Bachelor of Science Degree
Biology, B.S.
There’s no end to what you can do with a biology degree from Oakland University.
While many of our biology majors go on to medical school, that’s just one of many things you can do with a biology degree from Oakland University. We provide exceptional preparation for a wide range of careers in biology, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary practice, health science research, zoology, environmental preservation, and more. No matter what biology jobs you’re interested in, our biology degree puts you ahead of the curve with advanced research opportunities, professional guidance, and a flexible curriculum you can customize to support your biology career objectives. You’ll acquire graduate-level experience as an undergraduate biology major, gaining a competitive edge that can propel you to medical school, another professional school, or any career in biology.
While many of our biology majors go on to medical school, that’s just one of many things you can do with a biology degree from Oakland University. We provide exceptional preparation for a wide range of careers in biology, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary practice, health science research, zoology, environmental preservation, and more. No matter what biology jobs you’re interested in, our biology degree puts you ahead of the curve with advanced research opportunities, professional guidance, and a flexible curriculum you can customize to support your biology career objectives. You’ll acquire graduate-level experience as an undergraduate biology major, gaining a competitive edge that can propel you to medical school, another professional school, or any career in biology.
Bachelor’s in Biology Degree: The Oakland University Advantage
Our biology program features state-of-the-art labs equipped with the most current technology. But above all, Oakland University’s biology degree stands out for its emphasis on students. We provide one-on-one attention to help you progress toward your biology career goals and maximize the value of your biology degree.
As a biology major at Oakland University, you’ll benefit from:
- Outstanding pre-med preparation. You can get an extraordinary head start on medical school in Oakland University’s human cadaver lab, one of the few U.S. facilities of this type for undergraduate biology majors. In addition, our biology degree leverages partnerships with local hospitals and clinics to provide students with first-hand experience in professional settings.
- Elite research opportunities. Most biology majors at Oakland University work directly with senior faculty on research, performing graduate-level work that gets noticed on resumes and grad-school applications. We have two biological preserves on campus, a biomedical research center, and active investigations in a wide array of subjects.
- Real-world experience. In addition to conducting research, you can acquire biology job skills through internships, volunteer activities, and other special opportunities our biology degree offers. You might learn to conduct DNA analysis, design bioinformatics inquiries, work with animals at the Detroit Zoo, write up drug-trial results, assist in veterinary surgery, or gain other professional skills.
- Exceptional instructors. Our biology degree is taught by a diverse faculty that represents every branch of biology and a wide range of biology careers. You’ll learn from active researchers and professional practitioners who combine academic expertise with practical know-how.
- Well-rounded academics. Most careers in biology (including medicine) require more than scientific knowledge. Our biology degree equips you with skills that matter to medical schools, other graduate programs, and employers seeking to fill biology jobs. You’ll gain proficiency in writing, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration, along with the ability to work on teams
What can you do with a biology degree?
Careers in Biology
Technological advances in health care and science have broadened the spectrum of careers in biology. That’s especially true in Southeast Michigan, whose diverse economy includes biology job opportunities in hospitals, research labs, government agencies, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and many other types of employers.
The range of what you can do with a biology degree encompasses professions such as:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary practice
- Nursing
- Allied health professions
- Soil and plant biology
- Zoology
- Bioinformatics
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Environmental regulation
- Natural resource management
- Biomedical research
Biology Degree: What You’ll Study
Oakland University’s biology degree includes optional specializations in cell-molecular biology, microbiology, and anatomy. Each track modifies the biology degree to fit your general area of career interest. Pre-med students typically choose the anatomy specialization (which includes the human cadaver lab), while those interested in biology careers related to research, bioinformatics, and other specialties can gain extra lab courses in the other tracks.
Whether or not you choose an optional specialization, the biology degree includes core coursework in subjects such as:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Scientific inquiry
- Cell biology
- Physiology
- Biological systems
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Calculus
- Statistics