Undergraduate Programs


Biology — the study of life and living organisms — is the perfect foundational degree for a variety of careers. A degree in Biology can prepare you for immediate employment in fields like conservation or zoology. It also can set you on the right track for medical school or other professional or graduate programs.

The University of Toledo in Ohio is a large, comprehensive institution. Our College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers several undergraduate Biology programs to match your goals and interests.

Here’s a brief explanation of the options. 

B.A. in Biology — Cellular/Molecular emphasis, Department of Biological Sciences

  • Focus on cellular and molecular biology, including biomedicine and neuroscience. The advanced math and chemistry courses found in standard pre-med training are not required in the B.A. biology program
  • For students interested in biology or science education or in careers as healthcare specialists, nutritionists, patent lawyers or regulatory affairs specialists

B.S. in Biology — Cellular/Molecular emphasis, Department of Biological Sciences

  • Focus on cellular and molecular biology, including biomedicine and neuroscience
  • Pre-professional programs, such as medicine, osteopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, podiatry and physician's assistant programs
  • For students interested in healthcare and biotechnology

B.S. in Biology — Ecology and Organismal, Department of Environmental Sciences

  • Focus on the ecology of animals, plants and microorganisms and their roles in the biosphere
  • For students interested in:
    • Employment in the life sciences fields, such as wildlife biology, freshwater biology, zoology, conservation biology and forestry
    • Acquiring the skills necessary for graduate or veterinary school
    • Preparing for licensure examinations for secondary-school science teachers/

For information on the B.A./B.S. in Biology (Cellular and Molecular emphasis), contact an academic advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences. For information on the B.S. in Biology (Ecology and Organismal), contact an advisor in the Department of Environmental Sciences.

Top Reasons to Study Biology at UToledo

  1. The right start.
    UToledo’s bachelor’s degree programs in Biology are designed so you can complete all graduate or professional school prerequisites while you earn your undergraduate degree in the typical four years.
  2. Increase your odds of getting into med school.
    • UToledo’s pre-med concentration in the B.S. degree program prepares students for the MCAT and offers extensive pre-med advising. The medical school acceptance rate for UToledo biological sciences undergraduates with GPAs of 3.5 or higher is 75% over the past 10 years.
    • Biology majors accepted into UToledo’s Bacc2MD pipeline program are guaranteed early interviews in UToledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences, provided they fulfill requirements.
  3. State-of-the-art facilities.
    UToledo is one of the best public, research universities in Ohio and the country. Biology majors work in labs with the latest technology and equipment in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences. Students also have access to UToledo’s Health Science Campus, home to the UT Medical Center.
  4. Field courses.
    Course work for Biology students in the Department of Environmental Sciences includes exciting field experiences throughout the U.S., Canada, Trinidad and the Bahamas. Our courses take advantage of the immense natural laboratories in northwest Ohio: the diversity of the Oak Openings savannas, the complex ecology along the western shores of Lake Erie and the unique wetlands of the Great Black Swamp.
  5. A unique dual degree program.
    Earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in bioinformatics — a field that’s exploded recently — in just 5.5 years. This pipeline program is available to UToledo biology majors in the Department of Biological Sciences at the end of their second years. It’s part of the new UToledo School of Biomarker Research and Individualized Medicine.
  6. Experiential learning.
    Students have ample opportunities to perform undergraduate research, service learning and internships. Work on campus, in our greenhouses, our 47-acre arboretum and in our Lake Erie Center, which has its own shoreline research facility, boats and equipment.

Meet Hannah Thompson

'23, Bachelor of Science in Biology

"My classes and professors are constantly pushing me to become a better student and break down barriers I thought I never would."

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What jobs can I get with a Biology degree?

Most Biology students who earn undergraduate degrees from The University of Toledo have successful careers in biology-related fields. Many enroll in graduate, professional or medical school to earn further qualifications.

Sample job opportunities for Biology majors (dependent upon the biology degree program)

  • Bioinformatics
  • Biomedical professional
  • Climate change analyst
  • Conservationist
  • Genetics counselor
  • Geologist
  • Medical professional
  • Park ranger
  • Research scientist
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Zoologist

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.

Internships

Finding an internship is easy thanks to UToledo’s robust community partnerships with companies and organizations around the region. Dive into unique opportunities that prepare you to launch your career.

Internships help you:

  • Gain practical experience
  • Build your resume
  • Refine your skills
  • Cultivate contacts

Internships often lead to full-time jobs after graduation!

Career Services can help you track down job opportunities. You also might be able to receive academic credit for your internship or job.

Research

You don’t have to wait until graduate school to get into an active, funded research lab. This degree of access for undergraduate biology majors is unique in northwest Ohio.

UToledo undergraduate students have opportunities to work directly with internationally recognized Biology and Environmental Sciences faculty on cutting-edge research. You also may have the chance to publish your findings in scholarly journals.

Fal-cam

The Environmental Sciences Department is proud to host the Toledo Peregrine Project with live audio/video of the peregrine falcon nest on top of University Hall. A pair of peregrines has made UToledo its home since 2006. They return each year and have raised more than 30 offspring.

Study Abroad

During your junior year, experience a yearlong exchange program with The University of Salford, Manchester, England. All courses transfer seamlessly.

UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.

  • Semester at Sea
  • Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
  • Direct exchange programs with other universities
  • Teach English abroad
  • Global health program (med student clerkships)
  • Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)

Rocket Kids Semester

The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.

Learn more

On-campus and Part-time Jobs

  • Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
  • Build your resume.
  • Earn money.

If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.

Student Organizations

Our most successful students get involved.

UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:

  • Make friends.
  • Build your resume.
  • Network.
  • Be a leader.
  • Serve your community.
  • Have fun!

Tuition and Scholarships

Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.

Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.

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Tuition and Fees

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Room and Meal Plan


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per year

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Choose Ohio First scholarship

Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.

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Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Honors College

The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.

Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.

Honors students talking with an Honors professor on the steps of the Toledo Museum of Art

Benefits of Honors

The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.

Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or the historic McKinnon, Scott and Tucker Halls.

Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: 11/16/23