Why Earn Your Biology Degree at Saint Leo University?
Biology is a diverse discipline, encompassing the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science), biomedical research, agriculture, ecology, teaching, and more. A bachelor of science in biology from Saint Leo University is designed as preparation for a career in the exciting and rapidly changing field of the life sciences, whatever the sub discipline.
Work hand-in-hand with faculty and professional scientists. Study gene expression and blood vessel formation using state-of-the-art equipment. Investigate cell chemistry in newly renovated, industry-standard lab facilities. In the laboratory, classroom, and field, biology majors will build a firm foundation in life and physical sciences by exploring the facts, theory, and methodologies employed by scientists today.
Explore conservation in the field- kayaking and snorkeling in Florida’s mangrove forests and coral reefs or trekking through the jungles of Peru, the Galapagos Islands and Belize. The BS Biology program from Saint Leo University prepares you for careers in the exciting and rapidly changing field of life sciences, whatever the sub discipline.
Learning Experience:
Campus
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Biology Program Details
In the laboratory, classroom, and field, biology majors will build a firm foundation in life and physical sciences by exploring the facts, theory, and methodologies employed by scientists today.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Biology students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your biology degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering biology degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Specialization Options
Saint Leo University offers four specialization options for psychology students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.
The General Biology Concentration is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of Biology.
The Biomedical and Health Sciences Concentration will prepare students for graduate and professional school in the biomedical and health sciences.
The Ecology Concentration is intended to provide students with the opportunity to focus their studies on hands-on understanding the function of biological systems beyond the scale of single organisms.
The minor in Education helps prepare students to teach science at the secondary level.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
What skills you will learn?
- Critical thinking,
- Research planning and implementation,
- Data analysis,
- Writing
How will you gain real experience?
Internships
Shadow a physician or dentist, work alongside zookeepers, or contribute to cancer research. Our students have interned at the Department of Environmental Protection, National Institutes of Health Academy, Pittsburgh Zoo, Southwest Florida Water Management District and Moffitt Cancer Center.
Volunteer
Connect science with service. Raise money for cancer research, restore oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, and prevent over-harvesting of endangered plants in the Amazon rainforest.
Senior capstone class: Design, conduct and present research under faculty mentorship.
Conferences
Present at local, state and national events.
Co-curricular activities
Become a member of Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, Chemistry Club or Student Environmental Awareness.
Green spirituality
Rooted in the 1,500-year-old Benedictine tradition, Saint Leo University mobilizes around eco-theology to create an environmentally just and sustainable world.
What can you do with an undergraduate biology degree?
Saint Leo's bachelor of science in biology students find employment in government, industry, education and other health-related professions, and even pursue graduate study in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
What are the top biology degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Physician | 3% | $208,000 per year $100.00 per hour |
| Marine Biologist | 5% | $66,350 per year $31.90 per hour |
| Medical Technician | 11% | $54,180 per year $26.05 per hour |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Where are Saint Leo biology graduates now?
Saint Leo students find employment in government, industry and other health-related professions, and even pursue graduate study in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
Paige Holt- MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
Paige is one of our MBA students who has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management.
“Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future.”
Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Karen came to Saint Leo from Flagler College where she earned her undergraduate accounting degree. Karen has worked as an intern for CliftonLarsonAllen. She plans on sitting for the CPA exam this year and will then pursue a doctorate degree.
''As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”
Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
Tayhana has completed four prestigious internships, including two with the BIG 4 CPA firms of Ernst & Young and Deloitte in New York City. These internships were highly competitive, and Tayhana engaged in both audit and tax while in these roles, gaining experience with leading-edge accounting protocols. She has been offered a full-time position with Deloitte in 2025. Tayhana has published three articles with faculty in the Tapia College of Business. The most recent titled, "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airline Industry," was published in the Journal of Finance and Accountancy in Fall 2023
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.