Beyond this common core, students may design their biology major as they wish. Some students choose to take a broad course of study in the discipline thus maximizing exposure to diverse disciplinary concepts and knowledge and providing a strong background for specialization at the graduate level. Alternatively, some majors choose to focus on a particular subdiscipline of biology or on the intersection of biology with another discipline.

Although not required, many biology majors participate in a research experience. This can take place during the summer or during the academic year. Ordinarily, students complete this research during their junior or senior year after significant coursework in biology and supporting disciplines has been completed.

To declare a biology major (or minor), students need to complete a major/minor plan form and review their plan with the chair. The chair will sign the form, give you a copy and notify the Registrar via Degreeworks that you have declared your major or minor.