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.

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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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Biology Major FAQ

  • 100%
    Majors conducting research or internships
  • 15.5
    Average class size for upper-level courses
  • 6+
    Study away programs

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.

Srikripa Chandrasekaran

Srikripa Chandrasekaran

Associate Professor, Biology; Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence
Adi Dubash

Adi Dubash

Associate Professor of Biology; Faculty Council Sciences Division Representative
Linnea Freeman

Linnea Freeman

Associate Professor, Biology
Grace Freundlich

Grace Freundlich

Assistant Professor
haney

Dennis Haney

Professor of Biology
hollis

David Hollis

Professor of Biology
lewis

Gregory Lewis

Professor of Biology
Min-Ken Liao

Min-Ken Liao

William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biology
Ashley Morris

Ashley Morris

Professor and Chair of Biology; Curator of the Ives Herbarium
Perry

Travis Perry

Professor of Biology
John Quinn

John Quinn

Henry Keith and Ellen Hard Townes Professor of Biology; Director Environmental Studies
Jason Rawlings

Jason Rawlings

Associate Professor of Biology
Alison Roark

Alison Roark

Professor of Biology
Victoria Turgeon

Victoria Turgeon

Professor,Biology; Academic Director, Prisma Health Partnership; Faculty Ombuds
Wade B. Worthen

Wade Worthen

Rose J. Forgione Professor of Biology
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