Biological Sciences Major: 51AV, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Degrees Awarded: | _{Select a degree to view its requirements and four-year plans.}

Receiving the B.A. or B.S. degree in biological sciences can lead to a variety of careers including laboratory and field research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, teaching, forensics, and many others. While undergraduate instruction is our primary focus, the department also places great emphasis on undergraduate research. In fact, undergraduate research has become one of the defining characteristics of the department, and this has resulted in a large number of students working with faculty members on research projects.

Program Contacts

Dr. Lindsey Walters
Professor & Department Chair
(859) 572-6390
waltersl3@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Justin Gibson

Graduating Year: 2015

Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, Cellular/Molecular/Genetics Track 

Career: Research Scientist 

"My time at NKU served as a critical inflection point on the path of my career trajectory. In particular, the opportunity to get involved in undergraduate research early and maintain this involvement throughout my tenure at NKU. It was during this time that I first started developing my critical thinking skills and understanding the role that research plays in our daily lives and ways that it can be used to help others.  What they do: principal scientific research at Genentech in South San Francisco, CA ."

Necessary Job Skills: Scientific thinking, teamwork, creative problem solving.

Career Path: Undergraduate researcher while at NKU, obtained PhD in biomedical sciences, now principal scientific researcher.

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

NKU Biological Sciences majors conduct research in the lab.

Career Explorations: Many graduates go on to attend professional schools or graduate schools, while others choose to work in research labs located in the area. Our partnership with UK College of Medicine allows NKU students to get a head start in their medical education with opportunities like our Early Assurance Program and shadowing opportunities with St. Elizabeth. There are numerous internship opportunities in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, and multiple diagnostic laboratories, pharmacies and veterinary clinics.
Learning Opportunities: Students have the profoundly impactful opportunity to learn about the complexity of the human body in our cadaver lab, applying anatomy and physiology concepts they have previously learned in class in a lasting way. Our department has numerous laboratory spaces with shared scientific equipment that students use during independent research with faculty and in laboratory-based coursework. Students have the opportunity to study many different organisms and ask a wide range of questions. The NKU vivarium and aquatics facilities house a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The NKU herbarium contains thousands of plant collections used for both research and teaching. Study abroad and study away courses present students with the opportunity for enriching experiences in a variety of locations.
Supportive Community: We have many clubs and organizations such as Tri-Beta National Honor Society, Health Professions Club, Environmentally Concerned Organization of Students, Birding Club, and Scuba Club. Engaging with faculty and fellow students in these groups allows students to explore different professions and activities with other interested peers, and also provides students the opportunity to meet representatives from various professions to learn about entrance into careers and individual experiences. We also offer professional advising and every student is assigned a faculty mentor to ensure you are supported in both your academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Keep Exploring. Visit the department website.