Bachelor in Biology

Biology Degree at Assumption University

Biology is the study of life. Biologists explore the mysteries of life at the cellular, organismal, and population levels.

Whether you want to use your Biology degree to study viruses or ecosystems, you gain extensive hands-on laboratory experience, as well as strong support from and easy access to Assumption science faculty, who make classroom-based concepts meaningful and help develop your technical research skills. The state-of-the-art Testa Science Center located on-campus in Worcester, MA provides outstanding laboratory facilities to students pursuing a Biology major to test the complex and sophisticated scientific theories you learn in the classroom.

Natural sciences graduates have an 85% acceptance rate to medical schools, and an 83% acceptance rate for other types of graduate medical programs (dentistry and veterinary schools, etc.). The assumption has articulation agreements with highly competitive graduate programs to offer our students numerous opportunities for guaranteed admission and/or accelerated degrees or intensive scientific study.

Biology Major

Students who pursue a Biology degree take 16 courses in the sciences, with numerous options for biology students to choose which courses best suit their interests. Biology majors may also receive academic credit for up to two biology internships. In addition, students receive a strong grounding in the broader liberal arts and are prepared for careers in health care, research, industry, and education and for further study in graduate and professional schools.

Biology Minor

A minor in biology appeals to students who have an interest in a health-related field, regardless of their major. Biology minors take five natural sciences courses chosen in one on one consultation with a department advisor.

Biology Degree Requirements

Students who pursue a Biology degree take 16 courses in math and science, with numerous options for biology students to choose which courses best suit their interests. Students may also receive academic credit for up to two biology internships. Biology minors take 5 biology courses chosen in consultation with a department advisor.

Internships and Research Opportunities

Assumption students have been selected to participate in summer research programs at major research institutions around the nation. Also, Assumption offers on-campus summer research opportunities to upper-level students who apply to assist Assumption faculty with their research projects. Students selected for summer research positions receive a stipend and housing on campus.

All science majors are strongly encouraged to gain practical experience and course credit through an internship in their field of interest during their junior or senior year. Internships for academic credit give students practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to explore their career choices before graduating.

Summer Research Opportunities

Increasing numbers of Assumption students have been selected to participate in summer research programs at major research institutions around the nation, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Also, Assumption offers on-campus summer research opportunities to upper-level students who apply to assist Assumption faculty with their research projects. Students selected for summer research positions receive a stipend and housing on campus.

Graduate Schools and Careers

Graduates with a major or minor in Biology enter an array of fields including medicine, research, teaching, and pharmaceutical sales. They also pursue graduate degrees in a number of health professions including medicine, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and nursing.

The assumption has articulation agreements with a number of graduate programs so that Assumption students who maintain a strong academic standing are able to gain ready access to these programs.