Biology, B.A.

School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences

Program Overview

Whether you want to be a marine biologist, microbiologist, or zoologist—or any of more than a dozen other careers—you’ll find our Biology Department an exciting, supportive environment in which to broaden your knowledge, hone your skills, and perform cutting-edge research. You’ll be able to assist our faculty, who have active careers in laboratory-based research at the national and international level. If you are trying to decide between the B.A. or B.S. degree, the Bachelor of Science degree in biology requires more advanced science and mathematics courses than the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Biology, B.A.

Where You'll Go

There are many career paths in biology, including scientist, educator, technician, and manager, to name a few. Brooklyn College alumni with a degree in biology work in health care services, education, hospitals, research institutions, and elsewhere.

Major Details

The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2023–24 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.

Major Requirements (42–55 Credits)

A student with a grade of D+ or lower in any course applied toward fulfillment of department requirements must repeat the course until the grade of C- or higher is earned, or offer another course of equal or higher rank. Similarly, to enroll in any course students must have completed the appropriate pre-requisite courses with a grade of C- or better. Any substitution of courses must be approved by the chair or deputy chair for advising. At least one course taken must be a writing intensive (W) course offered by the Department of Biology. Students who completed Biology 1080 and 1081 before fall 2010 may substitute them for Biology 1001 and 1002 in all degree requirements.

All of the following: Biology 10011002300330043006 or 3007W3011.

At least eight  credits of the following: Biology 1531 or Math 1531, Biology 20012002 or 2002W20102020 or Psychology 2610, Biology 3020 or Psychology 3610, Biology 3030W308340014009 or 4010W or Computer and Information Science 2810W, Biology 4011, 4012, 4013, 4022, 4024W, 4025, 4026, 4027, 5000 or 5001 or 5003W or 5010 or 5014W5020, Chemistry 4581.

One of the following chemistry sequences:

Mathematics 1201 or Psychology 3400.

Additional Requirements

Candidates for a B.A. degree with a major in biology must complete at least 60 credits in science and mathematics. They must complete at least 18 credits in advanced courses in the Biology Department or allowed electives in other departments as described above (not including Biology 1001, Chemistry 1100, 1050, 1200, 120120502060210022002201, and Mathematics 1201). These 18 credits must be completed with a grade of C- or higher in each course, and 15 or more credits must be completed at Brooklyn College. Specific course requirements for a B.A. degree are described above.

The following courses may be applied toward the 60 credits in science and mathematics:

Department Recommendations

Chemistry 3510 (or both 3511 and 3512) and 3520 or (both 3521 and 3522) and Physics 1100 and 2100 are required for some professional programs and are strongly recommended for prospective graduate students in biology. Students who anticipate majoring in biology must see a departmental adviser before the end of the sophomore year in order to plan their program.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a proficient mastery of basic biological knowledge through a sequential series of required courses in microbiology, genetics, and evolution.
  • Demonstrate breadth of biological knowledge through advanced electives in cellular, molecular, organismal, and ecological courses.
  • Develop and demonstrate a select set of competencies reflective of practical and theoretical processes of the life sciences through laboratory and research-based courses.
  • Be able to evaluate the importance of technological advances and discoveries in the various subdisciplines of biological sciences with respect to their impact on society and environment.

Degree Maps

View all past degree maps.

Contact

Contact the Biology Department for information on academic advisers and office hours.

Or contact:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu

To make an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor, visit:

Virtual Admissions Counselor Appointments

Internships and Employers

Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the biology B.A. program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:

  • Brooklyn Hospital Center
  • CityMD
  • LifeSci NYC
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Memory and Cognition Lab
  • Mount Sinai Hospital
  • New York City Department of Education
  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • New York Methodist Hospital
  • New York–Presbyterian
  • NYU Langone Health
  • Prospect Park Zoo
  • Rang Technologies
  • Research Foundation at CUNY
  • SUNY Downstate Medical Center
  • Weill Cornell Medicine

Learn More

Brooklyn. All in.

Brooklyn. All in.