Biology might seem like it’s just slides, cells, microscopes, and DNA models, but there’s a lot more to it than sitting in a lab all day. From conserving farm and grazing land, to developing new disease-resistant plants, to researching cures for a myriad of diseases, a lot of biology goes into making sure the things you use every day are safe for you and the environment.
Many different elements of the study of biology can prepare you for a job in the lab or out in the field. From the micro to the molecular, here is Dr. Kat’s List of schools for biology fanatics.
Stanford University: Stanford, CA
Stanford University has an academic reputation that precedes itself, and that includes a highly regarded biology department. Students in the undergraduate biology program can choose a major or minor. The curriculum for the biology major includes foundational courses, labs, STEM courses, and electives that make up a specialized area of study. All biology majors must complete a writing in the major course. The program culminates in a capstone — students have four options from which to choose: honors program in biology, senior reflection in biology, independent capstone in biology, or capstone outside of biology.
Around 90% of biology majors at Stanford conduct independent research, such as directed reading, working in a research lab, or participating in the Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Program (BSURP). Students can also participate in study away opportunities at the Hopkins Marine Station, Wrigley Field Program in Hawaii, or programs in Australia, Oxford, Paris, and Santiago. Biology majors can opt to enroll in the coterminal master’s program, which allows them to dive deeper into a special interest in biology and earn a Master of Science.
Since opening in 1891, this private university has grown from its original student body of 555 to include over 16,000 students from across the globe. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, Stanford fosters creativity and collaboration across its seven schools, while its proximity to Silicon Valley has made it a hub for entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The university’s diverse community and commitment to solving global challenges contribute to its reputation as one of the top universities worldwide. Learn how to get into Stanford.
Tufts University: Medford, MA
Biology may seem like just cells and microscopes, but biology students at Tufts University study all facets of bioscience, from biochemistry to conservation and evolution. Collaboration across all bio concentrations is what makes the biology program at Tufts stand out from the average curriculum.
Students and faculty across all concentrations frequently collaborate and learn together, and they are required to take courses covering cellular and organism biology, which includes plant development, neurobiology, population biology, animal behavior, and marine biology.
As a strong research institution, undergraduate biology students at Tufts are also encouraged to participate in a variety of research opportunities, like the NSF summer research program, where 12 undergraduate students work on a collaborative, interdisciplinary project. Through the Tufts Summer Scholars program, students can submit their own research proposals for a variety of initiatives. If approved, students receive stipends and grant money to carry out their research with a mentor.
The spirit of collaboration at Tufts doesn’t end with the biology department. This private, research university offers over 150 majors and minors. Additionally, departments frequently work together to create a comprehensive and collaborative learning environment for the school’s approximately 13,000 students. Tufts also offers over 300 student clubs and organizations, so there’s no shortage of on-campus activity. Learn how to get into Tufts.
Colorado State University: Ft. Collins, CO
With over 5,000 acres of campus located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado State University (CSU) is in the perfect spot for the outdoor adventurer looking to get some hands-on biology research experience. The Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology program at CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources is one of the best in the nation and was the first to emphasize the importance of public input in the planning and execution of wildlife policy and conservation. Concentrations within the program include wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, and conservation biology.
What’s so unique about CSU’s program is the opportunity for hands-on research in the field. Since 1916, students have participated in a variety of field-based programs at the CSU Mountain Campus located at 9,000 feet in the mountains of the Mummy Range.
During these one-month summer courses, students live and work in the mountain cabins, dorms, and classrooms, learning the fundamentals of a variety of disciplines, including plant life biology, research, and wildlife conservation. It’s not uncommon for mountain lions, moose, and a variety of other animals to wander onto the campus, creating unique opportunities to view and interact with nature while studying biology.
CSU, known for its commitment to wildlife biology and conservation education, also offers over 70 other majors and more than 500 student organizations to its 33,400 students. This state university attracts students from all over the world, and the town of Fort Collins boasts a plethora of award-winning restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. CSU students can attend one of the many festivals held at the Old Town Square, see a concert at the Aggie Theater, or go for a bike ride along the trails above the Horsetooth Reservoir.
Warren Wilson College: Swannanoa, NC
At a school where community service and work experience are deeply embedded in its academic approach, it’s no wonder the biology program at Warren Wilson College affords students the rare opportunity to not only learn but get hands-on experience in several biology fields. Students in the biology program must take a comprehensive core curriculum that includes chemistry, physics, calculus, genetics, and ecology. Additionally, students must complete courses in cellular and subcellular biology, zoology, and botany.
In conjunction with the school’s emphasis on experience and work-based learning, all biology students are required to conduct an independent research project and present it in the school’s Natural Science Seminars. Students can also apply to work on the biology and environmental studies or genetics crews where they maintain the labs and equipment and aid research opportunities. This is another unique way students gain hands-on experience working in a biology lab or in the field conducting experiments and managing complex scientific equipment.
This private, liberal arts college sets itself apart not only with its stellar biology program, but also with its overall approach to education across all majors. Warren Wilson’s curriculum, called “the Triad,” is composed of three areas: academics, work, and service. To graduate, each student must complete 100 hours of community service over four years and 8-16 hours per week on a university-sponsored work crew, in addition to course requirements.
Located in the Swannanoa Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Warren Wilson campus includes over 300 acres of farmland, 600 acres of forest, and 25 miles of hiking trails. Students often spend their weekends enjoying the sights of Asheville and Black Mountain, or stay close to campus to take advantage of the extensive outdoor activities.
University of Rochester: Rochester, NY
Featuring a more traditional curriculum and a strong focus on collaboration, the University of Rochester‘s biology program combines the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine and Dentistry to provide a wealth of interdisciplinary courses, research experiences, and seminars for undergraduate students.
The undergraduate program in biology prepares students for a variety of careers in biology, as well as for medical school. Many courses combine research and scientific principles with technical writing, reading, and reasoning skills. To supplement classroom learning, UR biology students also conduct independent research through academic year programs for credit, as well as summer research through the de Kiewiet summer fellowships.
UR is a private research university with approximately 12,000 students from around the U.S. and the world. With over 160 majors, the University of Rochester’s academic excellence extends far past the biology lab. Outside of the classroom and lab, students can participate in any of the 250+ clubs and organizations. Every spring the school also holds Dandelion Day, a day of celebration, music, food, and other activities as a reprieve from the stress of exams. Past musical performers at Dandelion Day include Reel Big Fish, Eve 6, and OK Go.
Whether you’re looking to study microorganisms, attend medical school, or research a cure for cancer, these five schools have great programs that will prepare you for a variety of careers. Other schools that take biology to the next level include the University of Washington, Emory University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Johns Hopkins University.
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