Biology (BS Degree)

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Why study Biology?

Biology is the study of life, from the smallest molecules required for cellular life to entire ecosystems and communities. A Bachelor of Science in Biology degree opens doors to careers in health care, veterinary science, education, research, environmental science and many other fascinating specialties.

Why earn your Biology Degree from Iona?

Learn to Think Like a Scientist

At Iona University, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology connects you to an expansive variety of careers in the biological sciences. Our faculty inspire you to think like a scientist - critically, analytically and ethically. Your coursework examines the latest concepts of biology in a student-centered environment that pushes you to explore, ask questions and share ideas.

Choose Your Own Path

Depending on your goals, we have numerous paths for those interested in exploring the subject of Biology. Our undergraduate majors can choose from four areas of concentration connected to specific career trajectories in the biological sciences:

For those looking to go into teaching, we offer a five-year dual degree BS in Biology/MST in Education. Students pursuing this degree are encouraged to apply for the NSF Noyce INSTRUCT Program scholarship. There is also a Biology minor available.

An Education Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the Biology major, your educational experience will extend beyond the classroom, with valuable opportunities, including:

working in the laboratory alongside dedicated faculty and learning modern and relevant techniques for research projects
attending conferences
publishing in academic journals
connecting with the wider biology field through internships, volunteering and service-learning classes

What You'll Learn

Our Bachelor’s degree illuminates the foundations of biology and pushes you to pursue concepts and ideas that will take you to the next level as a student and biologist. You will learn to appreciate the role of science in today’s world.

More specifically, your coursework builds skills critical for careers in the biological sciences such as research, collecting and analyzing data, communicating complex ideas, collaborating and presenting findings.

Iona University Biology Major Creates an Innovative Way to Clean Carbon Dioxide from the Air

Lazar Paroški ’25 won first place in the 2023 New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) for his invention “Algea3,” a multifunctional park bench that can effectively clean the air in urban environments with limited green space. The NYBPC is an intercollegiate entrepreneurship contest that comes with a top prize of $10,000.

What can you do with a Biology degree?

A Biology degree can open many doors for students who have a passion for science. At Iona, we see many of our graduates opt to pursue higher education after completing their Biology degrees. Generally, they will go into the medical field and become doctors, physicians, dentists or something similar. Learn more about Pre-Health Advising at Iona here.

Additionally, many hospitals and clinics employee biologists in their pathology departments. For students who are interested in the administration side of health care, Iona offers an MBA that can be completed by any major in as little as one year. Employees that hold both a degree in biology and an MBA have an advantage in health care administration settings as they have a broad understanding of a hospital's objectives and needs.

You don’t need to pursue medicine, though, in order to get the most out of your Biology degree. Cosmetic, food science and biotech companies all seek qualified candidates who hold Biology degrees. Regeneron – a biotech company with roots right here in Westchester, N.Y. – has hired many Iona graduates over the years.

Flexible Program

Our flexible Biology major allows you to customize your degree with a concentration:

General Biology: Provides the most flexibility in terms of the career options. Students who choose this broad concentration have pursued careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, education, research and business; in other words, everything!
Ecology and Environmental Biology: Designed for students who wish to enter graduate programs in ecology, environmental sciences and related subjects and/or enter the sustainability industry
Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Physician Assistant: Prepares you for physical therapy and physician assistant graduate programs.
Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental: Designed for students who wish to go on to medical, dental and other professional schools.

Early Acceptance Programs

Iona University has early acceptance articulation agreements where Biology graduates can be accepted as high school seniors or college freshman, if they meet certain qualifications, and automatically reserve a seat in medical school. Iona has agreements with the following professional programs:

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
New York College of Podiatric Medicine
New York College of Chiropractic Medicine
University of St. Joseph School of Pharmacy

Early Acceptance Programs

Iona's biology faculty welcome students who want to be involved in research, which led me to perform laboratory research with Dr. Zuckerman. By being in the lab outside of class time, I was allowed to further expand my knowledge on lab techniques.

Melissa Rowan '20

Careers & Outcomes for Biology Majors

Our Biology majors leave the program ready to excel in graduate programs or in a wide range of career opportunities in the biological sciences. Over 60% of Iona Biology graduates take the next step in graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, physical therapy and others.

Our Alumni Have Attended:

Weill-Cornell School of Medicine
New York Medical College
Chicago Medical School
SUNY Stony Brook
Yale University
Howard University (DDS)
New York University (DDS)
Tufts University (DDS)

Employers

At Iona University, our Bachelor of Science in Biology degree expands your horizons as a scientist and researcher. Concentrations related to health professions, environmental biology and education offer you the comprehensive career preparation you need to launch your career or pursue advanced graduate studies.

Request information to learn more about Iona’s BS in Biology degree.

A student in a green shirt looks into a microscope during Biology class.

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