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Biology Major

Biology Major

Gain advanced knowledge of contemporary biology with the Bachelor of Arts in Biology or the Bachelor of Science in Biology in Temple University’s College of Science and Technology. The Biology BA and BS degree curriculum explores the principles that regulate living organisms, from molecules and cells to humans and ecosystems. Learn about the links between disciplines, including cell biology, evolution, genetics and molecular biology, and their places within biological principles.

Many Biology students become clinical workers, dentists, educators, nurses, optometrists, physical therapists, physician assistants, physicians, podiatrists and veterinarians. You can work in the biotechnology, environmental or pharmaceutical fields, or choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Biology or a related field.

Coursework for the Biology BA and BS emphasizes

  • bioinformatics, cell biology, genetics, ecology and neuroscience;
  • critical evaluation of experimental data;
  • expertise in laboratory procedures; and
  • identification of the biochemical and biophysical principles of living organisms.

The Biology Department is a hub for leading research centers, institutes and facilities, including the Center for Biodiversity, the Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, and the Biology Imaging Facility. Department faculty members encourage firsthand experiences with cutting-edge technology in the classroom. You’ll have opportunities to take part in advanced research, scientific breakthroughs and new discoveries that benefit society.

Choosing between a BA and a BS

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology requires between 60 and 63 credit hours with three electives versus six. You’ll have the flexibility to take courses in the College of Liberal Arts while gaining the necessary background in biology for your chosen career path or graduate degree. The Bachelor of Science in Biology is recommended for those who know they want to pursue a career in science upon completion of the program. It requires between 69 and 75 credit hours, including six advanced electives.

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Related Graduate Degrees

*Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
** Lewis Katz School of Medicine
*** School of Pharmacy

Related Graduate Certificates

+1 Bachelor-Master Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers +1 Accelerated Bachelor-Master Programs. Students can earn a BA or BS and, at the end of the fifth year, an MA or MS. Coursework is completed over five years instead of taking the usual six-year course of study.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s +1 Bachelor-Master programs.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,856.00 per year
Out-of-state: $39,480.00 per year

Our Advisors

The Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development in the College of Science and Technology helps you navigate New Student Orientation, advises on specific degree programs and courses, provides post-graduation guidance, and offers peer support. You can also be matched with a qualified student advisor or advocate who will further assist with degree and academic questions or concerns.

Learn more about the Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development’s academic advisors and the CST Peer Team.

Program Contact

Angela Bricker, associate professor in the Department of Biology, is the faculty program coordinator for the Biology BA and BS (sophomore through senior).
Phone: 215-204-8578
Email:

Jay Lunden, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, is the faculty program advisor for the Biology BA and BS (first years and transfer students).
Phone: 215-204-8524
Email:

Student Clubs & Organizations

Student clubs and organizations in the College of Science and Technology provide opportunities to meet with peers, network with professionals or scientists in your field of study, and learn about internship opportunities. The College of Science and Technology offers 15 major clubs and 12 prehealth clubs for undergraduate students. Enhance your academic study and social life by participating in a club related to your major or interests.

Students pursuing a Biology degree may be interested in the following clubs and organizations.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

Deepen your understanding of your math, natural science or computer science coursework by experiencing firsthand how such disciplines are studied overseas. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. Learn more about your options for studying away.

College of Science and Technology undergraduate students can also take part in international research. These opportunities include the following external scholarship programs.

  • The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship provides funding for underrepresented students to study in nontraditional destinations such as Australia and Eastern Europe.
  • The Boren Scholarship Summer STEM Initiative offers undergraduate STEM majors opportunities to participate in a language-intensive program.
  • The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Temple offer opportunities for students in biology, chemistry and physics programs to work in research groups in Pune, India, over the summer.
  • The Siena Biomedical Research Program provides the opportunity for students to spend their summer working full time in a biotechnology and pathology lab based in Tuscany, Italy.
  • The Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program allows students to learn the biological basis behind the technology used for art conservation and then apply that knowledge in the laboratory and in the field.

Learn more about study abroad programs for College of Science and Technology students.

Accreditation

As a division within Temple University, the College of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information