Biology Concentrations and Related Programs
Students can choose from a range of concentrations that deepen expertise in environmental systems, animal biology, and ecological research. These tracks allow students to explore areas aligned with career or graduate school goals.
The general concentration in the B.S. in Biology program is perfect if you want to explore the biological sciences across a wide range of topics and career paths. You’ll gain a solid foundation in molecular biology, physiology, genetics, and evolutionary biology while preparing for graduate school, health professions programs, or entry-level roles in research, and the life sciences.
Students in this concentration study the biological and geological systems that shape our natural world. Courses include Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Field Methods, Climatology, GIS, and Oceanography. This track is well suited for students aiming to work in conservation, environmental consulting, or sustainability fields, and offers strong preparation for graduate study in environmental science.
The Biology Minor offers students from non-biology majors a strong foundation in the life sciences while allowing flexibility to tailor the experience to personal or professional interests. After completing two core introductory courses—focused on cellular and organismal biology—students choose from one of three elective tracks: Molecular, Ecological, or Functional. Students complete a total of 23 credits, and all coursework is drawn from Montclair’s robust biology curriculum.
Teacher Certification Options
Students pursuing teaching can prepare for licensure through built-in certification pathways, including options for general and special education.
This program is intended to prepare students to be effective and knowledgeable Biology instructors at the High School level. Students who wish to pursue P-12 in Biological Science teacher certification must apply to and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Once admitted, students will be matriculated into the B.A. in Secondary Education program as a second major. Please visit the Teacher Education Program website for the required professional sequence of courses and other important Program requirements, guidelines, and procedures. Students are strongly advised to review the Teacher Education Program Handbook.
The Bachelor’s/MAT Dual-Certification Inclusive Education Program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with certification in general and special education. Undergraduates complete general education, biology major requirements, and introductory education coursework. As graduate students, they continue advanced coursework and fulfill fieldwork and student teaching. This program provides a clear path for students who want to teach inclusive classrooms and fosters the skills needed to support diverse learners.
Biology Combined Programs
A Combined degree program enables undergraduate students to enroll in graduate courses in their senior year, which can be counted toward the completion of both their bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements. The ability to take these “swing courses” allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shortened period of time, typically within five years.
This five-year accelerated program allows you to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology along with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). You’ll earn teacher certification in Biological Science (P–12) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. During your senior year, you’ll take graduate-level education courses that count toward both degrees. In your fifth year, you’ll complete the M.A.T. full-time, including student teaching and coursework in inclusive pedagogy and special education. This pathway prepares you for diverse teaching roles in secondary science classrooms and special education environments, blending strong content knowledge with inclusive instructional strategies.
This 4+1 program lets you complete your BS in Biology and earn a General MBA in five years. In your senior year, you’ll take 6 credits of graduate-level MBA courses that count toward both degrees. In the fifth year, you’ll complete the MBA full-time. This accelerated option prepares you for management roles in science, biotech, and healthcare.