Spring 2025
CLasses Start
Jan 13
Session B
Classes Start
Mar 2
Program Overview
Have you always been curious about how living things function and grow? Biology is the science of living organisms (plants and animals), including their structure, function, growth, and evolution. A Biology BS from RCU can prepare you to work in research, biotechnology, forensics, pharmacology, ecology, teaching and more – or continue to a graduate program.
degree requirements
Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology provides you with a fundamental knowledge of biological sciences. You’ll receive a strong foundation to pursue biology-related fields such as laboratory technician, food safety inspector, environmental science, and a variety of related fields. This degree can also prepare you to pursue graduate studies in medicine, research, veterinary science, and environmental fields.
The major includes a 31-credit hour core and two tracks: an 18- 19-hour cellular/molecular biology track, and a 12-hour environmental biology track. Only one track needs to be selected. This major is often paired with a Chemistry Minor.
- Graduates will possess a comprehensive knowledge base of the biology and chemistry of organisms.
- Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking processes and the ability to analyze scientific literature.
- Graduates will apply proper safety and ethical practices in laboratory, clinical, and work environments.
- Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual forms.
- Graduates will employ appropriate experimental design and methodology to answer scientific questions with attention to validity of information.
- Graduates have considered their vocational goals and are reflective of how these may be embodied in their professional and/or personal lives.
Total Credit Hours: 120
- General Education Core: 38 hours
- Biological Science Core: 31 hours
- Cellular/Molecular Biology Track: 18/19 hours
- Environmental Biology Track: 12 hours
- Minor (Chemistry Minor Recommended): 18-20 hours
- Additional Required Support Courses: 4-16 hours
- Electives (Depending on Track and Minor Chosen): 5-23 hours
- Pre-Health Society
Program Statistics
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Graduates hired within 6 months
Jobs filled by Rochester grads
Career Opportunities
Types of Jobs
- Lab Technician
- Agriculture/Park Services
- Food Saftey Inspector
- Science Writing
- Environmental Science/Remediation
- Water Treatment
- Medical Fields
- Research
- Veterinary Medicine and Environmental Fields
$40,000
$57,000
$68,000
Avg. Salaries post graduation
(Courtesy of Salary.com for Lab Technician)
Market Trends
Projected Growth (2021-2031): average (4% to 7%)
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 2,800
(Courtesy of O*Net Online for Lab Technician)
student experience
Internships
Clubs
- Pre-Health Society
Activities
alumni profile
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Faculty
Associate Professor of Math & Science
School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Richardson Academic Center (RAC) 206
(248) 218-2138
kcochrane@rochesteru.edu
School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Richardson Academic Center (RAC) 206
(248) 218-2138
kcochrane@rochesteru.edu
