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Biology

School of Science

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Remarkably Unique Biology Programs

Marist’s Biology program, offering degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Biology, with concentrations in Human Biology or the Biological Sciences, is designed to help you take your passion and turn it into a successful, meaningful future. Our natural resources of the Hudson River and local community combined with our state-of-the-art technological resources and expert faculty create a learning environment unlike any other for our Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Human Biology students. 

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Take Your Pick: Biology and Biomedical Sciences

The Biology Department at Marist offers the BS in Biology with two exciting concentrations, Biological Sciences and Human Biology, as well as the BS in Biomedical Sciences. With multiple programs of study to choose from, we ensure that your interests and goals for your future are engrained in your 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.

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.

Research Spotlight: Marist students conduct hands-on research with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program and the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve on migratory eels in the Hudson River and changes in eel pigmentation.

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Study Abroad—Even As a Biology Student

At many colleges, study abroad opportunities are hard to come by for science students because of the rigidity of the curriculum. As a Marist Biology student, however, we incorporate your curriculum into exciting study abroad attachment programs which allow you to see the world and gain hands-on learning experience, all while completing your academic requirements. Embark on a microscopy course in France – the world is your classroom!

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

Amanda Sayegh: Learning By Doing

During her Marist career, Sayegh has amassed significant experience working with patients in a healthcare setting. Over summers and breaks, she worked as a unit aide at a nursing home in nearby Fishkill, and she also volunteered at a surgery center in Cornwall. At the latter, she had the opportunity to help the nurses with post-operative care and observe surgery. Sayegh also earned college credit for her work in the Mid-Hudson Medical Center emergency room, an internship arranged for her by Lecturer of Biology, Amy Cahill. Finally, she gained additional training at the BioSkills Lab in New York City, learning to suture and practicing surgery using cadavers. Supplementing her practical experience, Sayegh got involved in Delta Epsilon Mu, a professional, co-ed pre-health fraternity.

Read Amanda’s Story

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

As a transfer and commuter student, I have to thank Marist for providing me with a strong sense of community. Marist offers excellent resources, faculty, and peer support to help students grow, regardless of their starting point.

Teagan Nicholson

Pleasant Valley, New York

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I’ve presented research at conferences on the impacts that different communities’ structures, including income, population density, and land use have on the amount and type of microplastics found in nearby tributaries. I’ve been really fortunate at Marist to actually get these opportunities.

Ian Krout

Environmental Science and Policy Major, Biology Minor

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As a pre-med student, I have a very regimented course schedule, but still time to explore and do different exciting things. I even declared a minor in psychology which is something that I didn’t even know I was interested in until I got here.

Joseph Kopp

Biomedical Science Major, Psychology Minor

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The combination of science classes and involvement in the Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (CURSCA) really marked my first foray into the world of the research sciences. These experiences set me on the path to the career I have today.

Kadeine Campbell Peterson

Biology Major

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I chose to transfer to Marist for several reasons, one of the most important being that Marist has such dedicated faculty and staff who really take the time to get know us as people. And, not only do you get a picturesque view of the Hudson River when you are on campus, but when I got to see the laboratories and science classrooms on campus, it really sealed the deal.

Katie Poluzzi

Dual Major Biomedical Science and Medical Technology

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Sophomore year Organic Chemistry gave me the confidence to pursue a career in science because Organic Chemistry was considered the course that would deter students from ever majoring in the sciences. Being afraid, I applied myself from the very first day, and this created the good study habits that I maintained over the rest of my college career.

Terrence Turner

Chemistry Major, Biology Minor

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I know some people think that being in a lab is kind of stuffy and you don’t really get to know anyone, but there’s a really big group environment. It felt like I was doing something important. You don’t think that what you’re doing in undergrad might be seen by an international audience, but it can be.

Carolyn Turcotte

Dual Major Biomedical Sciences and Biochemistry

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Biology at Marist by the Numbers

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99% of students in the School of Science are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

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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%.

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

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The Value of a Marist Education

At Marist, we pride ourselves on our dedication to providing our students with a well-rounded liberal arts education that prepares them for practical experience and profound success in their field. But don't just take our word for it - the numbers speak for themselves.

95%

Employed or attending grad school 6 months after graduation

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Of Marist Graduates Participated in one or more internships

82%

Graduation rate, higher than the average for public and private colleges

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Best Undergraduate Teaching

*As reported by U.S. News and World Report.

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Top 10 Regional Universities-North

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