Bachelor of science
Biology
Students majoring in biology are offered the flexibility to design their own program.
Is This Program for Me?
Are you fascinated by life in all its forms, from the smallest cell to the largest ecosystem? Do you want to apply scientific discovery to improve health, protect the environment, or advance research? Are you preparing for medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate school?
Whether your goal is to become a physician, researcher, field biologist, or environmental scientist, this program offers you the tools, mentoring, and opportunities to excel.
The Biology major is a great fit if you want to:
- Explore life sciences across cellular, molecular, anatomical, physiological, and ecological levels
- Prepare for medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, or PA school
- Conduct original research in lab or field settings
- Work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects
- Build professional skills for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and more
What Makes Us Different?
Samford’s Biology program is known for its flexibility, research richness, and strong mentoring culture. Students take an active role in shaping their educational experience, developing their own interests and preparing for highly personalized career pathways.
Student-Centered Curriculum
Flexible degree pathways allow students to explore diverse biological systems and tailor their studies for specific career goals.
Research Opportunities from Day One
Students engage in faculty-mentored research as early as freshman year, with many presenting their findings at regional and national conferences.
Faculty Mentoring & Advising
Faculty actively support students’ academic, personal, and professional development—helping them refine goals, build skills, and transition to the next career step.
Robust Pre-Health Support
Pre-health advising, MCAT, GRE, DAT, and OAT preparation, and an active pre-health program offering service projects, speakers, and informal mentoring.
Strong Placement Record
Graduates have an excellent track record of admission to top professional and graduate programs, thanks to high academic preparation and faculty mentoring.
Shape Your Academic Journey
The Biology major provides a broad and deep foundation in the life sciences, spanning molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, genetics, and more, while giving students flexibility to specialize and pursue individual interests.
Core Skills You’ll Develop
- Analyze primary scientific literature and develop informed hypotheses
- Apply the scientific process through ethical experimentation and data analysis
- Communicate science effectively to diverse audiences
- Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory and field techniques
- Understand the relationship between biological systems and global human populations
Prepare to Succeed
Biology graduates are exceptionally well prepared for careers and graduate studies across the biological and health sciences. The curriculum supports strong performance on entrance exams and provides a well-rounded scientific foundation.
Career Preparation Support
- Individualized faculty mentoring and academic advising
- Hands-on lab and field experience
- Active research opportunities leading to publications and conference presentations
- Career development workshops and mock interviews
- Pre-health and graduate school application guidance
Career Opportunities
- Medicine (MD/DO)
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Veterinary medicine
- Physical therapy
- Physician assistant (PA)
- Pharmacy
- Environmental science
- Public health
- Medical research and laboratory work
- Biotechnology
- Science communication or journalism
- Nonprofit or government work
“I learned a lot about the art of education from my time in Samford’s biology department. The experience shaped both my career and my teaching philosophy.”—Allan Phipps '96, Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow Educator
