Biology
The Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program at Simmons University explores the vast discipline of biology—including animal and plant physiology, developmental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, ecology, and biotechnology.
Simmons’ Biology faculty are accomplished research scientists who’ve had a lifelong curiosity about the natural world—just like you. Students in the program work closely with their professors to master the fundamentals and put their knowledge into practice through hands-on learning in our well-equipped labs.
Graduates of the Biology degree program go on to prestigious graduate programs in biology, allied health, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and genetic engineering, and to successful careers in government, university, hospital, and commercial laboratories.
Why study Biology?
Biology is the science and study of life. All living things fall under the umbrella of biology: humans, animals, plants—it is an enormous and all-encompassing discipline that consists of many fields and subfields. Biology is critical to medicine and healthcare, forensics, technology, and wildlife and environmental conservation.
A bachelor’s degree in Biology from Simmons cultivates an extensive understanding of the basic principles of biology, including the structure, biochemistry, function, and metabolism of cells, as well as genetics and the theory of evolution.
What will you learn?
Simmons’ Bachelor of Science in Biology consists of five (5) required courses amounting to 20 credit hours, four (4) prerequisite courses, plus three (3) additional courses in biology. In addition to the classroom curriculum, Biology students at Simmons must also complete their senior Capstone requirement via research, an internship, or a thesis. Find out more about pursuing an internship.
View the Program Requirements drop-down menu below for a list of required courses, and browse the course catalog for full course descriptions.
Biology can also be taken as a minor.
What can you do with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology?
What better place to earn your BS in Biology than Boston? Simmons sits in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from Longwood Medical Area's internationally-known teaching hospitals and biomedical research centers.
Careers for Biology bachelor’s degree holders include:
- Biochemist
- Genetic Counselor
- Microbiologist
- Agricultural & Food Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Many graduates of Simmons’ BS in Biology program also go on to earn their graduate degrees in their chosen specialties.
Learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Biology!
Questions about the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program? You can request more information or contact us at the Admissions Office by calling 617-521-2051. Want to check out Simmons University in the flesh? Schedule a campus visit to get to know our community and explore the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Boston.
Our Faculty
Anna Aguilera
Associate Professor and Director of the Honors Program
Jane Lopilato
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology
Charlotte Russell
Teaching Professor
Eric Luth
Associate Professor
John Young
Assistant Professor
Seth Johnson
Assistant Professor
Spotlight on Biology Students and Alums
A Mother Follows Her Child’s Footsteps to a Simmons Education
During high school, Devin Ryan ’21 toured Simmons, where they later majored in Biology. Meanwhile, someone close to Ryan was also inspired by that campus tour: their mother, Misty Neader ’25MSW.
Inspired to Expand a Summer Research Project into an Independent Study
Biology major Leila Aydibi ’24 discusses getting involved on campus, participating in a research project, being a first-generation student, and some of her favorite Simmons courses.
Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars
The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.
Associate Professor of Biology Eric Luth Co-Authors Scientific Article with Former Students
Neurobiologist Eric Luth recently co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A (October 2021) with several of his students: Celine Breton ’21, Kaitlyn Kessel ’23, Ariel Robinson ’19, and Kainat Altaf ’22. The piece traces developmental abnormalities among worm populations after exposure to environmental contaminants.
Simmons Announces Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Fall 2023
The Passionate Leaders Project supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic & professional interests beyond the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s students produced research related to human rights, documentary film, healthcare access, therapeutic care databases, the neurodevelopment of fruit flies, Muslims’ experiences with healthcare in Boston, and software that supports Simmons’ food pantry.
Neurobiology Student Explores Connections between Science and Policymaking
Neurobiology major Debora Edouard, who participated in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program this past summer, is now receiving training with Scholars Transforming Through Research . During this six-month program, students develop advocacy skills that help bolster undergraduate research...
Celebrating Visionary Leader Sandi Fenwick ’72
Sandi Fenwick ’72, CEO of Boston Children’s Hospital, is the recipient of the inaugural Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader award. Prior to the ceremony, we asked Fenwick her thoughts on the award, her career, and what it means to be a visionary leader.
Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2020 Cohort
The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom.