Biology

• Some of our recent graduates are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in biological research at Vanderbilt University, University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, and Auburn University, while other students are pursing professional degrees (M.D., D.O., O.D., D.D.M. or D.D.S., Pharm.D., etc.) in programs at Ohio State University College of Medicine, University of California Berkeley School of Optometry, Salus University School of Optometry, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (School of Pharmacy and School of Dental Medicine), Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine, Thomas Jefferson College of Medicine, and New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
• The research capabilities of the Environaut, a 48-foot research vessel on Lake Erie, were significantly enhanced by the addition of radar, sonar, an underwater camera, a generator, and an enclosed laboratory.

You Will Learn

The biology department is an academic community of faculty members and students engaged in the responsible pursuit and communication of biological knowledge. We provide students with a diverse curriculum to explore and study life in the classroom, laboratory and field. We offer students a wide range of possibilities to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become competitive and excel in their chosen fields. Students can participate in faculty-mentored research as well as travel courses to study tropical marine biology in the Bahamas or the ecology of Yellowstone National Park. Field courses include Fisheries Biology and Limnology, which utilize the Environaut, Gannon University’s research vessel on Lake Erie, and biomedical courses such as Human Gross Anatomy, Histology, and Parasitology, which help students prepare for medical school or medically related professional programs.

You Will Experience

You Will Achieve

Students with a degree in biology can continue their education to pursue careers in research or medicine. Additionally, students can gain employment in industry, nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Students who complete their degree in biology-secondary education can pursue a career teaching biology in secondary schools.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, many students choose to continue their education to earn a master’s, doctoral or professional degree to pursue careers as a:

• biological or medical scientist  
• dentist  
• optometrist  
• pharmacist  
• physician assistant  
• physician/surgeon   
• professor - post-secondary education  
• veterinarian  

With a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, students may pursue diverse career opportunities. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• biological technician  
• fisheries biologist  
• microbiologist  
• teacher - secondary education  
• zoologist/wildlife biologist/freshwater biologist       

You Will Earn

Salaries in the field vary depending on the location and type of organization.

• Starting salary: $40,200  
• Mid-career salary: $70,800  

Here are select examples of more specific starting salaries for entry-level positions for individuals with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Starting salaries differ depending on location.

• biological technician: $41,300  
• microbiologist: $67,800  
• zoologist/wildlife biologist: $58,270  

All salary information is compiled from data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) and/or PayScale (payscale.com).     

You Will Study