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Pursue a biology degree and receive an excellent liberal arts education with experience in quantitative and analytical thought, along with preparation for related professions.

Learn in a lab-focused program with hands-on training from award-winning faculty.

Biology students work with a professor to examine plant defenses and plant-bacteria interactions in our on-campus greenhouse

Why the Department of Biology?

24

Average biology lab size: you're more than just a number.

1,300

The number of students majoring in Biology, making it the largest major in the College of Science and second largest at Mason. 

80,000

The Biology Department supports the third largest herbarium in Virginia that contains over 80,000 plants specimens from around the world

A comprehensive education in biological sciences for biologists, educators, or those on a health career path.

Our student-focused programs offer lab and field studies in plants, animals, and ecology, providing the background necessary for popular careers in biological science, such as environmental management, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, genetics, and medical laboratory sciences.

Students in biology lab class

Unparalleled experience-building with world-renowned organizations, laboratories and U.S. government agencies.

Our proximity to Washington, D.C., gives students unique opportunities to learn from and perform research for premier science institutes and companies within the health and biological science sectors including NIH, USDA, FDA, EPA, and the Smithsonian Institute.

student research in SSB

STEM careers are in demand, projected to grow 10% by 2026

Employment of life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all other occupations. Get there faster: undergraduates earn credits toward degrees through internships and lab-based projects, field research, apprenticeships, and internships.

Students learn about wood turtle sampling and conservation biology with Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation faculty.

Visit Us On Campus

Whether you're preparing for graduate studies, or diving into biological fundamentals, you'll find it here. Come explore our biology programs, visit a class, and meet our Mason Science community.

Fairfax Campus, Exploratory Hall 1200
4400 University Drive, MSN 3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-1050
 

Exploratory Hall at George Mason University Fairfax Campus

Biology News & Events

Upcoming Events

More Events
Mar7

Show Your Gratitude: Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day on March 7

Mar 7, 2025, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

As Employee Appreciation Day (March 7) approaches, we encourage supervisors and leaders across campus to take a moment to recognize the contributions of their teams and individual contributors. A little appreciation goes a long way in fostering engagement, motivation, and a culture of belonging. Simple Ways to Show Appreciation Whether
Mar21

STEM Transfer Day 2025

Mar 21, 2025, 1:00 - 3:45 PM

HUB Ballroom

Register to attend. Join George Mason’s College of Science, College of Engineering and Computing, and College of Public Health to explore our transfer-inclusive community, and learn more about George Mason’s Carnegie Research 1-ranked, STEM and Health programs. Explore cutting-edge STEM facilities, research, and internship opportunities; connect with Mason STEM faculty
Mar21

STEM Transfer Day 2025

Mar 21, 2025, 1:00 - 3:45 PM

HUB Ballroom

Register to attend. Join George Mason’s College of Science, College of Engineering and Computing, and College of Public Health to explore our transfer-inclusive community, and learn more about George Mason’s Carnegie Research 1-ranked, STEM and Health programs. Explore cutting-edge STEM facilities, research, and internship opportunities; connect with Mason STEM faculty

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.