Program Overview

Environmental Biology

Introduction

Environmental biology explores the interactions among organisms, the environment, and human activities. It is a dynamic and growing major that prepares students with the scientific background needed to understand and address the many pressing environmental concerns that exist in the modern world.

Program Overview

At the University of Dayton, biology students study the diversity of life on earth (including plants, animals, and microorganisms) and the ecological and evolutionary processes acting on populations, communities, and ecosystems through space and time. The program emphasizes experiential learning and creates opportunities for students to get out of the classroom into nature.

Degree Information and Sample Plan

The program includes a required internship, usually served in the junior or senior year, which provides students with valuable training and "on-the-job" experience under the mentorship of established scientists and other professionals at local, state, and federal government agencies and a wide diversity of environmental firms.

Why Study Environmental Biology at UD?

• An internship is required of all environmental biology majors.
• Three credit hours of internship are required, and up to six hours can be taken.
• Students gain hands-on experience working out in the field in some courses.
• Students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of faculty field and laboratory research projects through special topics courses.
• Personal attention between students and faculty provides students with great research experience.

Related Degrees and Programs

Additional Biology Degrees

• Bachelors Plus Masters Program
• Biology (B.S.)
• Neuroscience (Co-Major)
• Biology (Minor)
• Neuroscience (Minor)
• Research in Biological Sciences (Minor)
• Biology (M.S.)
• Biology (Ph.D.)

Related Programs

• Sustainability (B.A., B.S.)
• Biochemistry (B.S.)
• Geosciences (B.S.)
• International Studies (B.A.)
• Bioengineering (Minor)
• Environmental Engineering (Minor)
• Medicine and Society (Minor)
• Sustainability (Minor)
• Water Resources Engineering (Minor)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)
• Discover (Undecided)

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. A variety of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time work-study are available to help students cover their costs.

Success After Graduation

Students majoring in environmental biology gain real-world experience through faculty-mentored research, working in campus laboratories and field research areas. The university has a high graduation and success rate, with a $61,798 average starting salary across all majors and a 97% success rate after graduation.

Design Your Academic Path

Hanley Sustainability Institute

The Institute allows students to engage with faculty and community stakeholders to help make campus and the community more sustainable.

Rivers Institute

Students engage with faculty and community members to build community around the rivers by preserving and protecting the watershed.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students can work alongside faculty and graduate students in faculty research labs conducting research projects. Biology undergraduates have co-authored 140+ scientific posters and publications in the past five years.

Bachelors Plus Masters Program

The BPM degree option allows undergraduate students majoring in environmental biology to obtain both a bachelor of science and a master of science in five years.

Preparing for Takeoff

At the University of Dayton, students are never alone. Holistic advisors guide students through their college journey, and resources across campus are available to help students succeed academically, build community, gain real-world experience, and prepare for their career.