Biology (BS)

91��

Biology Major

Earn a Biology Major at 91�� and explore the natural world through the study of life sciences. Gain hands-on research experience and develop critical thinking skills to prepare for careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and more.

Bachelor of science

Biology

Students majoring in biology are offered the flexibility to design their own program.

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Is This Program for Me?

Are you fascinated by life in all its forms, from the smallest cell to the largest ecosystem? Do you want to apply scientific discovery to improve health, protect the environment, or advance research? Are you preparing for medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate school?

Whether your goal is to become a physician, researcher, field biologist, or environmental scientist, this program offers you the tools, mentoring, and opportunities to excel.

The Biology major is a great fit if you want to:

Explore life sciences across cellular, molecular, anatomical, physiological, and ecological levels
Prepare for medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, or PA school
Conduct original research in lab or field settings
Work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects
Build professional skills for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and more

What Will I Learn?

The Biology major provides a broad and deep foundation in the life sciences, spanning molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more, while giving students flexibility to specialize and pursue individual interests.

Core Skills You’ll Develop

Analyze primary scientific literature and develop informed hypotheses
Apply the scientific process through ethical experimentation and data analysis
Communicate science effectively to diverse audiences
Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory and field techniques
Understand the relationship between biological systems and global human populations

“I learned a lot about the art of education from my time in Samford’s biology department. The experience shaped both my career and my teaching philosophy.”—Allan Phipps '96, Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow Educator

What Makes Us Different?

Samford’s Biology program is known for its flexibility, research richness, and strong mentoring culture. Students take an active role in shaping their educational experience, developing their own interests and preparing for highly personalized career pathways.

Student-Centered Curriculum

Flexible degree pathways allow students to explore diverse biological systems and tailor their studies for specific career goals.

Research Opportunities from Day One

Students engage in faculty-mentored research as early as freshman year, with many presenting their findings at regional and national conferences.

Faculty Mentoring & Advising

Faculty actively support students’ academic, personal, and professional development—helping them refine goals, build skills, and transition to the next career step.

Robust Pre-Health Support

Pre-health advising, MCAT, GRE, DAT, and OAT preparation, and an active pre-health program offering service projects, speakers, and informal mentoring.

Strong Placement Record

Graduates have an excellent track record of admission to top professional and graduate programs, thanks to high academic preparation and faculty mentoring.

Career Preparation

Biology graduates are exceptionally well prepared for careers and graduate studies across the biological and health sciences. The curriculum supports strong performance on entrance exams and provides a well-rounded scientific foundation.

Prepare to Succeed

Individualized faculty mentoring and academic advising
Hands-on lab and field experience
Active research opportunities leading to publications and conference presentations
Career development workshops and mock interviews
Pre-health and graduate school application guidance

Career Opportunities

Medicine (MD/DO)
Dentistry
Optometry
Veterinary medicine
Physical therapy
Physician assistant (PA)
Pharmacy
Environmental science
Public health
Medical research and laboratory work
Biotechnology
Science communication or journalism
Nonprofit or government work

Application Information

Freshman applications for next fall are open.

Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.

The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.

Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.

Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.

Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.

Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there prerequisite courses to declare the major? 

No, there are no prerequisite courses to declare biology as a major.

Do I need a minimum GPA to enter the program?

No, you do not have to have a minimum GPA to enter the biology program.

Can I study abroad as part of this major?

Yes, Dr. Betsy Dobbins leads a opportunity to Rome where they discuss biology and historical significance in Rome.

Are research opportunities available for undergraduates?

Yes, there are biology research opportunities through the McWane Science Center Internship.

What careers do graduates of this program pursue?

Graduates of the biology program pursue medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, or PA school. Graduates also conduct original research in lab or field settings as well as work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects.

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