Biology - B.A. and B.S. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology is designed for students interested in the biological sciences but eager to pursue a wider variety of interests in the liberal arts.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology consists of three concentrations from which students choose one:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration prepares students for careers and postgraduate work. Students who select this program are interested in processes that occur within cells, molecular techniques and genetics. Graduates of this program have the option to seek employment immediately after graduation in the private, public or nonprofit sector, or to continue their education in graduate or professional programs.
• Organismal Biology concentration enables students to focus on whole organism studies. This program helps prepare students for graduate school in areas such as ecology and animal/plant science, and for careers not requiring extensive molecular and cell biology skills. Biology graduates may seek employment immediately after graduation or continue their education in graduate or professional programs.
• Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry concentration prepares students for careers in medicine and health care. The curriculum provides the courses necessary for admission to medical, dental and graduate schools, as well as other professional programs (e.g., podiatry, optometry, physician’s assistant).

Biologists work in a variety of settings and alumni with a biology degree from Kent State can directly enter into the workforce. Career opportunities are available at state, local and federal agencies, privately owned companies, industry and non-profit groups. Other students may choose to further their education beyond a bachelor's degree by attending graduate or professional school. These students may seek employment opportunities as professors or other educators or in health care professions as doctors, dentists, physician assistants and other health care workers.

The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers. All students, particularly those who plan to attend graduate school or seek employment directly after degree completion, are strongly encouraged to complete research projects through an individual investigation course and/or do an internship in the area in which they plan to be employed. In addition, the department offers BSCI 30005 Career Pathways in Biology, which provides students a chance to learn more about various job options within the biological sciences and how to achieve their career goals. Lastly, students are expected to meet regularly with their faculty advisor to talk about career options, get help in selecting electives and discuss ways to get experience required for their career goals.

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA and 2.000 major GPA.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological principles as outlined in specific courses.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design and analysis of biological data.
3. Understand the role of biology in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and diseases.
4. Acquire the fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
5. Demonstrate a greater interest in exploring areas of biology in more depth.
6. Be more aware of pathways that will most appropriately direct them to their identified career goals and professional interests (entering the workforce, graduate schools, and professional schools).
7. Have improved oral and written skills, which will allow them to communicate research results and other biological concepts in an effective manner.