Bachelor of Arts in Biology

The B.A. in Biology at the University of Miami gives students practical experience through laboratory courses, inquiry-based learning, biological research and research-intensive presentations. The program requires introductory biology laboratories and advanced biology electives, while students are encouraged to participate in original laboratory or field research under the mentorship of Biology faculty. Students can also take Projects in Biology, an individual research course that culminates in a formal written report, and gain teaching experience through the Undergraduate Learning Internship in Biology.

Students can build practical experience through several program-specific opportunities:

• Laboratory training: Students complete General Biology Laboratory and Evolution and Biodiversity Laboratory, with additional biology laboratory or field courses available through upper-level electives.
• Research techniques: Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory introduces current research techniques and applications, while Core Laboratory Techniques provides applied training in modern analytical methods and exposes students to the department's core facilities for imaging, molecular biology and elemental analysis.
• Independent research: BIL 495 – Projects in Biology allows students to conduct original research under the supervision of a Biology faculty member and complete a formal written report.
• Research mentorship: The Department of Biology strongly encourages undergraduate students to undertake original laboratory and/or field research under the mentorship of Biology faculty.
• Teaching internship: BIL 281 – Undergraduate Learning Internship in Biology places students in laboratory settings as peer mentors, where they assist graduate laboratory instructors teaching introductory biology concepts.
• Science teaching experience: BIL 476 – Science Made Sensible Teaching Internship places undergraduate students as resident scientists in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where they teach alongside K–12 science teachers and develop hands-on, inquiry-based lesson plans.
• Field-based research: The B.A. curriculum permits upper-level biology laboratory or field courses, giving students opportunities to develop practical biological investigation skills beyond standard classroom learning.
• Research facilities: Biology students can benefit from the department's laboratory infrastructure supporting imaging, molecular biology and elemental analysis, particularly through coursework in core laboratory techniques.
• Scientific communication: The B.A. learning outcomes specifically emphasize research presentations and scientific writing, preparing students to communicate biological information to professional and public audiences.
• Marine research environment: Students interested in marine and environmental biology can also access the wider University of Miami research environment through the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, which has modern laboratory facilities and supports undergraduate participation in multidisciplinary research. 

The B.A. in Biology at the University of Miami provides a broad biological foundation with opportunities to prepare for interdisciplinary careers, professional schools, teaching, environmental work, science policy and other biology-related fields. The program specifically develops students’ scientific reasoning, research, critical-thinking, writing and presentation abilities, while the University encourages students to undertake original laboratory or field research.

• Career roles: Biology graduates can pursue roles such as Biological Research Assistant, Environmental Conservation Specialist, Science Teacher, or Environmental Policy/Science Policy professional.
• Career services: The Toppel Career Center provides individual and small-group coaching, resume reviews, job and internship-search guidance, interview practice, career assessments, industry research and professional networking support.
• Life-sciences support: Toppel's Healthcare & Life Sciences Career Circle provides biology-related career updates and access to job and internship opportunities through Handshake.
• Employment & salary: A program-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure is not stated on the official University of Miami B.A. in Biology pages reviewed, so no program-specific figure is provided.
• Research opportunities: The Biology Department strongly encourages original laboratory and/or field research under the mentorship of biology faculty, giving students a pathway to build research experience before graduation.
• Industry and professional exposure: The University provides access to life-science career opportunities through its Healthcare & Life Sciences career community and Handshake, while specialized programs such as the Shark Research & Conservation Program provide undergraduate internships, field experience, mentorship and networking with partner organizations.
• Accreditation value: A specific professional accreditation for the B.A. in Biology is not stated on the official program page; the degree is offered through the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences.
• Graduation outcomes: The program is designed to support progression into biological careers and professional schools that do not require a B.S. in Biology, with particular relevance to interdisciplinary study, teaching, science policy and environmental law.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A., students can pursue graduate study in Biology at the University of Miami, where students with an appropriate B.A. may seek direct entry to either the M.S. or Ph.D. track. The University also offers a B.S./M.S. in Biology pathway for research-focused students, although that specific accelerated program is based on the B.S. curriculum rather than the B.A.