Department of Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Programs in Biology

B.A. Biology

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology is a flexible degree program in biology jointly offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Genetics. This program requires little in the supporting sciences of mathematics, chemistry, and physics; students contemplating careers as professional biologists should seriously consider the more rigorous Bachelor of Science programs offered by the two departments. Some students utilize the flexibility of the B.A. Biology program to develop a sound undergraduate curriculum that meets their specific needs. Much-needed courses in the supporting sciences may be taken as electives. The B.A. Biology degree may be taken in conjunction with coursework from other areas of the University to develop interdisciplinary approaches that can lead to careers in elementary and secondary education, law, physical therapy, healthcare administration, and biological illustration.

Requirements for the B.A. Biology degree include: 28 credits in biological sciences (BIO or MIC), some additional courses in supporting sciences, 120 credits total (42 must be 300-level or above).

B.S. Biological Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences program prepares students for a variety of careers in the biological sciences, including those that demand an undergraduate degree in biology or further study in a professional school (medical, dental, veterinary) or graduate school. Through the selection of courses, students in the B.S. Biological Sciences program may focus their studies on botanical science (study of plants), zoological science (study of animals), or choose coursework that broadly covers the field of biology. Other students will gain modest specialization in one of the subdisciplines of biology such as ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, genetics, developmental biology, or molecular biology. Some students maintain an interest in the health sciences while others are intrigued with marine and environmental subjects. Although the B.S. Biological Sciences degree incorporates coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, some students studying for specific careers will take additional coursework in these areas, especially in mathematics and chemistry.

Requirements: 35 credits in biological sciences (mostly BIO), coursework in the supporting sciences, 130 credits total.

B.S. Marine Biology

The B.S. Marine Biology program is built on the substantial teaching and research interests of marine-oriented faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences. The program is a rigorous undergraduate biological sciences degree that prepares students for jobs or graduate studies in marine biology. A coordinator of the program is available to advise students and assist them in internship placement, career selection, and admission to an appropriate graduate program. Some students take additional coursework, minor, or double major in other disciplines offered by the University.

Requirements: 36 credits in biological sciences (including specific marine-related courses), coursework in the supporting sciences (including introductory oceanography), 130 credits total.

Graduate Programs in Biology

M.S. Biological Sciences

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences is a highly flexible program that provides a student an opportunity to specialize in one of the areas of strength within the Department and to take courses from different areas of the University's science curricula (for example Oceanography, Statistics, Pharmacy, or the College of the Environment and Life Sciences). Some of the M.S. candidates combine their biological endeavors with other coursework (education, marine affairs) as they train for specific interdisciplinary careers. M.S. Biological Sciences students are well qualified for jobs in state and federal government, education, and research laboratories. Many of these students enter doctoral programs at the University of Rhode Island or other recognized institutions of higher education across the country.

Requirements: 30 credits of graduate coursework and thesis.

Ph.D. Biological Sciences

The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences has great flexibility. Students may take graduate coursework offered by many different academic units across campus (see comments under the M.S. program above). Most students in this doctoral program seek teaching/research positions at the college or university level, but some plan for employment in private or public research laboratories.

Requirements: 72 credits of graduate coursework (including 30 credits for an earned M.S. degree), qualifying examination (for all without the M.S. degree), comprehensive examination, and dissertation.

Additional Information:

If you have any questions about any of the undergraduate or graduate programs offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, please contact:

For more information about this site, contact biosci@etal.uri.edu