Studying Biological Sciences

Studying biological sciences at Cornell may make your next four years the most exciting of your life so far. As we venture further into the 21st century, our body of biological knowledge is expanding at a dizzying pace.

Not only is Cornell where much of the knowledge is unfolding, but it’s also a place where the researchers who make the discoveries are teaching undergraduates. Studying biology at Cornell means coming into daily contact with pioneers who increase our knowledge of the living world. But what’s so special about biology at Cornell?

  • Hundreds of topflight biologists are engaged in teaching and research at Cornell.
  • Cornell’s Office of Undergraduate Biology (OUB) offers information, workshops, and advising for biology students.
  • Advisors help you choose courses that suit your interests and also help you select and apply to graduate, medical, and veterinary schools.
  • Approximately 20% of students who major in biological sciences at Cornell go on to graduate study; approximately 30% go on to medical or veterinary school.
  • Biology majors are consistently competitive for prestigious fellowships from sources such as the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
  • Approximately 20% of students who major in biological sciences at Cornell go on to graduate study; approximately 30% go on to medical or veterinary school.
  • Every year hundreds of students earn academic credit for their scientific work. The research done by undergraduates is frequently published in scientific journals (students are listed as authors or coauthors) and many present their findings at national scientific meetings.
  • Every year hundreds of students earn academic credit for their scientific work. The research done by undergraduates is frequently published in scientific journals (students are listed as authors or coauthors) and many present their findings at national scientific meetings.
  • You can take part in weekly department seminars in which speakers from Cornell, other research institutions, and industry reveal their own recent findings.

Student Research Projects

Research opportunities give you more than just a hope for a firsthand crack at the thrill of scientific discovery. Contributing to the creation of new knowledge is mighty impressive on your grad, med, or vet school application. And you can establish some rock-solid contacts for when you venture out into the real world.

Majoring In Biology

If you want to major in biological sciences at Cornell, you can apply to either the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Since courses, specializations, and requirements for the bio major are the same in both colleges, we advise you to make your college choice according to your secondary interests. It’s the nonbiology course options and requirements that vary from college to college.

Even More Options

Do you think basic biology may be too basic for you? There are other majors at Cornell that are bio-related. Some are offered in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; some in the College of Arts and Sciences; some in the College of Engineering or the College of Human Ecology; and some in more than one college.