CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The BSc in Biology at CUNY builds a strong core in the principles and techniques of modern biology while allowing students to pursue concentrations or electives that match their interests. Typical programme components include:

• Core lecture courses — introductory and intermediate courses in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology and organismal biology.
• Laboratory training — hands-on lab courses aligned with lectures, covering microscopy, molecular techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis), tissue culture basics, and organismal lab work.
• Chemistry and physics — general chemistry (with labs), organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics to provide the physical science foundation required for biological study.
• Quantitative skills — mathematics (often including calculus) and statistics courses to support data analysis and experimental design.
• Research experience — options for independent research projects, senior thesis or participation in faculty-led laboratories; many campuses encourage summer research or internships in New York City institutions.
• Electives and concentrations — pathways in molecular biology, ecology and evolution, neurobiology, computational biology, biotechnology or environmental biology, depending on the CUNY college and available faculty expertise.
• General education — university-wide liberal arts requirements to ensure breadth in communication, social sciences and humanities.

Entry requirements

Admission to a CUNY biology degree typically requires a recognised secondary-school diploma or equivalent with strong preparation in science and mathematics. Specific expectations include:

• Academic background — successful completion of biology, chemistry and mathematics courses at secondary level; competitive applicants usually demonstrate strong grades in these subjects (commonly at or above a B+/honours level).
• Standardised tests — many CUNY colleges operate test-optional policies for standardised admissions tests; consult the specific campus for its current approach.
• International applicants — equivalent secondary credentials and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or other accepted evidence) if English is not the first language.
• Transfer students — credit transfer from community colleges is common across the CUNY system; applicants should provide official transcripts and course descriptions for evaluation.
• Additional materials — some campuses may request personal statements, letters of recommendation or evidence of extracurricular experience such as laboratory work, volunteering or internships.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Biology from CUNY enter a wide range of careers, benefitting from the university’s location in a major metropolitan research and healthcare hub. Common career paths include:

• Laboratory and research roles — research technician, laboratory assistant, or entry-level positions in academic, clinical or industrial labs.
• Healthcare and allied professions — preparation for professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, physical therapy or public health (additional prerequisites may apply).
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry — positions in quality control, product development, regulatory affairs or sales support.
• Environmental and conservation science — roles in environmental monitoring, conservation agencies, NGOs and consulting firms.
• Data and computational biology — with quantitative training, graduates can move into bioinformatics, data analysis or biostatistics roles.
• Education and outreach — secondary science teaching (with appropriate certification), museum and public science communication roles.
• Further study — many alumni progress to graduate programmes (MSc/PhD) or professional programmes; undergraduate research experience strengthens applications.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY offers biology students access to diverse campuses across New York City, connecting classroom learning with research, clinical and industry opportunities available in a global metropolitan centre. Key advantages include:

• Research and internship access — partnerships and proximity to leading hospitals, research institutes and biotech companies provide practical training and internship pipelines.
• Variety of campus strengths — different CUNY colleges offer distinctive faculty expertise and specialisms, allowing students to choose programmes that fit their interests and career goals.
• Hands-on training — emphasis on laboratory coursework and undergraduate research prepares students for technical roles and postgraduate study.
• Affordability and transfer pathways — established pathways from community colleges and a focus on cost-effective higher education make CUNY an accessible option for many students.
• Urban setting and diversity — studying in NYC exposes students to a wide range of cultural perspectives and professional networks that enrich academic and career development.