Biology Concentrations

Gene editing, genome sequencing, genetically modified organisms, pharmacogenomics, precision medicine, gene therapy– genetics and genomics touch every aspect of life and are at the forefront of medical and scientific breakthroughs in human, animal, food, and microbial sciences. The Applied Genetics (AG) concentration will train you in the foundations of genetics, molecular and cellular biology, and bioinformatics. It will prepare you for a career or graduate program in clinical, agricultural, or food genetics, genetic counseling, genetic engineering, or biological forensics.

We live in a world of microbiology; it is beneath your feet, and at your fingertips…but most people are not aware how abundant and important microorganisms are.The Applied Microbiology (AM) concentration will help you understand the process of infection, and how to isolate and identify the cause of many problems that occur in agriculture, food, industry, and public health. Once you master the skills of handling microorganisms in a laboratory and understand the process of controlling their populations, you are career-ready for a large number of jobs in quality control, water and sewage treatment, or public health laboratories.

Do you want a career focused on animals? Are you interested in knowing how animals work from the inside out or why they behave the way they do? The Animal Physiology & Behavior (APB) concentration will engross you in the mechanisms that help animals accomplish the daily challenges necessary for survival. With this concentration, you would be a strong applicant to any graduate program in physiology or behavior, as well as careers in laboratory or field research, zoos, aquaria, or as a veterinary technician, among many, many others. 

If you are interested in studying the connections between organisms and their environment, in creating management plans and policies, and protecting wildlife and restoring ecosystems, the Ecology, Wildlife, & Conservation (EWC) concentration is the right one for you. You can investigate sources of aquatic pollution and contamination, monitor endangered populations, or replant a degraded habitat. The EWC track prepares students for careers as an environmental or conservation scientist, fisheries biologist, forester, zoologist, or wildlife biologist. It also prepares young scientists for graduate school and careers in terrestrial or aquatic ecology and wildlife-based research.

If you are not quite sure what you want to do as a career yet, but are passionate about life sciences, the Integrative Biology (IB) concentration is the one for you. It will provide you with a solid foundation for success in the biological science field.The job market for biologists is expected to grow by 4.7% between now and 2032 and a degree in biology can open the door to diverse career options. Whether you are interested in research or education, or solving problems related to some of the most important issues facing humans today, such as the loss of biodiversity, emerging diseases, or the climate crisis, a biology degree can be the first step toward achieving your goals.

Are you interested in a career in medicine or veterinary science? Do you want to be a doctor, veterinarian, dentist, physical therapist, pharmacist, chiropractor, ophthalmologist, podiatrist, or physician’s assistant? If so, the Pre-Medical Professionals (PMP) concentration is your pathway to success. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and experiences needed to prepare you for the rigor of professional school and strengthen your application with internship and research opportunities so you can excel in your chosen field.