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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire a bachelor’s in biology but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best bachelor’s in biology programs.

What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

1. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

At George Mason University, the bachelor of science in biology degree program prepares learners for graduate studies along with careers in teaching, microbiology, health sciences, and more. To earn their degrees, learners must finish their biology classwork along with supporting classwork while maintaining a GPA of at least 2.0. Learners can take this degree program without a concentration, or may select a concentration in bioinformatics, biopsychology, biotechnology, and molecular biology, environmental and conservation biology, or microbiology.

2. Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN

Wabash College’s bachelor in biology degree program is designed to ensure that learners obtain real-life experiences that prepare them for careers in education, medicine, molecular biology, ecology, and more. Learners have chances to work in laboratories or the field and work on independent research with faculty. Off-campus internships give learners additional experience; some learners partake in immersion classes and have performed fieldwork in locations including Belize, Peru, and the Everglades. Learners also have the chance to study abroad.

3. Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University’s bachelor of science in biology degree program is a 40-credit-hour degree program that does not require learners to finish a minor or second major. The degree program is intended for learners who wish to pursue a graduate degree in biology and who plan to hold a career in the life sciences. Learners who pursue this degree program must finish the general education BS degree requirements and core. Learners enrolled in a biology major may perform research with a supervising faculty member, and chances exist at many programs sponsored by national laboratories.

4. Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

At Florida State University, learners can pursue a bachelor of art or bachelor of science in biological science. Learners may select from academic paths in areas such as marine biology, plant sciences, and zoology. If learners plan to pursue medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health-related programs, the pre-professional health sciences path meets most admissions requirements for most programs. To graduate from the degree program, learners need to maintain grades of a C- or better in classes that apply to the major, such as chemistry and math.

5. SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY

SUNY Geneseo has a bachelor’s in biology degree program that focuses on principles of genetics, evolution, cell biology, and more, offering learners a broad background in the biology field. During the degree program, learners develop scientific decision-making skills and get experience in presenting scientific research via both oral and written presentations. Tutoring is available for biology required classes, and learners may also apply for a Biology Honors Program.

6. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University’s bachelor’s in biology degree program gives learners the chance to get real-life research experience. Learners who wish to hold careers in medical school, biological research, and even business may pursue this degree program. The degree program is available with areas of emphasis in cellular and molecular biology, ecology and environmental biology, genomics, and neuroscience. Learners may pursue a BA biology pre-medical track or a BSB pre-medical track.

7. Hope College, Holland, MI

With the belief that learners best learn biology by doing biology, Hope College’s bachelor of art or bachelor of science in biology programs focus on giving learners real-life learning experiences. Almost all of the classes have laboratory components, and learners also have the chance to partake in research projects with faculty. Over 100 learners have co-authored research papers with faculty during the past five years. The biology department have well-equipped laboratories, and learners also have access to a 55-acre nature preserve for research. Learners may also qualify to pursue an internship or attend a semester abroad.

8. Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL

At Monmouth College, learners can pursue a bachelor of art in biology degree program that includes classwork focusing on cell/molecular, physiology/organismal, and ecology/evolution concepts. During the degree program, learners perform independent research. They have access not only to the college’s laboratories, but also to a 16.5-acre Le Suer Nature Preserve, Hamilton Pond situated only one block from campus, and the virgin prairie plot Spring Grove Prairie.

9. University of Tampa, Tampa, FL

The University of Tampa has both a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts in biology. The bachelor of science in biology degree program can prepare learners for almost any career or graduate education with a health-related career path. Learners may select to concentrate in general biology, molecular biology, pre-professional biology, or biology-business. For learners who plan to pursue a career that is less dependent on chemistry and physics, the bachelor of arts in biology has an alternative degree program. Learners may select to concentrate in general biology or organismal and evolutionary biology.

10. University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

The University of New Mexico has both a bachelor of arts and science in biology degree program. When completing their degrees, learners must maintain a minimum grade of a C or higher in all of their biology and supporting classes. The degrees do require learners to finish at least 16 credit hours of their biology classwork at UNM. Learners can select from a concentration in biotechnology, conservation biology, or ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.

11. Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL

At Lake Forest College, learners who pursue the bachelor of biology degree program have the chance to get laboratory experience and may even be able to perform research with faculty. Learners often work with methods that many undergraduates do not have access to, including PCR, molecular imaging, field data collection, DNA sequence analysis, and more. Undergraduate learners have also published their research in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including Lake Forest’s journal, Eukaryon. By becoming involved with Eukaryon, learners can learn about the editing, layout design, and other aspects that go into publishing a peer-reviewed journal.

12. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a bachelor of science in biology degree program. Learners will get experience with formal laboratory exercises but will also have the chance to perform project-based research. While degree program graduates are prepared to hold positions in research institutes and other chances, many graduates pursue a PhD in areas including biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology. Learners who plan to pursue an MD can also benefit from this degree program.

13. Maryville University, St. Louis, MO

Learners who pursue Maryville University’s bachelor’s in biology degree program enjoy a mean class size of just 14 learners. Biology majors can concentrate in areas including biomedical science, biotechnology, medical laboratory science, sustainability and environmental stewardship, and applied microbiology. Undergraduate learners who study on-campus obtain an iPad with over 150 apps to support their education and learners are paired with a life coach to help them personalize their education to their strengths. The degree program has a 97 percent career placement rate.

14. Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL

Illinois College’s bachelor of science in biology is available with concentrations in biology/ecology, biology/physiology, 3-2 biology/occupational therapy, and 3-1 biology/ medical technology. During their senior year, learners must enroll in a capstone sequence consisting of research and analysis. Teaching licensures in biology are also available, but learners should consult with the Department of Education early on in their degrees if they are interested in this licensure. Most learners finish at least one research project during their degrees and also have access to internships and clinical experiences. Learners have recently finished internships at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the SIU School of Medicine.

15. University of La Verne, La Verne, CA

In the University of La Verne’s biology bachelor of science degree program, learners can expect to take an array of classes, such as general chemistry, ecology, cell biology, and statistics and applications for life sciences. Learners can also partake in several campus clubs and organizations affiliated with the Biology Department. These consist of the Botany and Gardening Club, Global Medical Brigades, Society of Physical Life Science Scholars, and Learners Engaged in Environmental Discussion and Service.