Overview
From genomics and regenerative medicine to the ecology of the wildlife and natural environment of New Hampshire and beyond, our curriculum offers broad-based training in the most exciting areas of modern biology. As a Keene State Student, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a Biology Minor.
Through a combination of rigorous coursework, laboratory and field exercises, and opportunities for conducting independent research, you will be prepared for graduate and professional school and a wide range of professional careers. You are challenged to think critically and creatively in a program that emphasizes experiential learning and the development of skills necessary for scientific exploration of the natural world. The majority of our courses involve an integrative format, in which a lecture, lab exercise, and group discussion might all occur within the same class period. Small class sizes facilitate close student-instructor interaction and our state-of-the-art facilities in the David F. Putnam Science Center afford you the opportunity to develop cutting-edge technical skills.
Biology Faculty mentor independent student research on a wide range of subjects, ranging from spider behavior to stem cell biology, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and other sources. Our students play an integral role in this work and routinely present the results of their research at national, local, and even international meetings.
STEPS Program
Biology majors are eligible to be part of the STEPS Program that supports students with scholarships, research opportunities, and academic and professional development.
Program Options
Bachelor of Science program in biology
The Bachelor of Science program in biology is designed to stimulate intellectual and personal growth through an examination of the fundamental properties of living systems, the application of experimental and descriptive methods of discovery, and the consideration of the social, ethical, and aesthetic aspects of biological knowledge. The B.S. program also provides undergraduate preparation for technical employment or post-baccalaureate study in graduate school or for professions such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, teaching, and natural resource management. If you’re considering graduate or professional school, confer with a Biology advisor to plan a program to meet your specific needs.
Bachelor of Arts in biology
The Bachelor of Arts in biology provides an introduction to the discipline and an opportunity to integrate the study of biology with another field. In contrast to the B.S. program, the B.A. requires fewer credits in both biology and related sciences, permitting you to complete a second major or additional courses in another discipline such as chemistry, psychology, elementary education, journalism, art, management, or computer science; thus, it satisfies the needs of students with a combination of interests.
Request Information
In this Section:
Career Opportunities
The biology program at Keene State will give you the training you need to pursue your goals, whether you simply have a keen interest in biology that you’d like to apply in another field, or if you have a more dedicated interest that you’d like to take on to:
- graduate school
- technical employment
- medicine
- dentistry
- veterinary medicine
- optometry
- teaching
- forestry
- wildlife management
Outcomes
Today’s biologists must have a thorough understanding of the forces affecting the natural world, and of the science and approaches they can apply to develop effective solutions to current challenges. Our biology students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and assess and solve problems effectively.
The opportunity to work in multiple research labs, explore different fields in biology, and attend a summer internship at Johns Hopkins Medical School prepared and motivated me for a career in biomedical research.
Anna McLean ’11
