• Work with outstanding faculty. The Department of Biology includes 50 dedicated full-time faculty members whose expertise covers the breadth of the biological sciences. Our faculty are recognized for their outstanding research, teaching and mentoring, and many are leaders in their fields.
• Learn in a dedicated life sciences center. The Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center houses teaching and research laboratories, greenhouses, an animal care facility, a state-of-the-art imaging facility, and an artificial stream lab that supports aquatic research.
• Conduct research with faculty mentors. Through Loyola's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (LUROP), you’ll have an opportunity to join research laboratories investigating subjects such as molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, neuroscience, and bioinformatics.
• Shape your studies around your interests. Biology electives provide opportunities to explore topics ranging from human genetics to microbiology and immunology, conservation, neuroscience, and biostatistics.
• Pursue experience beyond campus. Our location in Chicago gives you access to a large variety of healthcare and research centers for internships and direct-patient-care experiences. You’ll also have access to medical equipment companies, zoos, biotech companies, and more.
• Receive guidance for health professional school. Our Pre-Health Advising program offers career exploration, application preparation, and help identifying hands-on opportunities. You’ll also have access to workshops, career planning, medical school application support, and MCAT preparation.

The curriculum includes foundational lecture and laboratory courses in the areas of cell biology, genetics, and ecology. You can pursue your individual interests in biology through the diverse electives offered each term.

Some subject areas include: 

• Anatomy and physiology
• Biochemistry
• Cell structure and function
• Ecology and ecosystems
• Evolution and biological diversity
• Experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication
• Genetics and molecular biology
• Microbiology and the immune system
• Physics

Learn More

A biology degree can put you on a path to careers in healthcare, education, laboratory research, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Some careers require graduate/professional education, but our Pre-Health Advisors are here to support you as you assess your options and plan your career.

Some career paths may include:

• Physician: Pursue medical school, residency training, and licensure.
• Dentist: Pursue dental school and licensure.
• Pharmacist: Pursue a doctor of pharmacy degree and licensure.
• Veterinarian: Pursue veterinary school and licensure.
• Physician Assistant: Pursue a physician assistant degree and licensure.
• Physical Therapist: Pursue a doctor of physical therapy degree and licensure.
• Medical research scientist: Investigate diseases and potential treatments, typically after earning a doctoral or medical degree.
• Biological technician or laboratory research assistant: Support experiments, collect samples, and analyze research data.
• Secondary Education: Teach at the high school level. Some positions require formal training in education.  
• Higher Education: Teach and conduct research at the undergraduate or graduate level. Requires graduate degree.
• Environmental scientist: Investigate environmental conditions and help address pollution or other environmental problems.
• Zoologist or wildlife biologist: Study animals and their ecosystems. Specialized coursework supports entry-level preparation, while advanced research positions generally require graduate education.

You don’t need a specific academic background to apply. No prerequisite courses are required, and we consider more than GPA when reviewing applications. What matters most is your potential, motivation, and passion for the field. Applying is free, and everything you need to get started is outlined below.

Learn More about Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Tuition and fees are listed in the Bursar's website.

Most Loyola students do not pay full tuition. When you apply, you’ll automatically be considered for scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $34,000. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid can make a Loyola education more affordable than you might think.

Explore your options, learn about eligibility, and estimate your potential costs as you plan for college here.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathway programs (AMPs) allow eligible, full-time students to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in just five years. These programs provide a significant cost savings to students interested in accelerating their path to an advanced degree. Finishing both programs in five years, including both undergraduate and graduate courses during your senior year, equates to a lower overall cost than if both programs were completed separately.

Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's students can also take advantage of the Returning Rambler Scholarship for eligible programs, offering a 25 percent tuition discount for graduate studies.