Major in Biology
Program Overview
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Department Name
Biology
Department Chair Name
Department Assistant Name
What is a biology degree?
As a discipline, biology ¬ the scientific study of life ¬ contains many areas of specialization, including biomedical sciences, cell and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, ecology and conservation biology. The study of biology can add critical information and perspective for a student seeking a broad perspective on the structure and mechanics of living organisms and their environments.
Why study biology at Furman?
The Furman biology department offers the combination of a liberal arts and sciences education with an undergraduate experiential learning experience. Our program will expose you to a wide range of coursework and research opportunities, providing a guided pathway to prepare you for a wide range of careers. Best of all, you won’t have to compete with graduate students for space in our research facilities or the attention of your professor. Instead, you’ll work closely with faculty members in small teams as you pursue your studies. Furman also has a variety of study away and internship options that will allow you to gain a global perspective of biological sciences. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
How will you learn?
Students work closely with faculty in small classes and teams. Learn in a science center filled with modern research laboratories, computer labs and multimedia classrooms that rival many of the nation’s leading research institutions, but within the setting of a private liberal arts and sciences university. Students also gain practical experiences with internships, study away opportunities and university-funded research fellowships.
Careers for biology majors
Many biology graduates continue to pursue advanced degrees in the field.
In addition, an undergraduate degree could open the door to a variety of rewarding careers, including:
- Botanist
- Ecologist
- Paleontologist
- Zoologist
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmaceutical or medical sales
- Science educator
- Environmental lawyer
- Biomedical engineer
- Clinical researcher
- Laboratory technician
Biology courses: What will you study?
Sample courses include:
Nature of Diversity
Nutrition
What our students say
“The integrative biology track has allowed me to be incredibly flexible in terms of what I am learning. This track is not inherently specialized, so I get to take all the different kinds of science classes Furman has to offer. Taking numerous kinds of science classes has helped me determine what type of career I want to pursue and what kind of sciences I enjoy.” – Lindsey Price ’23
Our faculty
At Furman, you will have great support. Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. Furman’s biology faculty represent decades of study and real-world expertise in teaching and preparing students for careers after graduation. Furman also has a diverse network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
FAQ
Furman biology graduates often go on to fill a number of scientific roles, such as botanists, ecologists, paleontologists, zoologists, educators, engineers, laboratory technicians and forensic scientists. Furman biology graduates can also apply their scientific expertise in a broad array of fields outside the hard sciences, including law, conservation, education, writing and illustration, research management and pharmaceutical sales. In addition, many biology graduates continue to pursue advanced degrees in the field.
The average annual base salary for a worker with a bachelor’s degree in biology is $76,000, according to Payscale.com.
The undergraduate biology program at Furman is typically a four-year program.