Biology
Find your purpose as a scientist and changemaker
Are you fascinated by biology and intrigued by topics like molecular genetics, environmental studies, and health sciences? A biology degree from Simmons offers rigorous academics, hands-on research, and faculty mentorship to help you chart your course in the scientific world.
At Simmons, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology prepares you for a variety of careers. You’ll gain knowledge in the basic principles of biology, including the structure, biochemistry, function, and metabolism of cells. Courses also cover genetics and the theory of evolution. You’ll develop the critical thinking and laboratory skills needed to thrive professionally in scientific fields today.
Join a community committed to advancing women and gender equity in STEM. At Simmons, you'll ask big questions, lead boldly, and support others who share your values.
If you're passionate about healthcare, learn how to leverage your biology degree to pursue many career paths through our Pre-Health Professions Track.
Why Study Biology at Simmons?
Biology explores all living organisms, from humans and animals to plants and ecosystems. Life sciences are crucial to advancing the fields of medicine and healthcare, forensics, technology, and wildlife and environmental conservation.
As a biology major, you’ll develop a strong foundation in biological principles and methodology within a student-centered classroom, laboratory, and research experience.
Our biology courses cover a breadth of topics, including:
- Organismal diversity in the environment
- Animal physiology
- Cell biology
- Conservation biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Environmental science
- Genetics
During senior year, you’ll put your knowledge into practice through independent biology research, a thesis project, or an internship.
Earn Your BS in Biology in Boston
Simmons sits in the heart of Boston, near the Longwood Medical Area's teaching hospitals and biomedical research centers. You’re a short distance from world-class hospitals, research centers, and internships that can launch careers.
Our students go on to prestigious graduate programs in allied health, biology, marine biology, dentistry, veterinary science, and genetic engineering — and medical school. They follow career paths in government, academia, healthcare, and commercial laboratories.
Our alumnae/i hold job titles including:
- Biochemist
- Genetic Counselor
- Microbiologist
- Agricultural and Food Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Our Faculty
Anna Aguilera
Professor and Director of the Honors Program
Jane Lopilato
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology
Charlotte Russell
Teaching Professor and Assistant Dean, SSHP
Eric Luth
Associate Professor & Neuroscience Program Co-Coordinator
John Young
Associate Professor, and Elizabeth Backofen Endowed Professor
Seth Johnson
Assistant Professor
Spotlight on Biology Students and Alums
Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars
Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.
Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award
Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.
A Mother Follows Her Child’s Footsteps to a Simmons Education
During high school, Devin Ryan ’21 toured Simmons, where they later majored in Biology. Meanwhile, someone close to Ryan was also inspired by that campus tour: their mother, Misty Neader ’25MSW.
Inspired to Expand a Summer Research Project into an Independent Study
Biology major Leila Aydibi ’24 discusses getting involved on campus, participating in a research project, being a first-generation student, and some of her favorite Simmons courses.
Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars
The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.
Associate Professor of Biology Eric Luth Co-Authors Scientific Article with Former Students
Neurobiologist Eric Luth recently co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A (October 2021) with several of his students: Celine Breton ’21, Kaitlyn Kessel ’23, Ariel Robinson ’19, and Kainat Altaf ’22. The piece traces developmental abnormalities among worm populations after exposure to environmental contaminants.
Simmons Announces Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Fall 2023
The Passionate Leaders Project supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic & professional interests beyond the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s students produced research related to human rights, documentary film, healthcare access, therapeutic care databases, the neurodevelopment of fruit flies, Muslims’ experiences with healthcare in Boston, and software that supports Simmons’ food pantry.
Neurobiology Student Explores Connections between Science and Policymaking
Neurobiology major Debora Edouard, who participated in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program this past summer, is now receiving training with Scholars Transforming Through Research . During this six-month program, students develop advocacy skills that help bolster undergraduate research...