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

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology is designed for students interested in biological sciences, but also want a degree with a strong liberal arts component. This program provides a basic background in biology while offering the opportunity to take a wide range of classes in other disciplines. Students may seek employment immediately after graduation in the private, public or nonprofit sectors, or continue their education in graduate or professional programs. 

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

• The Molecular and Cellular Biology concentration is the study of biological processes within and between individual cells, allowing for a better understanding of biological principles in normal and diseased states. The focus of this program includes concepts related to the genetic basis of life, regulation of gene expression and cellular functions. Students may seek employment immediately after graduation in the private, public or nonprofit sectors, or continue their education in graduate or professional programs. 
• The Organismal Biology concentration allows students to examine organisms in their natural environment and address fundamental principles of survival and adaptation in discrete microenvironments and entire ecosystems. While basic concepts of biological and chemical functions are covered, the focus of this concentration is comprehensive aspects of the whole organism. Students may seek employment in the private, public or nonprofit sectors immediately after graduation, or continue their education in graduate or professional programs.
• Pre-Medicine/Pre-Podiatry/Pre-Dentistry concentration prepares students for careers in medicine and health care. The curriculum provides the courses necessary for admission to advanced degree programs in healthcare and biomedical science professions. 

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 30105, 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 overall 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. Acquire the fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
3. Demonstrate understanding of proper experimental design, analysis of biological data and communication of research results.
4. Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.