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Biology

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A Bachelor's Degree in Biology Opens a World of Possibilities

It’s a big world. As a biology student, you’ll find out what makes it tick. Because when you study biology, you study life. You gain practical knowledge of how living things work at every level, from molecules to populations.

A biology bachelor's degree prepares you for the study of living organisms and offers a wide range of professional opportunities for graduates. You can focus your studies, research, and Field Period® experiences on medicine, genetics, live cells, agriculture, ecology, diseases, or microbiology.

Program Highlights

An Internship Every Year

Every year, beginning your first year, you'll design a Field Period® experience that could take you into a lab, immerse you in the field, give you the chance to work with a clinician, or partner with a professor on research. The choice is yours!

Endless Research Opportunities

Keuka College opens the lab door early, offering on- and off-campus research projects across a wide range of disciplines. Recent work spans DNA barcoding and metagenomic surveys, soil–microbe ecology, protein modeling and molecular interactions, fruit‐flavor chemistry, behavioral ecology and habitat restoration, and forensic anthropology methods for identifying skeletal remains. Many undergraduates publish alongside faculty – and present their discoveries at regional and national conferences – before they even graduate.

A Stunning Natural Environment

Keuka Lake and the broader region are home to thousands of plant and animal species, pristine waters, and an astonishing National Forest. Begin your formal study of Biology in one of the world's most spectacular environments. 

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We asked our students to tell you why Keuka College was the best choice for them — and why Keuka College could be the best choice for you.

Just fill in your information below and we’ll email or text what they said right now.

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Aliyah Brewer Biology Keuka College

The networking and connections I made at Keuka College dramatically boosted my confidence. During my Field Period™ experiences, I was excited to take what I learned and apply it to my own research. I found out how my interests translate into productive research projects, and how to make myself memorable.

— Aliyah Brewer ’23

Aliyah is now a Ph.D. candidate in Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science.

At Keuka College, our biology degree is focused on life — after college. That means when you graduate, you'll be prepared to launch a career or seek an advanced degree in graduate, medical, veterinary, chiropractic, or pharmacy school.

Program Requirements


Related Program Requirements

biology research

Pharmacy School Pathways

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) articulation agreements guarantee seats for Keuka College students in top-tier programs at:

Thinking Vet or Med School?

Veterinary and medical schools are highly competitive. If this is your goal, personalized advising starts your first year.

Alumni have earned their D.V.M., M.D., or D.O. degrees at Purdue University, the University of Tennessee, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), SUNY Upstate, Cornell, Ross, University of Edinburgh, Missouri State, University of Tennessee, Purdue, Tufts, University of Buffalo, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), and a host of others.

Additional pre-professional programs can put you on the path to a career in optometry, dentistry, podiatry, or as a physician’s assistant.

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biology research

What Can I Do with a Biology Degree?

A Biology degree is incredibly versatile and opens a world of career opportunities, including as a:

  • Biochemist
  • Biological Technician
  • Biostatistician
  • Chiropractor
  • Consumer Product Researcher
  • Crime Laboratory Analyst
  • Dentist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Geneticist
  • Health Care Administrator
  • Marine Biologist
  • Medical and Pharma Sales
  • Medical Scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Pharmacist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Physician 
  • Physician's Assistant
  • Podiatrist
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinarian
More Bio Degree Career Ideas

Keuka College's Field Period

Much More Than An Annual Internship

A woman looks at a mountain. There is a goal flag on the top of the mountain, and dotted lines and milestone markers that track toward the goal.

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Build Your Résumé

And Your Own Professional Network

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Get Real Experience

You'll Use in Your Field and Throughout Your Life

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Discover Yourself

Learn What You Like and Where You Want to Go

“

I really love learning and since the ocean is so unknown to humans, I will always be able to learn.

During my Field Period®, I learned about so many types of fish, and how to drive the boat. I was able to see life in the ocean, like sea turtles, dolphins, jellyfish, and so much more in their natural habitats, and not from a TV screen.

— Cheyenne Snyder '21

Where Can a Bio Field Period Take You?

Biology majors often use Field Period to explore different career paths, types of labs, and study biodiversity around the world. Some recent Field Period sites include:

  • Arnot Ogden Medical Center
  • Auburn Eye Care
  • Boyce Thompson Institute
  • Cayuga Medical Center
  • Cornerstone Dental
  • Corning Animal Hospital
  • Crouse Hospital
  • Finger Lakes Health
  • Geneva Community Health
  • Group Trip to the Galapagos
  • Guthrie HealthWorks
  • Hunt Country Vineyards
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Monroe County Water Authority
  • Performance Physical Therapy
  • Rochester General Hospital
  • Smithsonian Marine Station
  • Sodus Veterinary Hospital
  • Syracuse School District
  • United Health Services
  • University of Florida
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Rochester
  • Utica Zoo
  • Via Aquarium
  • Walgreens Pharmacy

Your future biology professors are much more than exceptional teachers — they're accomplished researchers and extraordinary academic advisors. 

Your biology professors will get to know you as an individual. They'll help you maximize your strengths, improve upon your weaknesses, and advise you on the courses you'll need to take so you can make the most of your biology degree and enjoy the career of your dreams, whether your next step is a career or graduate school.

Estimate Your Scholarship

How Would You Join Keuka College and with What GPA?

81%
81%

Estimated Scholarship Value

/year

With maximum state and federal aid, you could attend Keuka College for just per year. Check our math.

See More Scholarships

Affording Your Keuka College Education

Keuka College scholarships, state and federal grants, employer tuition remission, and military benefits are financial aid options that may be available to you. Our financial aid team is here to help you navigate the process and find as many opportunities as are available to you. 

Your application for admission is also your application for financial aid. It's free to apply, so why not start your application today?

Comparing Us to a SUNY or CUNY?
"Free tuition" at state schools doesn't come without costs. Even though Keuka College is private, that doesn't mean a state school will be less expensive for you, even if you're eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship.

Learn More and Get the Facts

We can't wait to have you as part of our #KCFamily! Your admissions counselor is here to help guide and support you every step of the way.

Admissions Requirements

  • Submit an Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarship Opportunities.
  • Keuka College is test optional and believes there's much more to you than just a test score. The admissions committee considers all application materials in its holistic review of your eligibility. 
  • There is no deadline to apply, and we offer rolling admissions. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you'll receive your admissions decision and scholarship. In most cases, you'll receive a response from us within 1-2 weeks. 

Next Steps

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