Biology, BS
The Biology BS provides an excellent liberal arts education with substantial experience in quantitative and analytical thought, along with preparation for related professions.
The program provides the strong background necessary for not only for graduate study in the life sciences, but also enables students to develop careers in a wide variety of disciplines, including teaching, environmental management, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, wildlife management, fisheries biology, and marine science.
Undergraduate students joining in the fall for a semester program in conservation, be sure to check out and apply to the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation Halpin Family Endowment scholarship.
Program Highlights
Our curriculum prepares students for careers in the health sciences including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and related allied health disciplines.
Course Catalog
Review admission and course requirements for this degree:
Career Paths
Mason Biology Majors have participated in:
- Cheetah Conservation Fund Internship
- INOVA Biomedical Internship in Chronic Diseases
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internship Program
Research Opportunities
The Undergraduate Research Semester gives you the opportunity to get involved and immersed in the ongoing scientific research at Mason, working on-on-one with a Mason scientist.
Concentrations
Students may elect to complete the BS degree either with one of the concentrations below.
Concentration in Bioinformatics
The highly interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics has emerged as a powerful modern science. There is a great demand for undergraduate and graduate-level trained individuals with a background in bioinformatics in industry as well as in academia.
Concentration in Biopsychology
The biopsychology concentration consists of a selection of courses designed to address the needs and interest of students who wish to study biology in more depth while simultaneously exploring psychology and neurobiology. This concentration will help prepare students for the MCAT section related to psychology and provide veterinary students with a background in animal learning/behavior.
Concentration in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
The biotechnology and molecular biology concentration consists of a selection of courses that provide essential skills to students who seek employment in the field or wish to include an applied component in their undergraduate training in biology.
Concentration in Environmental and Conservation Biology
This concentration is offered to students seeking a biology degree that focuses on ecology and organismal biology and prepares them for graduate work or employment in environmental and conservation fields, such as natural resources management, fisheries, forestry, water quality management, aquatic and wetland ecology, and conservation biology.
Concentration in Microbiology
This concentration offers lecture and laboratory courses in microbiology to prepare students for employment or advanced study in microbial genetics, physiology, diversity, and related fields.