Biology, BS
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Program Description
Introduction
The Biology (BIOL) program offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees and a Biology minor. The program aims to:
Prepare students for a variety of careers in biological sciences.
Provide the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed for advanced study in professional and graduate schools.
Foster appreciation for the diverse organisms that inhabit our planet.
Biology courses highlight the vast diversity of life and the different levels biological systems can be studied, from molecular processes to entire ecosystems. Many courses include laboratory and/or field components that offer hands-on learning experiences.
The program benefits from the University’s 1,600-acre location in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, near the Atlantic Ocean—an area rich in terrestrial, estuarine, and marine habitats. Nearby resources include the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, numerous federal, state, county, and private conservation areas, and on-campus research facilities. The University also maintains a Marine Science and Environmental Field Station.
Campus facilities include two science buildings housing teaching and research laboratories. These laboratories feature a greenhouse, animal care facilities, environmental growth chambers, fossil and extant vertebrate and invertebrate collections, physiological computing equipment, and a wide range of microscopes. Additional resources include plant and animal tissue culture facilities, modern biological instrumentation (such as centrifuges, thermocyclers, and automated DNA sequencing systems), and an XROMM laboratory equipped with two fluoroscopes and a veterinary CT scanner.
Admission to the Program
The Biology program welcomes all interested students, and early declaration of the Biology major is strongly encouraged. High school students preparing for careers in biology are advised to complete at least three years of college-preparatory mathematics, three years of college-preparatory science (with particular emphasis on chemistry), and four years of college-preparatory English.
Mathematics provides essential tools and foundational skills for success in the sciences. Before enrolling in science courses as Biology majors, students must demonstrate mathematics readiness by meeting one of the following criteria:
SAT MATH score of 570 or above.
ACT MATH score of 24 or above.
Transfer of college-level algebra course (or college-level Precalculus/Calculus).
AP scores (refer to the AP credits policy)
4 and 5 on the Calculus AB test place students into Calculus II.
4 and 5 on the Calculus BC test place students into Calculus III.
Advanced Algebra and Functions test (AAF)/Accuplacer Advanced Algebra test (APAA) score of 260 or above.
Successfully complete a sequence of math courses at Stockton to become eligible to take Pre-calculus.
Stockton University supports students who enter without this level of math preparation by offering introductory and intermediate mathematics courses designed to build a strong foundation. These preparatory math courses are in addition to those required for the Biology degree and may extend the time needed to complete the program.
Degrees Offered
The Biology program offers both the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. The B.S. degree requires 80 credits in program and cognate courses and 48 credits in non-major courses, including General Studies and At-Some-Distance courses. The B.A. degree requires 64 credits in program and cognate courses and 64 credits in non-major courses.
Concentration and Coursework
Students may choose from several concentrations within both the B.S. and B.A. degree programs. Concentrations are designed to provide general guidance in selecting recommended courses that prepare students for careers in biology and/or for graduate or professional study, within the general degree requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their preceptor for assistance in selecting courses appropriate to their academic and career goals.
The General Biology concentration offers a flexible, broad program of study that prepares students for a wide range of biology-related careers. The Biotechnology concentration is designed for students seeking laboratory-based careers in the pharmaceutical industry or for those planning graduate study in applied, molecular biology–related fields. The Pre-Professional concentration includes coursework that fulfills prerequisites for most medical, veterinary, dental, optometry, podiatric, physician assistant, chiropractic, pharmacy, and other health sciences professional programs with similar requirements. The Pre-Physical Therapy concentration is intended for students planning to apply to graduate programs in Physical Therapy. .
Biology and cognate courses should be selected carefully in consultation with a preceptor. Many courses offered through NAMS are also classified as BIOL courses. Because biology is a broad discipline with a wide range of elective options, preceptor guidance is essential to ensure a coherent and purposeful course of study.
Related Programs and Concentrations
The Chemistry program offers a Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (BCMB) major. This major provides a strong foundation in chemistry and biology, emphasizing laboratory techniques, and research skills essential for careers in biotechnology, medicine, or graduate study. Students with interests in invertebrate animals, algae, and other marine organisms may wish to consider a Marine Science degree. Those interested in studying life at the ecosystem level may pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Science. Students preparing for health-related careers are encouraged to meet with the Health Professions Advisor. Students seeking primary or secondary school teaching certification in Biology should consult with the School of Education regarding specific course requirements in Biology, General Studies, and Education.
Graduation Requirements
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology requires a minimum of 80 credits in program and cognate courses. These program credits, together with the University’s General Studies requirements and At-Some-Distance (ASD) courses, constitute the minimum 128 credits required for a Stockton degree.
The University’s General Studies requirements include 32 credits of G courses, as well as W, Q, and R course requirements and AHVI attributes. For full details on General Studies requirements, consult the relevant section of this Bulletin. The ASD course requirements are 16 credits for the B.S. degree. These courses are outside the major and may include G-courses or courses from other schools. The W, Q, R, and AHVI requirements may be fulfilled through G-courses, program courses, or ASD courses. Students are strongly encouraged to select courses carefully with guidance from their preceptor to ensure they meet both graduation requirements and individual career goals. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all graduation requirements are completed.
To graduate, students must satisfy all University graduation requirements, including a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0. Special graduation requirements apply to transfer students, as detailed in the relevant sections of this Bulletin. All Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NAMS) majors must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all NAMS courses. In addition, students must satisfy the Biology program’s course distribution requirements and earn a minimum grade of C in all program core courses.
Graduation with Distinction
At the discretion of the Biology program faculty, Distinction may be awarded to students who meet University criteria; who have completed a research project or internship demonstrating initiative, critical thinking, and methodological skill; and who have presented their work at the NAMS Research Symposium or at another appropriate scholarly venue.
Special Opportunities
Local internships: Mentoring is available at wildlife refuges and other public and private facilities for monitoring, rehabilitating and otherwise studying local wildlife, at zoos, museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, hospitals and other healthcare practices and laboratories, nursing homes, the State Police forensic laboratory, the Federal Aviation Authority Technical Center, pharmaceutical companies, environmental testing laboratories, etc.
Washington, D.C. Internship: The University participates in a program open to all majors. Biology students have been assigned to the Walter Reed Hospital and Research Center, the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health laboratories, etc. See Washington Internship program in the Bulletin.
Semester abroad: There is a semester- or year-abroad program, in which Biology majors have enjoyed taking classes at universities in Britain, Ireland, Australia, etc. See International Education in the Bulletin.
Research: Most Stockton faculty maintain research programs, which engage students.
Teaching Certificate: Students who combine a Biology degree with preparation for a teaching career have developed projects to introduce new teaching or laboratory instructional units as part of their practice teaching in a local school.
Independent study: Students are invited to approach faculty with ideas for learning topics not included in the regular curriculum, which are then pursued by independent study or tutorial modes of instruction.
Minor: The opportunity to combine a Biology degree with a minor in Chemistry, Mathematics, Language, Performing Arts, Economics, etc., is particularly valuable.
Certificate programs: Certificates may be earned in Administration and Leadership, American Studies, Cannabis Studies, Energy, Forensic Science, Forensic Psychology, Genocide Prevention, Geographic Information Systems, and Homeland Security. Certificates indicate that students have successfully completed course work in these interdisciplinary subjects beyond those completed as part of the Biology degree.
Dual-Degree Programs
Articulation agreements with medical, dental and pharmacy schools provide options for selected students intending careers in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. For further information, see Articulation Agreements in the Bulletin and contact the University Health Professions Advisor.
Career Opportunities
Biology program alumni report that the largest employment niche for graduates has been the research and development laboratories of pharmaceutical companies and other industries as well as university research labs and clinics. Graduates also find employment in other industrial and commercial niches (such as pharmaceutical sales) and in the public sector as teachers or as technicians in federal, state, or county laboratories and agencies. Other Biology graduates go on to professional or graduate school, among them are now faculty members at major universities. Virtually all graduates report the need for frequent use of their writing and computer skills, suggesting that future graduates should take full advantage of Stockton’s writing program and opportunity for academic Minors. Many graduates develop careers by combining their preparation in biology with expertise in computer science, library science, drawing, journalistic, creative or technical writing, environmental law, accounting, marketing, management, psychology, etc.
Full degree curriculum and transfer audits for the biology program can be explored using the Degree Works web-based tool. Full details about the curriculum are accessible on the Biology website.
