Biology Major

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

Biology majors build real-world skills with internships at top-tier companies such as Pfizer, Charles River Labs, Mass General Brigham, New England Aquarium and other major players in biology-related industries.

Biology gives you a deep dive into everything from cells and DNA to animal behavior, ecology and evolution. Learn how to unlock the secrets of life at every level.

Biology Degree at a Glance

Program Type

Major

Mode of Study

On Campus

Internship

Guaranteed

Est. Time

4 Years

Start Terms

Fall, Spring

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The Biology Major

Kick off your biology journey at Merrimack! With experienced faculty leading interactive courses and groundbreaking research, you’ll gain the skills to make a real impact. Our biology curriculum is designed to offer you the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of courses offered in biology.

Interested in becoming a doctor, dentist, veterinarian or another healthcare professional? Merrimack’s biology program is designed to prepare you for a multitude of healthcare-related professional pathways post graduation. Learn more about our Pre-Professional Pathways Program.

What You'll Study

As a biology major, you’ll cover a variety of topics that give you a broad understanding of life sciences. Here’s what you can expect to study:

Cell Biology

Genetics

Ecology

Evolution

Microbiology

Research Methods

Plant Biology

Animal Behavior

Biochemistry

Physiology

Skills You'll Learn

As a biology major, you’ll develop a variety of valuable skills ideal for your real-world experiences, including:

Critical Thinking

Laboratory Techniques

Data Analysis

Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Techniques

Research Methods

Scientific Communication

Ethical Reasoning

Biology B.A. vs. B.S.

Curious if a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences is right for you? Let us help guide you toward the right degree for your career path!

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology provides you with opportunities to focus on social sciences, humanities and other electives and is great for those who want to work in biology in conjunction with other fields like communication, policy, education or business.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology teaches you hands-on skills in research or field studies and is great for those who want to pursue graduate studies, medical school or research careers where a deep understanding of scientific principles and lab techniques is essential.

Applying as a biology major? All you need to choose is “Biology” on your application. Once you enroll, our advising team will get to know you and help you decide on the right classes and degree.

Biology Courses You'll Take

Cancer biology

bio 3030

This course offers a combination of historical, medical, and biological perspectives of cancer, with an emphasis on examining the cellular and molecular bases of the disease(s). Laboratory investigations explore current and potential treatment strategies.

plant biology

bio 3060

Plant Biology provides a fundamental knowledge of plant classification, plant cells, tissues, and organs’ structure, vegetative and reproductive growth and development to better understand plant anatomy and the structure of plants in different environments.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

bio 3063

Through this course, study the development, physiology, genetics, ecology and evolution of animal behavior with particular emphasis on evolution. This includes studying the genes, hormones, neurons and muscles that create behavior in an animal.

See All Courses & Options Available to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology Majors

Biology B.A. Major Requirements

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.

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See All Courses & Options Available to Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology Majors

Biology B.S. Major Requirements

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.

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Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide

Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.

Download Biology B.A. Curriculum Guide

Download Biology B.S. Curriculum Guide

Biology Students In the Classroom & Beyond

When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.

"This internship has shown me how high-paced a lab environment can be while still being fluid and operational, as well as how critical teamwork is with my coworkers to be able to complete batches of samples for customers on time which is definitely a change of pace from academic laboratories.”

Saba Challant '24Internship: Charles River Laboratories
Biology Major

"My internship has done a fantastic job of preparing me for my future professional work as it gave me great hands-on experience of what collecting data within the field is like. My mentor is also an outstanding resource and has taught me so much which in turn is helping to prepare me for a future career in the marine science world!”

Sedona Gillard '24INTERNSHIP: New England Aquarium
Biology Major

"I developed environmental pollutant research examining microplastics in drinking water. I conducted field sampling, data analysis and presentations of the results at regional conferences. I also mentored undergraduate research assistants working on this project.”

Deana Hutcheson ’22, M’23Internship: Merrimack College
Biology Major

Career Outlook: Where Can a Biology Degree Take You?

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Career Outcomes Rate

94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.

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Experiential Learning

90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack

Graduate School

Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.