Biology Degree Programs

Biology

Curious about how the world works? Explore cellular and molecular biology, build critical thinking skills, and gain hands-on experience with a Biology major at Dean College.

Program Overview

Science is an ever-changing and evolving field. Rapid technological advancements present new and unprecedented opportunities for research and discoveries in the biological sciences. Dean offers a bachelor’s degree and a minor in Biology to prepare you for numerous careers in the life sciences industry.

Biology majors can choose from a range of courses suited to their interests and career objectives. The tracks in pre-physical therapy and in pre-physician assistant will prepare students for graduate studies in those areas.

Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant

As a Biology major at Dean, you’ll begin to develop your hands-on lab skills from the first semester, working with state-of-the-art lab equipment in small, cohort-style classes. You’ll study the basic principles of biology and chemistry with a focus on cellular and molecular biology, the foundation of the life sciences industry and advanced medical research. You’ll build technical skills in lab courses to understand the scientific process, think critically about data and apply what you’re learning in real-world scenarios. You’ll develop science reading and science writing skills as you read and present papers, write lab reports, prepare research proposals and conduct independent research through your senior capstone.

Your coursework will also be complemented by a foundation in the liberal arts, because being able to evaluate and communicate about science is as important as being able to do the experiments. You will be exposed to major historical contributions to science, exploring how the process of science occurs in a humanistic context, and discussing the knowledge behind and implications of current research.

Celebrating Women in Science

Learn more about our science programs and what it means to be a woman in science at Dean.

Dean College professor working with a student

School of Liberal Arts Faculty

Gain valuable insights from our School of Liberal Arts faculty, who are here to help you every step of the way.

Pre-Physical Therapy

The Pre-Physical Therapy track offers a blend of courses in math, biology and chemistry that will provide you with the pre-requisites needed to apply to a physical therapy graduate program in order to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT). In addition to the coursework required in the Biology major, students in this track will take additional courses in anatomy and physiology as well as physics. Your classes will include both lectures and hands-on laboratories. You'll also gain a strong foundation in liberal arts-based courses in English, history and social sciences, as well as required courses in quantitative reasoning and oral communication.

Pre-Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant (PA) is licensed medical professional who works with Physicians to administer direct patient care. Becoming a Physician Assistant requires completion of pre-requisite courses as an undergraduate, clinical care hours and completion of a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The Biology Pre-Physician Assistant track offers a blend of courses in math, biology and chemistry that will provide you with the pre-requisites needed to apply to a Physician Assistant graduate program. In addition to completing the required biology and chemistry courses within the Biology major, you will also study anatomy and physiology and psychology. Classes will not only consist of lectures but will also include hands-on laboratories. You will also gain a strong foundation in liberal arts-based courses in English, history, and social sciences, as well as required courses in quantitative reasoning and oral communication.

Beyond the Classroom

As a Biology major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply what you’re learning.

Gain experience working with cells, tissues and both macroscopic and microscopic organisms as you perform experiments using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. Develop scientific literacy skills as you study, present and write research papers and proposals. And learn from frequent guest speakers to give you insights into the field and expose you to real-world learning opportunities.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a number of jobs in the life sciences industry, including research, science education, pharmaceutical sales, marketing, science writing and more. A bachelor’s degree in Biology is also an excellent foundation to continue your education through graduate school or medical school.

Get Involved

Learn more about how to get involved with our student-run organizations and experiential learning opportunities.

Internship & Experiential Learning Get hands-on experience through internship opportunities.

Internships & Experiential Learning

Take advantage of Dean’s proximity to Boston, a hub for the life sciences and medical fields, to network with industry leaders, build your skills and your resume, and gain real-world experience. Every student enrolled in Dean’s bachelor’s degree programs is required to complete an internship. Work closely with your faculty mentors and Success & Career Advisors to apply for an internship at one of Boston’s many research and medical institutions or in another area related to your interests and goals. Learn more about career planning and internships.
Student Organizations & Activities Join one of our 40+ student organizations or start one of your own.
Community Service Give back to the community on campus and in Franklin.

Community Service

Give back to the community through community service organizations and activities both on-campus and in Franklin. Dean Community Outreach (DCO) is Dean's student-run community service group that sponsors service projects every month with the Office of Orientation & Community Service. Dean College also sponsors a chapter of Best Buddies to create friendships and opportunities for people in the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more about community service at Dean.

Uniquely Dean

Dean College student and professor in a lab

Take advantage of unique programming inside and outside the classroom through the Dean College Biology program.

Develop hands-on learning while working with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
Join the Biology Journal Club for an informal chance to practice reading and presenting scientific papers.
Participate in co-curricular activities with fellow Biology students, such as Science Movie Nights.
Take interdisciplinary courses to understand the history and humanistic contexts of science, including History of Science and Beyond Henrietta Lacks: Race and Medicine in 20th Century America.
Pursue internship opportunities at one of Boston’s countless research and medical institutions.
Learn in close-knit, supportive classes with professionals in the field who are committed to your success.