Biology

Students can explore the many exciting areas of biology and tailor courses to their interests in this flexible major. Students can focus on cellular and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, environmental science, organismal biology, anatomy and physiology, or choose courses that span all areas of biology to get broad training that prepares them for the job market or graduate programs.

Students critically analyze environmental issues, learn how to use technologies for both field and lab-related environmental research, and work with community partnerships and local environmental organizations to engage in hands-on learning experiences, field work, and internships.

In this program students can earn their B.S. in Biology and Pharm.D. in six years. The first three years of the 3+3 program are devoted to undergraduate coursework. Students will take courses in the major, general education courses, and electives that include prerequisite coursework for the pharmacy program. Students will apply for the Pharm.D. program in the third year of their undergraduate program. Students who meet all the benchmarks and pass an in-person interview are then guaranteed a seat in the USJ Pharmacy program beginning the August after their 6th semester.

Prepare for medical school, dental school, veterinary school and a variety of other health professions programs including pharmacy, chiropractic medicine, podiatry, physician assistant, optometry, and more. The courses that students take are tailored to meet all of the pre-requisites for these programs so that they are competitive applicants. In addition, there are opportunities for research, clinical experiences, and internships. The Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) can help guide you through the application process and provide support throughout your entire time at USJ.

Students who qualify for this program are able to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Saint Joseph and complete the Chiropractic Doctorate program at Logan University in 6 years. The last year’s requirements for the bachelor’s degree will be earned at Logan and the credits transferred back to USJ. Students complete their prerequisite courses for the Chiropractic program while completing their Biology degree at USJ and then apply to the Logan University Chiropractic program. Logan University will accept all USJ Biology graduates that meet the progression standards and prerequisites. Students may also opt for the 4+3 program if they do not want to pursue an accelerated option. Learn more here.

Work one-on-one with faculty to conduct exciting research projects across a variety of disciplines. Students can work in the laboratory, in the field, or utilize online databases to study cellular mechanisms of disease, environmental science, genetics, biotechnology, cancer biology, virology, animal behavior, and more. Students can start research as early as their first year, or conduct a senior-level thesis project.

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Work with faculty advisors to identify internships at local research centers, hospitals, and organizations. Students have completed internships at the Jackson Laboratory, UConn Health, the Scantic River Watershed Association, Yale University, and Pfizer.

As part of the Biology curriculum you will learn important skills in science communication, grant writing, designing research projects, and presenting science to the public. Emphasis is placed on written and oral communication skills, in addition to critical thinking and problem solving.