2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology

Dr. Kim Spaccarotella, Program Coordinator

Location: C-138

(908) 737-3742

Degrees Offered:

  • Biology, B.A.: General Option
  • Biology, B.A.: Teacher Certification Option
  • Biology, B.A.: Dual Certification for Teacher of Students with Disabilities and P-12 

Biology Option:

  • Biology, B.S.: Cell and Molecular Biology Option
  • Biology, B.S.: Health Professions Option
  • Biology Minor

Content Area Options: 

B.A in Elementary Education with a content area in Biology.

Additional certification requirements:

Students interested in obtaining a biology teaching certification upon degree conferral (Teacher Certification Option) must submit a separate application. Please visit the Office of Teacher Certification or College of Education for information regarding those instructions and the NJ Department of Education for information regarding the requirements specific to the respective certification.

Admissions Requirements:

Admissions requirements are dependent upon the university.
Students should have a 2.5 grade point average for the Biology- General Option major. A higher grade point average required for admissions for Clinical Laboratory Science, which is 2.85. 

Start terms:

This program offers admission in any academic term.

Declaration Requirements:

In order to become a declared a Biology major, there is no required grade point average.
A higher grade point average required for admissions for Clinical Laboratory Science, which is 2.85. 

Graduation Requirements:

Students must have the minimum GPA in order to graduate from this program. Students enrolled in the biology teacher option must have 3.0 GPA and all other options must have a 2.5 GPA at the time of graduation. B.S in the Cell and Molecular program requires a 3.0 grade point average. Higher grade point averages are required to graduate for Clinical Laboratory Science, which is 2.85. 

Program Description-all options:

The Biological Sciences Program offers a B.A. degree with three options, and a B.S. Biology Degree with a Cell & Molecular Option. A Minor in Biology is also available. The B.A. Biology Major must obtain a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to be admitted into the Major and to graduate. The B.S. Biology Cell and Molecular Option has a 3.0 GPA requirement.

The B.A. options are traditional liberal arts degrees that prepare students for teaching in elementary or secondary schools and for life science positions in industry or government. Additionally, there are B.A. tracks leading to graduate study in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and as a Physician Assistant. The B.S. Biology Cell & Molecular option is a degree program in the biological sciences focused on students looking to pursue advanced graduate or professional degrees within the areas of biotechnology, molecular biology, biomedical research, microbiology, medicine, etc.

The choice of whether to pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Biology should be done in consultation with a faculty advisor. Kean University maintains articulation agreements with Rutgers University. The former allows Kean students in the appropriate B.A. track to apply at Rutgers University for admission to the Master of Science Physician Assistant program. The B.S Biology Health Professions Option offers science courses required for a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students choose courses within a select specialization in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Physician Assistant, depending on their profession of interest. Such graduate programs have a unique set of admission requirements.

Each student majoring in Biology should consult with his/her departmental advisor to select the appropriate degree option, and major electives for his or her respective interests and goals. For information regarding College/ program mission and student learning outcomes please see http://www.kean.edu/academics/college-natural-applied-health-sciences/cnahs-mission-and-slos