Biology Major doing experiments in Biology classroom

Biology Degree (B.S.)

A Biology Degree Program with Hands-On Learning and Field-Based Opportunities

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Why study Biology at Marist University?

The Biology program at Marist University prepares students to study living systems through a combination of laboratory research, fieldwork, and scientific inquiry. Students conduct experiments, analyze data, and explore areas such as genetics, physiology, and cellular biology through hands-on learning and faculty-mentored research. Opportunities for applied projects and research experiences allow students to produce scientific work and develop critical thinking skills. The program builds a strong foundation for careers in science, healthcare, and advanced study.

Program Distinctions

Advancing Science Education

Backed by Marist’s $100 million Science and Health Initiative, including a new state-of-the-art facility designed to support advanced laboratory and research instruction.

Graduate Success

97% of School of Science graduates are employed or pursuing graduate study within six months of graduation*.

* Based on a five-year average from Marist’s annual outcomes report (knowledge rate: 86.8%).

Diverse Faculty Expertise

Faculty-mentored and course-based undergraduate research experiences in areas such as cellular biology, genetics, and physiology, with opportunities to present findings at conferences and contribute to publications.

Hands-On Learning

Hands-on laboratory and field-based learning that emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and scientific inquiry.

Top Institutions

Graduates pursue opportunities with organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and continue their education at institutions including Cornell, Columbia, and Tufts.

Image of renderings for Marist University's new Science building.

Marist Announces Ambitious $100 Million Science and Health Initiative

Marist University is investing $100 million to launch a comprehensive Science and Health Initiative to expand academic programs, modernize facilities, and strengthen partnerships to meet growing student interest and workforce demand. Grounded in Marist's "and" not "or" philosophy, the initiative blends rigorous scientific training with the critical thinking, ethics, communication, and leadership skills that today's scientific and clinical professions demand.

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Image of Biology Majors learning in a biology lab.

Enhance Your Biology Degree with a Concentration

As a Biology major at Marist, you will have the opportunity to personalize your experience to align with your unique career plans. Whether you're looking to prepare for health-related graduate programs, a career in teaching or research, or a pathway that combines your interest in biology with journalism, law, or business, Marist's BS in Biology can help you reach your goals. Concentrations offer the opportunity to focus your degree and add an area of distinction, options include:

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Cell & Molecular Biology
  • Ecology & Evolution
  • Organismal Biology & Physiology
View Sample Curriculum

Learn From Accomplished Researchers in Biology

Our small class sizes allow students to develop strong professional relationships with faculty that persist beyond graduation. Even in your first-year classes, you will never be just a number. You can expect personalized attention from all of your professors, answering questions outside of regular class time and office hours, and extra review sessions prior to major exams. Meet a few of the Biology faculty below, or view all Biology faculty members > 

 

Megan Dennis

Dr. Dennis and her students use cell biology techniques to investigate protein trafficking during biogenesis of lysosome related organelles. Disruption of these processes can result in albinism, bleeding disorders and other impacts on human health. She also leads freshmen researchers in phage hunting as part of the SEA-PHAGES program.

Raymond Kepner

Having affiliations with the Phycological Society of America,the Northeast Algal Society, the International Society for Microbial Ecology, and more, Dr. Kepner’s research focuses on the microbial ecology of aquatic and polar systems; extremophiles; exobiology; bacterial and cyanobacterial viruses; protozoology; ice-covered lakes; and freshwater ecotoxicology.

Luis Espinasa

Having published over 40 articles with students as authors or co-authors on his work, Dr. Espinasa’s research focuses primarily on cave biology, evolution of blindness and depigmentation, and taxonomy of nicoletiid insects. He is also the director of the Marist Hiking Group.

Image of Marist University Biology majors working in the Hudson River with their professor, contributing to environmental protection.

 

Meaningful Undergraduate Research as Early as First Year

While field research and faculty-student research may be reserved for graduate students at other institutions, at Marist we believe engaging in hands-on research with field experts is essential to the undergraduate learning experience. As a Marist Biology student, you’ll be conducting research in the field as early as your first year.

Marist students contribute to the environmental protection and conservation of the Hudson River by removing hazardous water chestnuts and materials.

 

 

Intern at Nationally Recognized Biology and Health Institutions

As a Biology or Biomedical Sciences student at Marist, you’ll be strongly encouraged or required to complete at least one internship in your desired field. Whether you are looking for a health-related internship or a biological internship out in the field, we’ll work closely with you to determine the best internship for your future career goals. Here are just a few examples of internships our students have completed:

Logos of Biology internship locations: Harvard Medical School, Biosphere 2, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Logos of Biology internship locations: National Institutes of Health, Mid Hudson Regional Hospital, Central Hudson, National Park Service
image of jackie piddock, Biology Major

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jackie is all about teamwork—on and off the court.


Inspired to shoot hoops and serve, Jackie Piddock '26, a biology major, is a point guard for the Red Foxes and recently completed Marine Corps officer training. When she's not scoring on the court, she's immersed in her psychology and human bio studies preparing for her dream job as a U.S. Navy medic. Jackie is more than a DI athlete—she's a leader on the court and in her community.

Watch Jackie's Story
Be Inspired

 

Top-Tier Postgraduate Opportunities

As a Marist Biology or Biomedical Sciences student, your postgraduate opportunities are endless. While many students gain immediate employment in their field in areas like biotechnology or pharmaceutical research, the majority of our graduates pursue postgraduate education to become doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, dentists, nurses, or veterinarians. Others go on to earn doctoral or master's degrees in the biological sciences. Whatever your postgraduate goals are, you can achieve them after Marist. Here are a few examples of top-tier graduate schools that our students attend:

Logos of Biology graduate school locations: Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine, Duke University Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, New England College of Optometry, University of Virginia Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Temple University Dental School
Logos of graduate school locations: Albany Medical College Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Temple University Dental School, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine

Biology at Marist by the Numbers

97%

97% of students in the School of Science are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

84.1%

84.1% of Marist Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Pre-Health students, who are supported by the pre-health committee, are accepted to medical school, compared to the national average of 40%.

$108K

According to Data USA, the average annual wage for biology degree recipients is over $108,000 and is growing by nearly 5%.

Marist University's Biology Degree Frequently Asked Questions

The biology degree at Marist offers several avenues to explore beyond med school. For example, many students are inspired by the natural resources of the Hudson River Valley and pursue pathways in environmental fields, such as Environmental Policy or Wildlife Preservation. Other students explore fields in biotechnology. Marist University's BS in Biology offers flexibility for students to explore a breadth of areas, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a wide range of career opportunities.

As a biology major at Marist, your classes will vary based on your passions, whether you want to pursue a concentration, and your post-graduation plans. You'll work closely with your faculty advisor, the Biology Internship Coordinator, and the Pre-Health Program Coordinator to develop a plan of study that includes broad study in biology and all of the courses you'll need for graduate school or your career path.

All biology majors will take foundational and advanced coursework in Ecology & Evolution, Cell & Molecular Biology, and Organismal Biology & Physiology. Students also take courses designed to support effective communication of their biological knowledge in a variety of formats, and to develop ethical decision-making skills as members of the professional scientific community. 

With a biology degree from Marist, students go on to pursue jobs in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental policy, conservation, healthcare, and more. Common career paths include:

  • Doctor
  • Physical Therapist
  • Laboratory Researcher
  • Physician Assistant
  • Ecologist
  • Research Assistant

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