Undergraduate Degree Programs

There are several options available to undergraduate students majoring in biology.  A student's choice of curriculum depends on their career goals and interests.

Federated Department of Biological Sciences

All biology majors must complete certain requirements regardless of what program they decide to complete.  They are:

  • 35 Credits of biology courses (including General Biology I and II and Foundations of Biology)
  • General Chemistry I and II, General Chemistry Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry Lab
  • Physics I and II, Physics I and II Lab

The specific curriculum chosen by a biology major depends on their career goals, interests and strengths. 

Bachelor of Science Curriculum (pdf, 78KB)
The BS program which emphasizes a more quantitative approach to biology, will help students develop computer and mathematical skills needed for biological science in the 21st century. Students opting for BS must take advanced mathematics and computer science courses, including one upper-division mathematical biology course.  This curriculum is ideal doe students who wish to work in industry, in government, become a researcher or teacher. 

Bachelor of Arts Curriculum (pdf,75KB)
The BA curriculum does not include the additional mathematics and computer science courses.  This program is ideal for a student planning on a health career or going to other graduate schools such as business or law.

Biology-Math Double Major (pdf, 51KB)  
As stated earlier, biology is becoming a more quantitative science.  Students with exceptional mathematics and science skills have the option of the Biology-Mathematics double major.  Most double majors generally take at least five years to complete.  The Bio-Math double major has been designed to be completed in four years.

Teacher Certification

For students interested in a teaching career, NJIT students have the option of applying to the Teacher Certification program.  This program, jointly administered with the Rutgers-Newark Department of Urban Education, allows accepted students to take the necessary  coursework to be able to obtain a teaching license in New Jersey.

Teacher certification is open to students enrolled in either the BA or BS curriculum.  All requirements of each curriculum must still be completed (35 credits of biology, cognate courses). Some Education courses fulfill the General University Requirements.  See the full curriculum for each option below. 

  • BA with Teacher Certification (pdf, 83KB) Coming Soon!
  • BS with Teacher Certification (pdf, 82KB) Coming Soon!

Accelerated Programs

High school seniors wanting to attend medical, dental, optometry or law school and who meet certain requirements can apply for accelerated study in one of these areas.  These programs combine a BA in biology with a professional degree programs. These programs are administered by the Albert Dorman Honors College.   

Undergraduate Courses

A full range of undergraduate biology courses are offered every semester.  A complete listing of course and descriptions can be found here. 

For all other courses explore the Undergraduate Catalog.