Degree Options
UConn undergraduates who are interested in biology can pursue several majors, minors, and degree options in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Biology is a collection of fields that examine all life on Earth. Whether you’re interested in molecules, organisms, the environment, or a little bit of everything, there’s an option that’s right for you.
No matter what major or minor you choose, your education will prepare you for professional success in a variety of fields, including medicine, health care, research, education, government, policy, and more.
Have questions about your options? Make an appointment with an advisor!
Majors and Minors
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers five majors and six minors housed across three academic departments.
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Physiology and Neurobiology
- Structural Biology and Biophysics
- Bioinformatics
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology and Neurobiology
Degree Options
CLAS offers the following Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree options.
The BS degree is generally recommended for students planning a scientific career in biology. The BA degree allows students to engage in a flexible liberal arts experience. Both degree options prepare students for a variety of careers and graduate study, including pre-medical and pre-dental programs.
BA Degrees
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
BS Degrees
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Physiology and Neurobiology
- Structural Biology and Biophysics
Requirements and Notes
BA
- BA degree requires five courses from Content Area One: Arts and Humanities.
- First-year students who are interested in the BA option should take BIOL 1107 (or 1108) and general education courses during their first semester.
- Ecology and evolutionary biology BA degree requires CHEM 1127Q & 1128Q or CHEM 1124Q & 1125Q & 1126Q, but students are not required to take physics or calculus.
- Biological sciences BA degree doesn’t require chemistry, physics, or calculus.
- Three Q courses are required (one which must be a MATH Q or STAT Q course).
- Students may take a calculus, chemistry, or physics sequence if these courses are recommended for their career path (such as pre-health fields).These courses can count toward the three Q-courses requirement.
BS
- Students pursuing a BS must complete additional science and math sequences, as well as laboratory requirements specific to their major.
- The three Q-course requirement will be fulfilled by taking required calculus, chemistry, and physics sequences.
- Learn more about degree requirements on the CLAS Academic Services Center’s website.
Honors Program
The Honors Program at UConn provides an enhanced educational experience to highly motivated undergraduate students.
Biology students who participate in the Honors Program take advantage of:
- Specially designated honors courses
- Early access to advanced-level courses
- Advising by honors faculty advisors
- Independent research opportunities under the guidance of faculty mentors
- Professional development opportunities, including co-authoring research publications and participating in undergraduate research symposia
To graduate as an Honors Scholar, a student must have a total grade point average of at least 3.4 and must write a senior thesis based on an independent research project. For information about honors classes, forms, and GPA requirements, visit the Honors Program website.
Additional Information
Degree Requirements
The following is required of Honors Program students:
- Students should take 15 credits of honors coursework in the major: 12 credits at the 2000 level or above in EEB, MCB, and/or PNB; with 3 additional credits at any level.
- This should include biology honors courses, honors conversions, honors independent study, and an honors thesis course.
- Students should expect to spend at least three semesters pursuing a research project culminating in the completion of an honors thesis.
- Students should articipate in a professional development opportunity for the “engagement in the major field.” Discuss with your faculty honors advisor regarding which activities qualify.
- The University Honors Laureate is an additional option for honors students.
Honors Thesis Requirements
Honors Advising
Honors Program in Biology students are assigned a staff honors advisor. Starting their junior year, students are also assigned a faculty honors advisor. Advisor contact information is located in your Student Administration account. Learn how to view your advisor in the Student Administration System.
Students can schedule appointments in Nexus under Enrichment Programs.
Registering for Classes
Honors students may be required to meet with faculty advisors if the faculty advisor uses advising holds. Honors students who are assigned to a faculty advisor should email their advisor to ask when their office hours are or to request an appointment.