Biology

  • Bachelor of Science

In-Person Plus at:

  • Castleton, VT
  • Johnson, VT

In Person Plus programs are In Person with options for cross-campus classes and flexibility for remote study.

Learn about the science of life in the Biology program at Vermont State University. You’ll explore a range of subjects – from molecular biology to ecology – and prepare for a wide variety of careers or graduate studies. Your classes will empower you to make a difference in the world in fields like medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, and biomedical research. You can also pursue secondary education licensure for a rewarding career teaching high school science. Our Biology program graduates have gone on to successful roles as medical and veterinary doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, science educators, research scientists, and laboratory technicians in medical labs, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies.  

Why Study Biology at Vermont State?

  • High-paying careers: The average salary for biological scientists with advanced degrees is $90,010*. 
  • Research opportunities: Grow your skills through laboratory work using cutting-edge equipment or in the field through travel courses to Iceland and Costa Rica. 
  • A personalized, flexible classroom experience: You’ll be part of small classes taught by expert faculty who will support your academic progress toward your personalized goals. 
  • Explore an interdisciplinary degree: As your interests expand, you can take interdisciplinary courses such as biogeochemistry to investigate environmental issues at the intersection of microbiology and chemistry.
  • Strong partnerships expand your network: You’ll benefit from Vermont State’s strong partnerships with organizations like the Icelandic Forest Service, Poultney Metowee Natural Resources Conservation District, Vermont Biomedical Research Network, and more. 
  • Pursue teaching careers: You can choose to combine your biology major with our Secondary Education program for a rewarding career teaching high school science.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Concentrations in Biology

In this program students choose a concentration to combine with their foundational classes.

  • Biomedicine
  • Molecular Biology

To apply, please select Biology from the list on the application. You will have opportunity to identify your concentration interest after you apply.

Financial Aid for Biology Students

Vermont State University is providing a high-quality, affordable degree in biology to students across Vermont and beyond. More than 80 percent of Vermont State students are awarded financial aid, including new students, transfer students, international students, out-of-state students, and first-generation students. Our financial aid team is here to help you explore all of your options.

Internships & Jobs in Biology

Vermont State biology students have held paid positions assisting faculty with their high-impact, diverse research interests over the summer months in Vermont. Others have found themselves as far away as Barro Colorado Island, an island in Panama, at a Smithsonian research facility. 

Jobs held by recent graduates include:

  • Associate Scientist, bioMérieux, Raleigh, North Carolina,
  • Research Associate, Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Troy, New York

Graduates have also gone on to pursue master’s degrees and beyond at institutions such as:

  • University of Connecticut Ph.D. Program in Microbiology
  • University of Vermont Ph.D. Program in Neurobiology
  • University of New England
  • Midwestern University
  • Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

High School Teaching Option

Are you interested in pursuing secondary education licensure in the sciences? If so, the Natural Science major is designed to prepare students for teaching high school science in a variety of areas with courses in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental science. Students would pair this major with a second major in the Inclusive Adolescent Education program (BA). This will allow them to pursue a license to teach science at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

Minor in Biology

Interested in adding a minor to your degree program? You can minor in Biology.

See Full List of Vermont State Minors

Student Stories

A blond woman in scrubs with a stethoscope around her neck smiles at the camera.

“The biology program opened up so many doors for me and helped shape my career path. The classes offered afforded many opportunities for more individualized education. That, along with participating in undergraduate research, allowed me to stand out from other candidates when furthering my education.”

Katelynn Leavey, ‘16
A woman with light brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white blouse.

“Here, we had access to cutting-edge techniques, incredible mentorship, and exciting science, all while maintaining a close-knit community and small class ratios.”

Emily Whitcomb, ‘17