Department of Biology

Francis Bacon

The Department of Biology offers four majors and one minor. All students begin their program as a Biology major.  In the second year, students may apply to one of the more specialized majors and begin a different series of coursework. 

Read more about the programs offered, or click on the links below for specifics.

• Major in Biology
• Major in Environmental Biology 
• Major in the Biology of Global Health
• Major in Neurobiology 
• Minor in Biology

Our programs are designed to provide the finest education in biological principles and their application. We emphasize inquiry-based coursework to promote analytical thinking and synthesis.  Additionally, we emphasize a research intensive experience both in coursework and in research laboratories; students can opt to conduct research in laboratories in our department, the medical school or elsewhere in D.C. through RISE (Research Intensive Senior Experience).

The Biology Department supports students as they pursue careers in medicine, research, biotechnology, education, business, or law. Our students are very successful in entering professional and graduate schools as well as careers of their choice. Read about our award-winning students and undergraduate publications.

Several programs exist to support student research, e.g., the Howard Hughes Scholars Program, GU Research Opportunities Program in addition to grant supported projects by individual faculty researchers.

There are many opportunities outside of the classroom including the student-led Biology Club, the Pre-Med Society, and the Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service GERMS.