Biology Major
Program Overview
What is a biology degree?
Biology is the scientific study of life. As a discipline, it 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. Earning a degree in biology can lead to a plurality of career paths and also leads many students to pursue advanced degrees.
Why should you major in 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.
What will you learn as a biology major?
Furman’s Bachelor of Arts and four-track Bachelor of Science in biology programs give you the ability to specialize in a particular field of biology or take a more general study route. Regardless of the path you take, Furman’s biology degrees equip you with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to pursue your career choice in the field of biology.
Students work closely with faculty in small classes and teams. You will 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.
Jobs for biology majors
Many biology graduates continue to pursue advanced degrees in the field.
In addition, a bachelor's degree in biology 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
Featured biology courses
Biology majors may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biology. Students may also choose a focused track to complete their B.S. in biology requirements. The four tracks include Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Environmental and Conservation Biology, and Integrative Biology. Major requirements vary.
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100%Majors conducting research or internships
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15.5Average class size for upper-level courses
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6+Study away programs
Our faculty
Srikripa Chandrasekaran
Adi Dubash
Ashley Morris
John Quinn
Victoria Turgeon
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.
