Department: Biological Sciences
The undergraduate curricula of the Department of Biological Sciences are designed to provide potential biologists with a solid background based on the substantial new information comprising modern Biology and to meet the needs of students with different career goals and scientific interests. The Department offers students the opportunity to earn the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or the Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology for schoolteachers. Students have the opportunity to pursue either a four-year BS or a five-year BS-MS dual degree.
Career Preparation: With the opportunity to take coursework and have hands-on training related to all aspects of the life sciences, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in biological sciences from Lehman College readies students for a wide range of exciting and in-demand careers. The BS degree is a popular choice among Lehman students pursuing medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and other healthcare-related fields as the pre-requisite coursework for these professional programs is embedded within the major. Students can also use this degree to prepare for a career in basic or applied biology research in an academic setting or the private sector, especially by taking advantage of the opportunity to perform mentored research within the department. Former graduates have additionally pursued careers in science policy, medical illustration, public health, pharmaceutical and biotech sales, and many more.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in biological sciences is specifically designed for students interested in becoming middle and high school biology teachers. Such students should consult with an adviser in both the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Middle and High School Education to get an idea for the breadth of coursework they will need to pursue. Students preparing for elementary teaching should instead consult the Department of Early Childhood and Childhood Education.
Graduate Study: Students who plan to attend graduate school should consult the Departmental adviser early in their college careers. They should examine the Lehman College Graduate Bulletin and the bulletins of various graduate schools for specific entrance requirements. A reading knowledge of foreign languages is sometimes required. In special cases, graduating seniors meeting the prerequisites may be permitted to offer credit from graduate courses listed in the College's Graduate Bulletin toward their undergraduate degrees.