Biology Degrees and Pre-Professional Programs

St. John Fisher College's Biology Department offers two degree programs for biology majors: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The B.S. in biology is recommended for students who want a concentrated biological sciences program preparing them for careers in which an in-depth knowledge of the biological sciences is expected.

The B.A. in biology allows a student more time to study other areas of the liberal arts as well as an opportunity to pursue a double major. The B.A. is less concentrated in terms of science requirements, though the Biology Core courses taken are identical to those taken for the B.S. degree. The B. A. degree may be of special interest to persons who want to combine another major, such as chemistry, management, or education with their biology major.

A degree in biology is not required for admission to medical, pharmacy, and other health professional schools, but certain science courses are required for admission and in preparation for standardized admissions tests. Students contemplating careers in the health professions should consult with the St. John Fisher College Health Professions Advisor as early in their college careers as possible.

Post-Graduate Preparation

The program of required and elective courses in biology, and in the supporting physical sciences, has been designed to prepare students for a variety of career and post-graduate options. The biology faculty are committed to assisting students in the process of finding where their career interests may lie and in attaining their career goals. Alumni of the Biology Program have gone on for further study in the biological sciences and for distinguished careers in the medical professions, secondary and college teaching, research, conservation, public health, and other fields.