Biological Sciences Department

Our graduates can be found across the globe in a wide range of exciting careers. They are research scientists asking questions across the breadth of biological topics, high school biology teachers, laboratory technicians working with teams of other scientists, field ecologists, conservation managers, medical professionals, and healthcare managers to name just a few. 

A major chosen from within the Biological Sciences leads to students well-prepared for entry into professional degree programs to become physicians, veterinarians, dentists, physician assistants, nurses and other careers in medicine as well as admission to graduate schools to earn Master’s degrees and PhDs for advanced careers in government, industry or academia. 

In our program you will receive a comprehensive education in biology and related sciences. You can design a course of study suited to your interests, whether it is molecular, cellular, organismal or environmental biology. Our wide range of elective course offerings will allow you to explore across broad scales of biology ranging from genes to the ecosystem, microorganisms to the human body, and forests to the oceans. 

You will have the opportunity to participate in a research project with a faculty member while earning college credit and may become a co-author on a published paper and present your work at conferences. You can also take advantage of our outstanding field facilities, laboratory spaces, and internship opportunities. You will join an alumni network that spans the globe and every field of biology. 

Please follow us on social media (Instagram: @sunycortlandbiology and Facebook: SUNY Cortland Biological Sciences Department) to stay up to date on exciting accomplishments, engaging activities, and upcoming events in Biological Sciences!  



News

Fish conservation research presented by students

April 15, 2024
Three interns were part of federal and state efforts to save the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Student shares mental health research nationally

March 19, 2024
Kyla Young presented her original findings at a rescue service providers conference.

Three students earn SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

March 18, 2024
The seniors will receive the prestigious student honor at an April 11 ceremony in Albany.

'Braiding Sweetgrass' author to speak

Feb. 16, 2024
The talk highlights a ‘common read’ series this spring on Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book.

Talk will review 21 Day Anti-Racism Challenge

Feb. 6, 2024
More than 500 students have explored SUNY Cortland’s anti-racism challenge on its multimedia platform.

Clubs/Societies

Beta Beta Beta, or Tri-Beta, is a National Honor Society for the biological sciences that was founded in 1922.   The Cortland chapter, Epsilon Upsilon, was begun in 1979.  Dr. Christa Chatfield is currently the chapter advisor.



Read More About Biological Sciences Department Clubs