Biology Major (BS Degree)
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:
- General Biology
- Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental
- Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Physician Assistant
- Ecology and Environmental Biology
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.
As a biology major, my plans are to continue my education after I graduate from Iona. I am confident that my education at Iona will open so many doors and allow me to enter those doors with confidence.
- Lazar Paroški ’25, BS in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology
Read more about Lazar
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
What is it like to be a Biology Intern?
Are you wondering what it’s like to be a biology intern at Iona University? Let Shakinah Silverberg from the Class of 2024 show you around!
Shakinah is an aspiring veterinarian with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology. When asked why she chose Iona, she had this to say:
"I decided to attend Iona because I wanted to go to a school where I felt like I mattered. At Iona, I always felt like I did."
Read more about Shakinah's Iona experience
What Biology Courses help the most when preparing for graduate school?
Mikayala Cullen ’20 discusses how Anatomy and Physiology, as well as her psychology classes, helped prepare her for a graduate program in Physical Therapy.
As a biology major, I have a passion for the medical world. The conversations I’ve had with my mentor about his own experiences in medical school have allowed me to better understand what it takes to succeed on that path.
- Kate Krueger ’25, Biology Major & Gaels Go Further Mentee
Read More about Kate's Experience
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.
Biology Degree Program Highlights
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
Learn More About Iona's Biology degree
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.
I would not be where I am today without Iona. Iona University was the first educational institution that for me felt like a second home. The faculty at Iona were also pivotal in guiding me towards my goals.
– Dr. Michael Foti, DO, ’14, biology major
Read more about Dr. Foti
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
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Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
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