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Biology

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

A biology degree is the foundation for a career in many fields, from medicine to zoology to biotechnology. At The University of Toledo, we offer an undergraduate biology program to suit you, whatever your career goals may be.

A biology degree is the foundation for a career in many fields, from medicine to zoology to biotechnology. At The University of Toledo, we offer an undergraduate biology program to suit you, whatever your career goals may be.

Biology Bachelor's Degree Overview

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.

Biology Bachelor's Degree Highlights

  • 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.
  • Increase your odds of getting into med school.
    • UToledo’s pre-med concentration in the BS 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Study abroad during your junior year in a yearlong exchange program with The University of Salford, Manchester, England. All courses transfer seamlessly.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Career Opportunities

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

Our Alumni

"The Biological Sciences Department at The University of Toledo offered quality advising in regard to appropriate course work, direction and preparation for medical school applications, as well as opportunities to partake in research and internships. My degree in biology helped lay down a foundation in basic science that was essential to an easier transition to graduate-level work and continued success in medical school."

Venkat Vaddamani, MD candidate in The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
BS '16
 

"My advice would be to simply take advantage of all the opportunities available in our department — apply for internships and research jobs, really get to know your professors, volunteer, go on the department field trips, join organizations and network even if you don't like to. Work hard, keep an open mind, and you never know what opportunities may arise!"

Caroline Beck, awarded most outstanding graduating senior in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
BS '16


Biology Bachelor's Degree Plan of Study

Course work is research-focused. Students use modern, comprehensive scientific methods.

Sample Courses for Biology Majors (dependent upon biology degree program)

Field Botany Molecular Biology
Energy and Climate Parasitology
Wildlife Biology Cancer Biology

View B.A. Plan of Study View B.S. Plan of Study


Research Opportunities

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.


Want More Information?


Biology Bachelor's Degree

4-year program

Program Availability

 On Campus
* Also available as a minor

Program Quick Links

View Admission Requirements
Department of Biological Sciences
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
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Last Updated: 1/28/2023