Biology

Degree

Bachelor of Science, Major, Minor

School/College

John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences

Biology student holding a microscope and looking at a closeup image on screen.

At Fairfield, studying biology means more than memorizing facts. It’s about exploring life through hands-on research, innovative labs, and close collaboration with expert faculty. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and experience to answer big questions and pursue a meaningful scientific career.

Learn from exceptional faculty and participate in research.

Work side-by-side with passionate faculty members on original research including seminars, collaborative studies, and independent projects.

From field work to lab-based investigations, you'll gain meaningful experience and may co-author papers or present at conferences.

Build a strong foundation in core biological principles.

Biology majors build a strong foundation in key biological principles such as evolution, structure and function, information flow, systems biology, and energy and matter while also developing essential scientific competencies. Through hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning, students learn to apply the process of science, use quantitative reasoning, model biological systems, and collaborate across disciplines. They also gain the ability to understand how science connects to society.

Pursue real-world applications through internships.

Expand classroom learning with internships at top institutions like hospitals, research centers, and conservation organizations, earning credit and gaining professional insight.

Prepare for advanced study and diverse career paths.

Whether you're aiming for graduate school, medical professions, biotech, environmental work, or education, Fairfield’s biology program arms you with the critical thinking, lab skills, and scientific literacy to thrive.

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Course Requirements

Biology Major

67-71 credits

Biology Minor

18-20 credits

Contact Us

Undergraduate Admission
admis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4100

Career Outlook

Internships offer students practical experience in career fields related to their major. Qualified seniors may earn up to six academic credits through approved internship placements. Internship and research experiences are optional and do not count toward biology major degree requirements.

Internships

Recent Placements

St. Vincent's and Bridgeport hospitals
Hartford, Danbury, Norwalk, Waterbury and Stamford hospitals
The Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven
Fairfield County Rehabilitation Center
The Maritime Center in Norwalk
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture School

Internships Continued

Recent Placements

Bridgeport Hydraulic Company
Stratford Conservation Commission
Connecticut Audubon Society
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Earthplace
Environment CT and ConnPIRG

I would recommend exploring all the different branches of Biology; Fairfield offers a diverse range of biology courses and there is a great variety to choose from.”

– Caitlin Fanella ‘25

Dr. Donald J. Ross Sr. Biology Lecture Series

The Dr. Donald J. Ross Sr. Biology Lecture Series, established in 2011, honors the legacy of Professor Emeritus Donald Ross, a founding member of Fairfield University's Biology Department. The series continues to engage students in scientific inquiry through virtual and hybrid events featuring faculty, alumni, and guest speakers. This fall, the monthly lectures will cover diverse topics such as predator-prey interactions and research on C. elegans.

For lecture series event links and details, visit Life@Fairfield.

As students proceed through their academic journey, the Meditz College of Arts and Sciences Office of Career and Professional Development offers advising, counseling, programming, and experiential opportunities to help students discover their strengths, explore career paths, and build essential skills needed to succeed in their professional career.

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Fairfield supports the scholarly success and intellectual growth of our students by providing various resources on campus including the Science Center, Writing Center, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, and more.

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The purpose of the internship program is to provide you with the opportunity of earning experience in the public or private sector which has relevance to your academic major. It is expected that the internship will be mutually beneficial to both you and the organization in which you are involved. As a cooperative effort, the internship experience should allow you an opportunity for the practical application of the principles and theories you are learning in your major field of study.

Your progress will be monitored by both an on-the-job supervisor and a faculty member. If you're interested in an internship, you should discuss arrangements as early as possible with a member of the faculty.

To be eligible for an internship, you must:

Have completed your junior year of study
Be in good academic standing as defined by the department in which you're pursuing your major
Obtain approval to register for an internship from the designated faculty member and departmental chair

Biology

What You'll Learn and Do

Learn from exceptional faculty and participate in research.

Build a strong foundation in core biological principles.

Pursue real-world applications through internships.