The Department of Biology provides the student with opportunities to obtain a broad foundation of biological knowledge and to pursue the study of a particular area of biology through upper-division coursework and mentored research. The curriculum is based strongly in the sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, within the context of the critical and analytic skills derived from the liberal arts core.

The department offers instruction, mentoring and research opportunities that serve a variety of students. Faculty in the department are committed to teaching, maintain active research programs involving students, and have a broad range of expertise in sub-disciplines of biology.

Interested in teaching grade 7-12 biology?

At St. Bonaventure you have two paths to initial certification:

• Earn your Bachelor of Science in Biology while completing requirements for initial certification as a biology teacher in grades 7-12. Learn more.
• Earn your Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education with a concentration in biology, which also completes the requirements for initial certification as a biology teacher in grades 7-12. Learn more.

Strengths of the Biology program

• The curriculum is broad and covers the foundations of biology as well as contemporary areas of biology such as neurobiology, molecular and cellular biology and genetics.
• There is enough flexibility to allow secondary concentrations in a wide variety of other areas. For example, Biology majors have completed secondary concentrations in chemistry, mathematics, computer science and business administration.
• Classes and labs are small (nearly always less than 35 students and often fewer than 20 students). 
• The university's general requirements guarantee a well-rounded, liberal arts education.
• You receive the benefits of one-on-one advising with departmental faculty in selecting your program of study and in pursuing admission to graduate school, professional programs or careers in biology.

Our Biology major prepares you for a career or further studies

• Students may elect to do independent research with departmental faculty or take advantage of internships in the local community.
• Our majors have gone on to graduate school, medical school, dental school, physical therapy and Physician Assistant programs, law school, and high school teaching. Over the past 15 years about 90 percent of our pre-health care students have succeeded in entering medical school or other health care programs.
• There has been consistent emphasis on professional preparation. Since 1975 over 90 percent of our graduates have gone on to postgraduate study or careers in biology.
• The Biology major provides excellent preparation for secondary school teaching. As highlighted above, a student has two Bachelor of Science options for obtaining their initial certification to teach biology in grades 7-12 in New York State. Alternately, a student may earn a traditional B.S. in Biology and remain at St. Bonaventure to complete a Master's in Adolescence Education.

Benefits for non-biology majors

• Science students who are not Biology majors but take biology courses as part of their departmental requirements receive solid grounding in the fundamentals of biology to aid in the understanding of their major fields.
• Non-science majors may take a number of courses to better prepare them to enter professional fields that require an understanding of the fundamental principles of biological sciences and the empirical method used by scientists.

STEM-designated program

This program meets the requirements for STEM designation, as determined by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-demand fields worldwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is expected to grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033 — significantly faster than other professions.

For international students, St. Bonaventure offers unique advantages. Pursuing a STEM degree here qualifies F1 visa holders for Optional Practical Training (OPT), including the opportunity for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This means you could gain up to three years of practical experience in the U.S., enhancing your career prospects in global job markets.

Learn more about STEM at St. Bonaventure

The Department of Biology offers a B.S. in Biology, a B.S. in Biology with grades 7-12 teaching certification, and a minor in Biology.

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The major in Biology provides the student a broad foundation of biological knowledge and a deeper study of a particular area of biology through upper-division coursework and mentored research.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the Biology major

Bachelor of Science in Biology with teaching certification

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology while completing all requirements for initial New York state certification to teach biology in grades 7-12.

Program details and requirements

Biology minor

For non-majors, the Biology minor provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of biology to aid in the understanding of their major fields.

Requirements for the Biology minor

Interested in biochemistry?

The Biology Department also offers a B.S. in Biochemistry. To learn more, visit the Biochemistry program.