Student and faculty on boat

Biology students at Buffalo State learn and work in a rich, multidisciplinary environment. With on-campus learning facilities like the greenhouse, animal-care facility, and the Great Lakes Center, which maintains a field station on Lake Erie and a fleet of research vessels, students get hands-on experience with applied research.

Ample opportunities for internships, work-study, independent studies, and honors research also help prepare students for careers in biology-related fields. 

Careers

Depending on their individual degree programs, biology majors are prepared for one of three main pursuits after graduation: positions as biologists performing laboratory, field, or quality-control work; teaching biology and general science in grades 7–12; or graduate study.

Students who choose graduate school may study a specialty within biology, pursue other studies, or attend medical school. Recent graduates have been hired as laboratory technicians, research assistants, teachers in junior or senior high school, and environmental scientists.

Graduates of the M.S. program are well prepared to pursue doctoral study. They teach at all levels and hold diverse positions in public and private settings as researchers, laboratory managers, and senior technicians in health care, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and environmental organizations.

Typical hiring firms include biotechnology firms, food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and federal and state government agencies.

Recent graduates have been hired by companies such as Science Kit, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and by many school districts.

Graduates from the M.A. in biology program have obtained positions with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Opportunities are provided by the Career and Professional Education Center (CAPE) through BengalLink. For technical support, contact CAPE.

Internships

Biology students at Buffalo State enjoy a wealth of internships in a wide range of settings. There are several categories of internships, including internships in the medical or allied health fields, in basic or applied research, in zoo or museum work, and in biotechnology firms. Recent student internship opportunities have included CH# Biosystems, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the SPCA, Buffalo State's Weigel Health Center, veterinary hospitals, Aquarium of Niagara, Hawk Creek Wildlife (Rehabilitation) Center.

In addition to internship, students may pursue paid work opportunities. Work-study positions are available in office, stockroom, and greenhouse/animal room settings.

Opportunities are provided by the Career and Professional Education Center (CAPE) through BengalLink. For technical support, contact CAPE.