to Integrative and Comparative Biology and BIOS 045 Introduction to Integrative and Comparative Biology Laboratory, while building supporting knowledge in chemistry and mathematics.

Year 2: The curriculum develops students’ understanding of biological inheritance and experimental investigation through BIOS 115 Genetics and BIOS 116 Genetics Laboratory, with the option of BIOS 118 Phage Genetics Laboratory. Students also continue their mathematics and collateral science requirements, including options such as BIOS 130 Biostatistics, helping connect biological questions with quantitative analysis.

Year 3: Students use the flexibility of the B.A. to explore their particular biological interests through 18 credits of biology electives, supported by the department’s broad range of biological sciences courses. Advanced study can be shaped around areas such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, evolution and behavior, or neuroscience, depending on the student’s selected coursework.

Year 4: In the final year, students can deepen their specialization through upper-level biology electives and research-oriented opportunities. Lehigh also offers BIOS 393 Thesis, which involves a literature review, project design and execution, final report, and presentation for eligible senior biology majors, providing a pathway to complete substantial independent scientific work.

Focus areas: Molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, ecology, evolution and behavior, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, biological research.

Learning outcomes: Design experiments, generate hypotheses, develop experimental approaches, evaluate biological data, communicate scientific results, apply biological principles to new situations, interpret evidence, and connect biological sub-disciplines through an interdisciplinary understanding of living systems.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Lehigh’s official program information does not state a separate professional accreditation specifically for the B.A. in Biology; the program is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences and is designed to prepare students for graduate school, professional training, and careers in health-related industries.

Reputation (employability and outcomes): Lehigh reports that 92% of the Class of 2025 were employed, continuing education, or pursuing military or volunteer service within six months of graduation, while 88% completed an internship or other experiential learning opportunity. Across the College of Arts and Sciences, the reported average starting salary for Math & Natural Sciences was $62,425, providing broader college-level context rather than a Biology-specific salary figure.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Lehigh University’s BA in Biological Sciences gain practical experience by combining classroom study with laboratory work, faculty-guided research, and opportunities to investigate biological questions using modern scientific approaches. The program’s relatively flexible structure allows students to explore areas of biology while developing hands-on skills through research, independent study, and experiential opportunities available through the Department of Biological Sciences. Key opportunities include:

Undergraduate Research: Students can work with Lehigh biology faculty on research projects, gaining experience in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication.
Independent Research: The department provides opportunities for undergraduates to undertake independent research, allowing students to investigate biological questions beyond regular laboratory coursework.
Laboratory Experience: Biology coursework includes laboratory components where students develop practical skills in biological observation, experimentation, measurement, and analysis.
Faculty Research Areas: Students can become involved in research spanning areas such as molecular and cellular biology, ecology and evolution, and organismal biology, providing exposure to different approaches within the biological sciences.
Research and Learning Facilities: Students benefit from Lehigh’s science facilities and laboratory spaces that support undergraduate teaching and faculty research in the biological sciences.
Library and Digital Resources: Lehigh’s library resources provide access to scientific literature, databases, journals, and other research materials that students can use for coursework and independent research.
Collaborative Learning: Laboratory and research activities give students opportunities to work collaboratively, discuss scientific findings, and develop the communication skills needed to present biological research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Biological Sciences gives students a broad foundation in biology that can support careers in laboratory research, biotechnology, environmental science, healthcare, and related fields. Lehigh’s biology programs also provide a pathway toward advanced research, professional health programs, and graduate study, with the department offering Ph.D. concentrations in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, evolution and behavior, and neuroscience.

Career and Employment Opportunities: Students can apply their biological sciences background to roles such as biological technician, laboratory technician, research assistant, and biotechnology professional:

Career Services: Lehigh’s Center for Career & Professional Development provides career resources and industry-focused guidance, including resources for science, mathematics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical careers.
Employment and salary figures: Lehigh’s official Biological Sciences sources do not state a specific employment rate or salary figure for graduates of the B.A. in Biological Sciences, so these figures are not stated.
University–industry connections: Lehigh’s Biological Sciences graduate outcomes document graduates working in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies including Merck, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, and Aventis; the department also reports graduates moving into research positions at institutions including Yale, Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of North Carolina. These examples refer to department graduate outcomes rather than specifically to B.A. graduates.
Accreditation value: Lehigh University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, providing institutional recognition for the university’s degree programs.
Graduation outcomes: The B.A. can support progression into research, biotechnology, healthcare-related pathways, and further academic study. Lehigh also offers accelerated B.A.–M.D. and B.A.–D.M.D. pathways in conjunction with Drexel University College of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A. in Biological Sciences, students can continue into Lehigh’s M.S. in Molecular Biology or pursue the research-oriented Ph.D. in Biology, with concentrations in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, evolution and behavior, or neuroscience. Students interested in professional healthcare careers can also pursue the university’s accelerated B.A.–M.D. or B.A.–D.M.D. pathways where eligible.