Reserve Your Spot
Join us for Fall Open House - Oct. 15 and Nov. 18
This event will feature programming for our undergraduate, graduate, and Threshold programs. A vibrant campus community and access to endless opportunities—Lesley has it all. It's where student cohorts become lifelong catalysts, solving for today's complexities with full hearts and open minds.
Science & Mathematics

Biology

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Uncover the living systems that make up our world.

Discover that science is a way of knowing, not just a collection of facts. Apply your curiosity to the study of natural processes. Explore the world’s complex systems and see how all life is connected. Gain a broad knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

You'll make connection that will launch you into your career with hands on experience and internships at places like the Museum of Science, Earthwise Aware, Harvard Brain Tissue and Resource Center, Emerson Practice Associates, and many more. And once you graduate, you'll blaze a trail along a path that will lead you to work as an environmental educator, marine biologist, pharmaceutical researcher, brain researcher, and many more possibilities.

Build on your creativity and passion for people, plants, animals, and climate-change advocacy by going out into nature and conducting field experiments. Test what you’re learning in the lab, while participating in research led by some of the top faculty-researchers around.

Learn how to instill an appreciation for nature and living things through teaching. And because having a sense of social responsibility is important for biologists, your coursework will focus on ways that science can solve community health and environmental problems. With our reimagined general education curriculum, you'll be deeply engaged in 21st-century issues facing humankind.

Our connection to the Marine Studies Consortium offers unique opportunities for aquatic research, while our partnerships with communities abroad allow you to take your research around the globe. Choose to pursue our advanced track option as a stepping-stone to graduate-level study and research.

Undergraduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

120 Credits
  • Required Core (39+ Credits)
    • Develop deep knowledge in biology while taking the rigorous required core courses.
  • Electives (3+ Credits)
    • Complete one additional science course.
  • Internships (11 Credits)
    • Examine your field of study in depth, develop clear career goals, and gain practical skills that you can apply to future professional goals.
  • General Education (42 Credits)
    • Take a variety of courses for Lesley’s new outcome-based General Education program. You'll develop skills and perspectives that will help you to succeed in an increasingly complex global context, and to create a more just, humane, and sustainable world. General Education courses you take may count toward your major or minor.
  • Free Electives
    • With your remaining credits, try out different courses in subject areas you want to explore, or maybe major or minor in another subject.
View Program of Study
Thinking about transferring here?

Log in to Transferology, add the courses you've taken, and see how they'll transfer to Lesley University.

Craft Creative Combinations
With a BA in Biology, you’ll be prepared to apply your scientific knowledge to a wide range of professions, from teaching to science writing, to public and community health. Since our BA in Biology has fewer required courses than our BS in Biology, it’s simple to combine your studies with other areas within the liberal arts, allowing you to widen your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
  • Biology + Creative Writing or English = Science Writer and Reporter
  • Biology + Chemistry = Food Science Researcher
  • Biology + Early Childhood or Elementary Education = An educator with strong content knowledge in the sciences
Gain Skills and Expertise
Here's a taste of what you'll do in our biology program:
  • Make observations, ask new questions, test predictions, and evaluate the results.
  • Explore the complexity of living systems—from molecules to ecosystems—from many perspectives.
  • Research and conduct field experiments on an environmental or public health problem of importance to the community.
  • Gain an understanding of the causes and consequences of human activity on environmental and ecological systems.
  • Investigate the origins and importance of biological diversity.
  • Know how your discipline fits into community, national, and global issues, and use your skills to make change.
Internships

Prepare for your dream job through work experience at places like:

New England Aquarium
Boston Museum of Science
Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
students walking on south campus

Come visit us in-person or virtually.

Visit Lesley
Flatlay of lab kits with each item labeled

Recreating the lab experience at home

Faculty and staff curated 170 unique lab packages for students to bring science alive during the pandemic and remote learning.
Read about the lab kits.
Athletics community members holding up a Lynx Nation sign

Remote Learning at Lesley University
Katie Walsh '21 in graduation cap

A science graduate pursues a PhD

Katie Walsh '21 is Lesley's first graduate to pursue a doctorate in chemistry
Read more about Katie Walsh
Applying to Lesley

Lesley University is SAT Blind

We know that a single standardized test can't sum up your accomplishments and abilities. That's why we don't require SAT scores when you apply. Instead, we'll focus on the strength of your application, including your essay and activities.
students walking on south campus

Come visit us in-person or virtually.

Visit Lesley
Alumni Satisfaction
Ranked #20

by alumni

According to a survey published in Forbes, Lesley ranks #20 nationwide for providing a high-quality education that is worth the cost.
View the survey results.
students from an environmental science class outside in a group

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,300 students and hands-on attention from specialized faculty. In our mathematics and science programs, you'll build your critical thinking, observational, and analytical skills to help solve the world's complex problems.

Undergraduate Programs
92%

of our 2020 graduating class is employed or furthering their education.

student conducting a leaf experiment

Urban Ecology Research in the Field

Participate in biodiversity studies and contribute to the growing knowledge of how humans and urban ecosystems interact with each other.
Learn more about this biodiversity study.
Science & Mathematics

Get your independent research funded.

Through Lesley's Undergraduate Research Fund, you can apply to receive grants for independent research in areas that interest you or presenting your findings at local and national conferences.

The Lesley Dividend pays big.

Every student who earns an undergraduate degree from Lesley is eligible to receive 12 graduate credits toward any master's degree we offer, 100% free. That's potentially over $13,000.
Read all about it.
Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Professional opportunities in biology are expanding, and Greater Boston is a great place to start your career. Job titles for someone with a biology degree include:
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Biologist
  • Research Technician
  • Scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Clinical Research Manager
Careers
Where You Could Work
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology pursue a wide range of exciting careers across a variety of industries, including:
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Research
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Government Service
  • Health Insurance
doble campus during the fall

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Whether you're pursuing environmental studies, biology, or another science or math major, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. Work alongside faculty researchers in our state-of-the-art science lab and benefit from being in Cambridge, home to 200+ companies and incubator labs that are studying life sciences and clean energy. Discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of internships, professional opportunities, service work, culture, and fun that few other cities can match.

Find out more about Cambridge and Boston.

Faculty

Amy Mertl
Amy Mertl
Assistant Professor
faculty david morimoto
David Morimoto
Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department Chair and Professor of Biology
Faculty Julie Shoemaker
Julie Shoemaker
Associate Professor
Faculty Frank Trocco
Frank Trocco
Associate Professor
Amy Mertl

Amy Mertl

Assistant Professor

Amy has long been fascinated by the underlying patterns structuring the evolution and ecology of diverse insect groups. At Lesley, she teaches the following courses: Biology with Lab, Animal Behavior, and Ecology and Natural History. 

Her current research involves investigating the diversity, ecology and structure of ant and termite communities in New England forests. This project currently engages Lesley students and community members in citizen science projects. Amy also has a background in using film and video as educational tools. She has co-produced several short documentaries through Project Documentary at CCTV, including “Ants” an award-winning short film on her favorite tiny subjects. 

Amy holds a BS from the University of Minnesota and a PhD from Boston University. 

Read Full Bio
Publications,
In the News
faculty david morimoto

David Morimoto

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department Chair and Professor of Biology

An ecologist, conservation biologist, and animal behaviorist by training, David has studied the effects of forest fragmentation on birds in Massachusetts and is currently involved in urban bird research.

His areas of academic focus and expertise include: ecology, ornithology, conservation biology, and animal behavior. At Lesley, he teaches the following courses: Patterns in Nature, Environmental Field Research, New England Field Studies, and Field Experiences in Tropical Ecology. 

David holds a BS from Stonehill College and a MA and PhD from Boston University. 

Read Full Bio
Publications,
In the News
Faculty Julie Shoemaker

Julie Shoemaker

Associate Professor

A biogeochemist by training, Dr. Shoemaker’s work has involved studying Earth’s biological systems using geochemical approaches. Her research focuses on understanding and predicting methane emissions from wetlands and forests and their impact on global climate. Her areas of academic expertise include: earth science, climate change, and carbon and methane biogeochemistry. At Lesley she is dedicated to mentoring her students.  She holds a PhD in Biology from Harvard.

Read Full Bio
Publications,
Presentations,
Posters
Faculty Frank Trocco

Frank Trocco

Associate Professor

Frank holds a PhD in the Social Studies of Science from the Union Institute. In 1978, Frank co-founded the National Audubon Society Expedition Institute (AEI), creating degree programs in environmental studies. Since the summer of 1989 when he spent a year living at a Navajo trading post in Rough Rock, AZ, he has participated in the Navajo nine-night Nightway Ceremony, a traditional healing ritual.

From 1972 through 1992 he attended spring Kachina dances on the Hopi and Zuni reservations, and since 1990 he has attended Easter ceremonies in Yaqui (Tucson, AZ), Tarahumara (Chihuahua, Mexico), and Tzotzil (Chiapas, Mexico) communities. He has a particular interest in looking at science as it is applied in areas of popular culture, such as Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the conflicts between popular and orthodox conceptions of science.

Read Full Bio
Publications
Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program.
Biology
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
On-Campus
Commute
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid

Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
On-Campus
Commute
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid

Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

View apply guide
View Full Program Cost
Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Financial Aid
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Apply Now
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