ACADEMICS

  • Biology

    In the Biology Department at Worcester State University, we provide you with a solid understanding of the biological sciences through a dynamic integration of classroom learning, laboratory investigation, and fieldwork. Our department offers majors in biology and biotechnology—the only public program of its kind in Massachusetts—as well as a minor in biology. We also collaborate with the Psychology Department to offer an interdisciplinary minor in psychobiology. Our accomplished professors illuminate the diversity of modern biology in courses like Ecology, Genetics, and Microbiology. Through our challenging curriculum, you’ll hone important critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are relevant to a wide array of disciplines including chemistry, psychology, medicine, and pharmacology.

  • If you are looking to specialize in an area of interest, we offer concentrations in bioinformatics. As a high-achieving biology or biotechnology student, you also may be eligible for WSU's pre-medical, -dental, and -veterinary studies program or our articulation programs in pharmacy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, and optometry with MCPHS University. If you are interested in continuing your education in other health-care fields, our programs provide a strong foundation for further study.

    Our biology and biotechnology majors emphasize hands-on learning, and all content-based courses have a required lab component. We also participate in the WSU Honors Program for exceptional undergraduates and host a chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society for outstanding biology and biotechnology majors.

    Beyond the laboratory, you’ll translate scientific theory into practice through hands-on experimentation and research in our state-of-the-art laboratories and at local field sites. You also will have the opportunity to complete internships at area firms, government agencies, or local non-profit organizations. Through our ecology and environmental biology classes, you may participate in service-learning projects with organizations like the EcoTarium, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and Southwick’s Zoo.

    If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in biotechnology while working full- or part-time, we also offer a convenient, high-quality graduate program. As an undergraduate biotechnology major, you may qualify to accelerate your graduate studies through our 5-year bachelor’s and master’s degree program.