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Biological Sciences Department

Our graduates can be found across the globe in a wide range of exciting careers. They are research scientists asking questions across the breadth of biological topics, high school biology teachers, laboratory technicians working with teams of other scientists, field ecologists, conservation managers, medical professionals, and healthcare managers to name just a few. 

A major chosen from within the Biological Sciences leads to students well-prepared for entry into professional degree programs to become physicians, veterinarians, dentists, physician assistants, nurses and other careers in medicine as well as admission to graduate schools to earn Master’s degrees and PhDs for advanced careers in government, industry or academia. 

In our program you will receive a comprehensive education in biology and related sciences. You can design a course of study suited to your interests, whether it is molecular, cellular, organismal or environmental biology. Our wide range of elective course offerings will allow you to explore across broad scales of biology ranging from genes to the ecosystem, microorganisms to the human body, and forests to the oceans. 

You will have the opportunity to participate in a research project with a faculty member while earning college credit and may become a co-author on a published paper and present your work at conferences. You can also take advantage of our outstanding field facilities, laboratory spaces, and internship opportunities. You will join an alumni network that spans the globe and every field of biology. 

Please follow us on social media (Instagram: @sunycortlandbiology and Facebook: SUNY Cortland Biological Sciences Department) to stay up to date on exciting accomplishments, engaging activities, and upcoming events in Biological Sciences!  



News

STEM symposium a family affair

Nov. 5, 2024
It’s no coincidence that both father and daughter were encouraged to pursue science academic careers.

Book Club to air thoughts on 2024 selections

Oct. 13, 2024
SUNY Cortland’s 2024-25 common read texts focus on the intangibles in our lives.

Innovative program seeks to spark science careers

Sept. 10, 2024
New students from underrepresented groups exposed to new science, technology, engineering and math options.

Alum earns full scholarship to medical school

July 16, 2024
Alex Guerrero ’22, a former biology major, earned the first-ever Upstate Say Yes Scholarship.

Twelve students conducting sponsored research this summer

June 4, 2024
This cohort's studies range from biology and chemistry to political science and fine art.

Clubs/Societies

Beta Beta Beta, or Tri-Beta, is a National Honor Society for the biological sciences that was founded in 1922.   The Cortland chapter, Epsilon Upsilon, was begun in 1979.  Dr. Amanda Davis is currently the chapter advisor.