Biology

The bachelor of arts (BA) in biology exposes students to a broad background in the discipline including required courses in chemistry. Students need to complete 12 credits in a foreign language and do not need to complete a year of Physics. The general program provides each student with a solid foundation in all areas of the biological sciences and the training to enter the workforce, continue with graduate study in biology, or enter a post-baccalaureate program in one of the health professions.

If you see yourself as a biology teacher, the combined degree 4+1 program is the way to get there. Start your studies as a biology major and talk to your advisor during your first year or sophomore year about applying to the combined BS/MEd program. You will graduate with undergraduate majors in both biology and secondary education, with a Massachusetts teacher’s license, and a master’s degree, and you will be ready to fill the critical need for science teachers in our state! Contact the Biology Secondary Education Coordinator, Tess Killpack, for more information.

The bachelor of science (BS) in biology exposes students to a broad background in the discipline including required courses in chemistry and physics. Students complete a strong, general series of biology and support courses which allows pursuit of a wide variety of careers such as professional work (physician, dentist, veterinarian), governmental work, (EPA, National Fisheries), field work (oceanographer, wildlife specialist), high school teaching, industrial or clinical research, aquaculture, etc.

Many biology majors continue into graduate programs in a specialized subfield. It is the goal of the department to provide solid biology degrees that expose students to all areas of biology while allowing each student flexibility when entering the job market.

If they wish, students may select one of the specialized options offered under the bachelor of science in biology major including biomedical science, biotechnology, environmental biology, and marine biology and aquaculture.

The Salem State Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) concentration is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT). and enables students to complete the on-campus component in three years and spend their fourth year (and preceding summer) in the nuclear medicine laboratories of affiliated hospitals. Registration for the summer component is through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Completion of the program leads to a BS in biology with a concentration in nuclear medicine technology and prepares the student for examinations leading to national certification as a nuclear medicine technologist. More information about program outcomes is available. The nuclear medicine technology concentration enables students to complete the on-campus component in three years and spend their fourth year (and preceding summer) in the nuclear medicine laboratories of affiliated hospitals. Registration for the summer component is through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Completion of the program leads to a BS in biology with a concentration in nuclear medicine technology and prepares the student for examinations leading to national certification as a nuclear medicine technologist. Learn more. 

This minor can be completed with 15-18 credit hours of biology courses as approved by the biology department chairperson. At least one of these courses must be taken at Salem State University.

This minor is specially designed for nursing, SMS, social work, sociology, and psychology majors although a student with any major other than Biology may follow this minor. Please see the biology chairperson for acceptance into this minor.

The licensure only secondary science graduate program prepares students who have already completed their bachelor's degree in a STEM field for teaching careers in secondary science. New teachers in STEM fields are in critical demand across the state. The program offers a pathway to initial licensure in a range of secondary science/STEM areas, including biology (grade 8-12), chemistry (grade 8-12), earth science (grade 8-12), general science (grade 5 – 8), and mathematics/science (grade 5-8).