Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Designed to prepare students for a life of learning in the sciences that enables them to join the workforce or attend professional or graduate school.

Blended in theory and practical training, Rider’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) biology programs take an extensive look at the science behind living organisms. Coursework covers topics in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics designed to provide knowledge and the development of technical and analytical skills needed to pursue a life of learning and practicing science.

Many Rider biology majors continue on to professional and graduate school. Areas of study pursued by students in this major include medical, dental, and veterinary school; allied health programs such as optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing; programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the life sciences; and programs in science education.

Rider’s biology major educates the next generation of scientists by providing students with a foundation in the life sciences that prepares them to join the workforce or attend professional or graduate school. Rider achieves this through small class and laboratory sizes allowing direct, hands-on instruction, and faculty accessibility. Students also have opportunities to do research with faculty via work-study or independent study. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides academic advice and career guidance tailored to the student's needs. Areas of professional and graduate study pursued by students in this major include medical, dental, and veterinary school; allied health programs such as optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing; programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the life sciences; and programs in science education.

Graduates of the biology program have pursued their graduate studies at prestigious institutions such as John Hopkins University, Cornell University, Princeton University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Dartmouth College and The Scripps Research Institute, among others.

Honors Programs

Honors in Biology

The objective of the honors program in biology is to introduce talented undergraduate majors to the methods of basic research in the biological sciences. For consideration, a student must have a 3.25 average at the end of their junior year. In the senior year, participating students must complete an independent research project and present a written honors thesis. At graduation, a student who has a 3.25 cumulative average, a 3.5 average in biology courses, and who has completed an acceptable honors thesis will be awarded Honors in Biology.

Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society

"Tri-Beta" is a national honor society affiliated with the American Association for Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Invitations for membership are extended to majors in the life sciences who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. Students are usually invited to join in their sophomore year when they have accumulated 12 credits in the sciences. Active membership is available to those with an overall grade point average of at least 2.8, and at least 3.0 in their science courses. The benefits of membership include academic recognition; a subscription to the journal Bios, to which members may submit research articles; opportunities to present papers at conventions; and research awards. Biology and behavioral neuroscience majors should make membership in Tri-Beta one of their goals.

Pre-medical and Pre-allied Health Advising Programs

Students pursuing medical school or pre-allied health programs upon graduation from Rider are encouraged to consult with the department's pre-medical advisor. The pre-medical studies and pre-allied health advisor assists students with academic and extra-curricular planning required to become competitive applicants for programs in the health professions.

Rider and Thomas Jefferson University have a long-standing articulation agreement for students who wish to pursue training in the allied health professions. This agreement does not guarantee admission of Rider students into Jefferson's programs; it does mean that Rider faculty members are familiar with Jefferson's academic requirements and that Rider’s courses are eligible for transfer to Jefferson.

Rider University offers students with baccalaureate degrees the opportunity to take the undergraduate science course prerequisites for medical, dental, veterinary or graduate school.

Experiences to prepare you

Rider Biology students learn science by doing science. You’ll find them learning in internships with one of our partnering healthcare professionals or by working side-by-side with our Ph.D. level faculty as mentors in the classroom and colleagues in the lab and the field.

Rider University is an ideal destination for international students seeking a transformative educational experience in a welcoming community. Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, just 60 minutes away from New York City and Philadelphia, Rider offers a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body from around the world.

At Rider, students can choose from over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields including business, education, the arts, sciences, and more. Our world-class faculty are dedicated to providing students with a personalized education that combines rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.

Rider University is known for its commitment to helping students succeed both academically and personally. Our supportive community includes academic advisors, peer mentors, and career counselors who are here to assist students every step of the way. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, Rider equips students with the skills they need to become successful and ethical leaders in their chosen fields.

Beyond the classroom, Rider offers a lively campus community with over 150 student-run organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a robust arts and culture scene.

At Rider University, we believe that education should be more than just a degree - it should be a life-changing experience. With our strong commitment to academic excellence, personalized attention, and dynamic campus life, we invite students from around the world to join our community and discover their true potential.