Biology, BA

This course of study is designed for students seeking a non-scientific career, including science education at the primary or secondary school level, science journalism, scientific marketing and sales, or environmental and patent law. The BA degree provides a broader liberal arts background and the opportunity to take more elective courses than the traditional BS degree program.

Why Biology?

Amazing advances in biology are revolutionizing medicine and our understanding of the living world. From the sequencing of the human genome to genomics and personalized medicine  to the analysis of whole living systems through computer-assisted approaches, the field of  biology is at the forefront of discovery. Whether you are interested in a career in biological  research, a health-related profession, teaching, or wish to pursue an advanced degree, our programs will provide you with the necessary skills for success. Our degree programs include a BA in Biology, a BS in Biology, and joint degree programs in the health sciences.

Recently, the University received a $7.5 million grant from the Dyson Foundation to build new, state-of-the-art science laboratories in Dyson Hall on the Pleasantville campus. In addition, faculty grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have allowed for the acquisition of state-of-the-art technology for faculty-student research, including a $300,000 laser-scanning confocal microscope.

Our students conduct independent laboratory research in collaboration with highly respected faculty members, often at a level typically reserved for graduate students, using scientific resources one would expect to find at a large research institution. Students gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom through fieldwork and internships at some of the most prestigious scientific and pharmaceutical companies and organizations in the world.

Research Opportunities

Student-faculty research is a benchmark of the Dyson College experience. Our faculty members are actively involved in both basic and applied research in a wide range of areas including cancer research, plant biology, global warming, bacterial pathology, ecological field studies, and tropical ecology. These research projects, many of which are funded by federal grants, include both undergraduate and graduate student participation.

Our students have presented the results of their research work at national and international scientific meetings and have authored papers in scientific journals. They have also been the recipients of international fellowships for continued study in the United States and abroad.

Career Opportunities

Many of our graduates command starting salaries of $53,200 or more—that’s on par with graduates from the country’s most selective Ivy League schools. There are many career paths students can follow with an undergraduate degree in Biology. Our students are also well prepared for study at the graduate level. With additional certifications and graduate degrees, students may also become scientists, medical doctors, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists, optometrists, dentists, veterinarians, and teachers.