Biology Major

Suffolk University's biology major is especially collaborative and career-focused. Many of your classes will have fewer than 20 students, and you'll benefit from your professors' individual attention, thanks to our low faculty-to-student ratio.

Your experiences in our classrooms and labs will teach you scientific research methods and reporting; your experiences interning at Boston's premier hospitals and research facilities will deepen your knowledge and broaden your network.

At Suffolk, you can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Biology, depending on your area of focus. You’ll begin with a well-rounded assortment of courses in both the lab and classroom focusing on evolution, genetics, ecology, bioethics, and physiology. If you have a specific professional interest, you might choose one of our three concentration options.

You can also join The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and the Health Careers Club, which provides faculty-guided research opportunities to give you hands-on experience in the lab and field. The Arthur J. West Alumni Seminar Series allows you to network with and learn from alumni healthcare leaders. Suffolk is also home to the Chi Kappa chapter of the National Biological Honor Society.

Internships for biology majors abound here in Boston. Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye & Ear Institute are a short walk from our campus. The Longwood Medical and Academic Area—home to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and more—is an easy T ride away. And those are just some of your many options. 

Concentrations

This concentration focuses on molecular and microbiology, with a special emphasis on hands-on laboratory opportunities between your sophomore and junior year. You’ll be well-prepared for a career in research or medicine.

This concentration prepares you for post-graduate programs in healthcare fields such as medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nurse practitioner, physical therapy, pharmacy, and others. You can tailor your coursework for your graduate program of choice while still getting a solid grounding in biology.

This concentration prepares you for a career as a marine biologist, conservationist, zoologist, and other fields related to ecology. It is immersive and features courses taught through the Marine Studies Consortium (MSC), a collaborative organization of 16 local institutions. Locations include the New England Aquarium and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Courses & Requirements

Learn more about the classes, requirements, and different options available to complete the program.