College of Arts and Sciences
Biology BS
Study the science of life through hands-on laboratory and field experiences, with pathways into medicine, research, biotechnology, environmental science, marine biology, and more.
Program details
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Designated
- STEM, STEM-OPT
- Median starting salary for Biology graduates:
- $64,000 Median starting salary for Biology graduates. View career outcomes.
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Why study biology at UMass Dartmouth?
Biology is at the forefront of discoveries in health, biotechnology, conservation, and environmental science. At UMass Dartmouth, you’ll combine a strong foundation in the biological sciences with hands-on experience in the lab, field, and research settings.
Choose from four optional concentrations: cell and molecular biology, conservation biology, ecology and evolution, or marine biology. Across them all, you’ll learn by doing, with hands-on laboratory and field experiences that connect what you learn in class to the living world around you.
Whether you’re preparing for a career in biotechnology, environmental science, marine science, health care, education, or another life science field, you’ll graduate with the scientific knowledge, research experience, and practical skills to take your next step.
Launch your career
Salary range: $64,000What can I do with a Biology BS degree?
A biology degree opens the door to a wide variety of careers in laboratories, research, education, healthcare, conservation, and more. Biology is also a foundation for further education including medical school, veterinary school, biotechnology, and marine science. Biology majors are in-demand in roles like:
- Biology teacher
- Microbiologist
- Conservation biologist
- Biological technician
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Zoologist
- Geneticist
- Medical technologist
- Clinical research coordinator
Top employers
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Curriculum
In the biology major, you'll take a total of 120 credits comprised of courses in biology plus related science and mathematics, as well as elective courses in your area of interest or concentration. The biology major offers concentrations in conservation biology, cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution biology, and. marine biology
Regardless of your course of study, you'll learn the skills to:
- Apply scientific methods to investigate biological questions through laboratory and field research.
- Analyze biological data using statistics, experimental design, and quantitative methods.
- Conduct research, interpret scientific findings, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Use specialized techniques in areas such as genomics, cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, and marine biology.
Real-world experience
In UMass Dartmouth’s biology program, learning extends beyond the classroom. Along with hands-on training in scientific labs, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn through real-world experiences. Our coastal location puts fieldwork opportunities just minutes from campus, while faculty-led research gives you the chance to contribute to new discoveries. And with study abroad opportunities, you can take your science learning around the globe.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
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Student Spotlight
- Hometown
- Franklin, MA
- Major
- Biology, Conservation
- Minor
- Sustainability
- Athletics
- Soccer Captain
- Research
- Arctic microbiology in Iceland
- Internship
- Town of Fairhaven Conservation Dept.
Accelerated degree options
Explore accelerated pathways that may help you complete your bachelor’s degree sooner, begin graduate coursework early, or pursue a streamlined path to a master’s, teaching, or law degree. Available options vary by program and eligibility.
4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option
Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program.
Learn more about Accelerated Degrees at UMass Dartmouth
4+1 BA/BS-MAT: a fast track to teaching
Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.
Learn more about the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program
3+3 with UMass Law: a fast track to a law degree
Enrollment in the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law offers an accelerated pathway to an undergraduate and law degree, enabling qualifying students to substitute the first year of law school for the final year of their undergraduate program, thereby earning both a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from UMass Law in six rather than seven years.
Learn more about the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally Ranked Discovery Across Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together nationally ranked programs, accomplished scholars, and research with measurable impact. Its faculty includes eight Fulbright Scholars and has secured more than $14 million in grants over three years, creating opportunities for students to learn through research, creative inquiry, and community engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Biology BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
A biology degree can prepare you for careers in health care, biotechnology, environmental science, research, education, and more. At UMass Dartmouth, you can tailor your coursework through areas such as cell and molecular biology, conservation biology, ecology and evolution, and marine biology.
You'll be prepared for careers in industry and government in areas such as animal biology, biotechnology, botany, cell biology, developmental biology, education, and medicine—or to pursue research in fields such as biomedicine, the environment, and marine science.
Our curriculum prepares you for graduate study in biology, medicine, and other health professions. We also offer teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching biology at the middle or high school level.
As a biology major, you'll be prepared to continue your studies in medical school or other health professional programs (such as dental, optometric, osteopathic, podiatric, or veterinary school). UMass Dartmouth offers a pre-medical or pre-health advisory program, which helps ensure you graduate with the necessary skills and courses that will prepare you for admission to medical school and health-related professional programs.
Yes. UMass Dartmouth offers a marine biology concentration within the biology major, giving you the opportunity to study marine organisms, ecosystems, and the biological processes that shape life in the ocean.
Biology is also available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
The Biology BS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.