The Science of Life: Biology Majors

Biology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors, and for a very good reason! In addition to preparing students for medical school and careers in the healthcare field, it's the perfect fit for those who love using science to make a difference—whether that’s as a forensic scientist or an environmental researcher. 

When studying biology at the college level, you will gain invaluable research skills and learn scientific approaches to solving some of today’s most pressing problems. 

Degree types and requirements

Students can obtain a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), combined Bachelor’s/Master’s (B.S./M.S.), or even an interdisciplinary degree, such as CMU’s Computational Biology or Psychology and Biological Sciences majors. Other schools, such as Stanford, have Bio-X programs where students work with faculty and graduate students. There, they can help generate cutting-edge medical innovations, take part in discovering technological breakthroughs in the sciences, and improve human health.

Although each school will have specific requirements and opportunities for students studying Biology, there is a common set of courses students will be required to take in order to graduate:

• Introductory biology

• College-level mathematics (e.g. calculus or statistics)

• Introductory chemistry

• Biology lab

• Cellular biology

• Anatomy and physiology

Specializations

When it comes to biology, there is no shortage of specializations to choose from, from microscopic organisms and cells to looking at specific ecosystems and environments. By specializing in a certain area, students will be able to pursue what fascinates them through targeted upper division courses, concentrations, and minors. 

• Marine Biology

  • In this subset of biology, students will focus on ecosystems and organisms that are found in the ocean. They will learn about their behaviors and how they interact with their marine environments.

• Microbiology

  • Students will learn about microbes such as viruses and bacteria and study how microbes impact the health of humans and the environment. They will also gain skills in genetics and immunology.

• Ecology

  • This is for students who want to learn more about environmental science and look at organisms on a larger scale. Students will investigate how plants and animals are affected by chemicals and explore sustainability methods to preserve our planet.

• Biomedical Engineering

  • At the intersection of medicine, biology, and engineering, students will learn how to innovate and improve medical systems and technology for the benefit of human health. Students will take coursework in biology, engineering, design, and research.

• Molecular Biology

  • Much like in microbiology, students will focus on the smaller side of life. Students will learn about essential life processes at the cellular level, including how DNA, RNA, and proteins interact, preparing themselves for laboratory careers or graduate study in the life sciences.  

Possible careers

Once you have earned a degree in Biology, there are numerous paths to pursue professionally, including, but not limited to:

• Environmental scientists create solutions and technology to help protect global environments and ecosystems.

• Physicians examine, diagnose, and treat patients with injuries or diseases while ordering tests and prescribing medications.

• Biological technicians collect and prepare food, blood, and/or bacteria samples for experiment and analysis.

• Biologists experiment with organisms or matter and work in areas such as developmental or genetic biology while focusing on research. 

• Forensic scientists collect and analyze evidence pertaining to criminal investigations.

What can you do to prepare?

For most schools, biology is one of the most competitive majors in college admissions. To be a strong applicant, students should have the following by the fall of their senior year:

• Advanced coursework in biology, math, and other sciences (e.g. AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, etc.)

• A high GPA, a strong SAT or ACT score (especially in math), and scores of 4+ for AP exams and 5+ for IB exams relevant to biology, chemistry, and physics

• An active presence in school activities and outside extracurriculars, including biology or science-related clubs, relevant competitions (ex: HOSA, Science Fair, etc.), and activities like medical shadowing

• A relevant internship, independent project, and/or research experience that deals with real-world applications regarding biology

Let us help you become a competitive biology applicant!

Not sure where to begin? B2A’S Steps Program for grades 7-11 will provide 1:1 mentorship. Our experienced admissions counselors guide students in major and career exploration, help with course selection, recommend meaningful internship and research opportunities, and focus on building an extracurricular profile that showcases your unique experiences and abilities outside of the classroom. 

Are you a current senior applying for a degree in biology? Our College Admissions Services hours can assist you! In these flexible, hour-long sessions, you can receive help with every step of your application process, from organizing activities and experiences on your resume to writing compelling essays and even choosing the right programs and colleges for you.