INFORMATION FOR
The Department of Biology offers opportunities for a superior education that provides a pathway to careers in the medical professions, research, industry and more.
"We’re lucky, as biology students at William Paterson. We have access to hands-on experiences with awesome professors who take the time to mentor us and get to know us." Grace shares her story.
Alumni in science and health are employed or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
Average starting salaries in Biology/Biotech Fields (NACE)
Noteworthy Biology/Biotech Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries with 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)
Concentrations
○ Ecology Concentration – Upper-level course work focuses on ecology-related topics.
○ General Biology Concentration – Provides the most flexibility in upper-level course selection. This is the recommended concentration for pre-med students.
○ Organismal Biology Concentration – Requires Animal Physiology and Animal Behavior at the upper level, and allows students maximum focus on animal/human topics.
○ Pre-Medical Professions – Requires Animal Physiology and Microbiology at the upper level. This is the recommended concentration for all pre-professional students.
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View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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The biotechnology program emphasizes coursework and training in many aspects of molecular biology, genetics, plant tissue culture, animal cell culture, DNA analysis techniques, protein isolation and recombinant DNA techniques. Students with the required grade point average may enter the biotechnology master's degree program directly. The program is designed not only to train students in the necessary technical skills but also to provide them with the theoretical basis for continued study. Graduates are prepared to pursue further graduate study in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and other related areas or to obtain employment in academic, clinical, industrial, or government research laboratories.
Qualified William Paterson University undergraduate students may complete an undergraduate bachelor's and a graduate master's degree in five years by taking graduate-level courses during their senior year. The program is open to BS Biology and BS Biotechnology majors, and leads to the MS Biotechnology degree. Students who meet the entry requirements must talk to their academic advisor to prior to, or at latest by, the second semester of their junior year. Once admitted to the accelerated program, students work with their undergraduate adviser and the graduate program director to develop a plan of study for their accelerated graduate degree.
The post-baccalaureate program is a certificate program intended for college graduates who wish to pursue a medical or other pre-professional education but have not yet taken any or all of the science courses required for admission to medical or other pre-professional schools including dentistry, veterinary, physician's assistant, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health care professions. Students in this program are eligible for financial aid.
The MS in biotechnology focuses on preparing students for successful careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries. The program provides a structured curriculum that focuses on experimental design, data interpretation, and development of technical laboratory skills. This program also encourages students to take up to two graduate courses in business and/or professional communications to develop the soft skills needed to succeed in the business/industry environment. The thesis option is open to research in the areas of cell/molecular biology and genomics. Learn more »
The biology major is the most popular and straightforward (no extra coursework required) route to gaining admission to all medically related professional schools to pursue a degree as a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist, physician’s assistant, physical therapist (PT), or medical perfusionist. The biotechnology major prepares students for careers in academic, clinical, industrial, or government research labs, and for graduate study in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related fields.
In our biology/biotechnology programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
Many of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in medicine, veterinary science, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Other jobs in the field include senior laboratory technician, biology technician, biochemist, research scientist, biologist/microbiologist, health communications specialist, pharmaceutical sales rep, biology teacher, and medical equipment sales, among others.
Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.
Biology major and current medical student at The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
