Where Curiosity Meets Discovery

Learn science by doing science, with experiences that take you from campus classrooms to real-world research environments – all as an undergrad.

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Through a major or minor in Biology at HWS, you’ll explore the complexity and interconnectedness of the living world while building the knowledge and skills to investigate it. From uncovering the inner workings of cells to understanding the ecological and evolutionary forces that shape life, our program takes a multifaceted approach to studying biology. Hands-on lab and field experiences and collaborative research with faculty will give you experience interpreting  biological discoveries while developing the skills to contribute meaningfully to ongoing scientific research. Whether you’re preparing for medical school or other health-related professional schools, graduate study or a career in the life sciences, our program equips you with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

 

What you can do
honors

With a Career in Biology

Loreine Mungcal ’26

Loreine Mungcal ’26

An internship in Seville has given Mungcal the perfect opportunity to understand the intersection of public health and the cultural customs of care in another country.
Read More

A degree in biology from Hobart and William Smith provides interdisciplinary skills in research, critical thinking and expression leading to internships and careers in a wide range of fields, including medicine. HWS currently has graduates working in all of the following:

  • "Close-knit, engaging classes at HWS brought new perspectives to my mind and gave me the confidence to pursue research in biology at HWS, where I found a great sense of community.” Matt McNulty ’22
    Healthcare and Medicine
    including as a Physician, Veterinarian, Dentist, Physical Therapist, Genetic Counselor, Physician’s Assistant, Nurse
  • Research and Development including in Biomedical Research, Microbiology, Molecular/Cellular Biology or Bioinformatics
  • Environmental Conservation as a Marine Biologist, Ecologist, Zoologist, Environmental Scientist
  • Education as a Biology Teacher/Professor, Science Journalist, Museum Educator
  • Biotechnology as a Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Sales Rep, Biomedical Engineer
  • Forensic Science
  • Government and Policy Creation
  • Data Science and Analytics
  

Internships, Grad Schools and First Jobs of Recent Grads

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

Companies that Employ Our Graduates

 

Bay Cove Human Services

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Clean Harbors

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Ginko Bioworks

House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources

Massachusetts General Hospital

Mayo Clinic

McLean Hospital

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation

Peace Corps

The Carter Center

 

Biology News

 

Curriculum

The Biology Department provides a strong foundation in modern biology while allowing students to explore a wide range of topics and pursue advanced coursework or independent research within a liberal arts framework. Core courses cover genetics, ecology, evolution and quantitative reasoning, giving students a common framework to understand how traits are inherited, develop and respond to the environment. Students also complete a senior capstone seminar focused on primary literature and can choose electives across diverse areas of biology, supported by courses in math and the natural sciences.

Biology offers two disciplinary majors, a B.A. and a B.S., and a disciplinary minor. Three sample courses are below:

BIOL 167 INTRODUCTORY TOPICS

Learn the fundamentals of studying biology, including distinguishing between the scientific inquiry and other modes of inquiry along with concepts of biology, the central role of DNA and RNA and the inheritance of genetic information.

BIOL 338 AQUATIC BIOLOGY

Develop a working knowledge of the general biology and ecology of aquatic systems and of the organisms that make up aquatic communities.

BIOL 302 Immunology

Examine immune cells and organs, immune processes, vaccines, immunodeficiency, transplants and immunotherapy.

Thinking about a career in healthcare or a pre-med program? HWS offers a specialty advising program to guide you on the road to medical, dental, veterinary or professional school. Minoring in Public Health is also an option.

 

Biology Videos

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about HWS’ biology program?
At HWS, we take a future-focused, interdisciplinary approach to studies in biology. With study abroad programs tailored for science majors, strong career and pre-health advising and mentored research opportunities, biology majors gain experience that sets them apart when applying to graduate school and meaningful careers.
Does HWS offer a pre-med track within the Biology major?
Students interested in medical or other health professions can easily fulfill pre-health requirements through the Biology major. Advisors work closely with pre-med students to ensure they complete the necessary courses for medical school and prepare for the MCAT. HWS students have an 80% medical school acceptance on the first attempt (vs. the national average of 40%).
What kind of hands-on experiences will I get as a Biology major?
Biology students at HWS engage in hands-on lab work, field research and often collaborate with faculty on original research projects. Students can also take part in summer research, internships and off-campus programs that provide real-world scientific experience.
How large are Biology classes?
Introductory classes may be larger, but most upper-level Biology courses are small (typically 12–20 students), allowing for close faculty interaction and hands-on learning in labs and seminars.
Are there internships or summer opportunities for Biology students?
Definitely. Students are encouraged to pursue internships at hospitals, research labs, environmental organizations and biotech companies. HWS also offers Summer Research opportunities where students are paid to conduct research on campus with faculty mentors.
What facilities are available for biology students?

Our facilities provide biology students with opportunities for hands-on research and exploration.

  • The William Scandling, HWS’ 65-ft research vessel
  • Seneca Lake, the deepest glacial lake in New York
  • Hanley Nature Preserve, 108-acres of forest and wetlands
  • The Finger Lakes Institute, HWS’ center dedicated to Finger Lakes environmental research
  • In January 2026, construction begins on a new 40,000 integrated science-complex – The Fish Center for the Sciences.
What can I do with an undergraduate degree in biology?
A biology major opens the door to a wide range of careers. Paired with a strong liberal arts foundation, HWS biology majors go on to careers in research, healthcare, and environmental science, as well as social impact fields including public policy, education and sustainable development.
Can I study abroad and major in biology?
Yes. At HWS, more than 60% of students at HWS study abroad, including biology majors. Students can participate in semester-long or short-term programs with topics ranging from "Climate Change in the Black Forest and Swiss Alps" in Freiburg, Germany, to “Marine Ecology of Australia” in Queensland, Australia. You don’t have to choose between a global experience and your major – you can do both.
Can I get involved in research as a biology major?
Yes. In 2025, HWS was named to Carnegie’s list of “Research Colleges and Universities,” recognizing our commitment to meaningful undergraduate research. Biology students frequently collaborate with faculty on projects that lead to honors, publications, graduate study and rewarding careers.
What career support is available for biology majors?

Career support is a significant focus of HWS’ future-focused curriculum. Early on, biology majors connect with a dedicated STEM Career Coordinator for career exploration, resume and CV writing, interview prep, networking and graduate school applications. The STEM Career Coordinator also connects students with alumni and employers to find internships, research, and job opportunities.

If you’re pre-health, you’ll receive personalized advising from faculty who will help you choose courses and prepare for professional school. A major advantage of attending HWS is the opportunity to request a Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) recommendation in support of an application to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school. Learn more here.

What makes HWS’ biology faculty special?
From studying how migratory birds use magnetic fields and starlight to navigate, to researching cancer-fighting compounds and how environmental change impacts wildlife, our professors’ scholarly interests consider fascinating questions about the natural world. Whether you're into molecules, ecosystems, or anything in between, our faculty are leading researchers and dedicated mentors ready to guide your curiosity.
 

Faculty Directory

Meet the experienced and dedicated professionals who will serve as your mentors.

 

 

Honors

Under the guidance and mentorship of Biology professors, students may choose to perform Honors. Most will complete a summer of research followed by research in their senior year. The work culminates as a written and defended Honors thesis, and the work is often presented at conferences or published as scientific articles.

Research

More than 60% of our biology students are actively engaged in a research or field study project each semester, both on-campus in state-of-the-art labs and off-campus with local scientists and doctors, getting the hands-on experience that makes them stand out in the job market.

Facilities

Fish Center
In January 2026, construction will begin on the Fish Center for the Sciences, a 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility that will offer interdisciplinary teaching and laboratory spaces to support students across the science curriculum. Together with the revitalization of existing facilities, this project will create a cohesive, integrated hub for programs in the sciences and technology. Included will be significant laboratory, classroom and office space for biology.

Other facilities include labs and classrooms in Rosenberg Hall, the Hanley Biological Field Preserve, The William Scandling Research Vessell and the Finger Lakes Institute.

 

 

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No Borders:Global Education

Our top-ranked study abroad program gives you the freedom to study biology across the globe.

abroad

 

Recommened Destinations for Biology

  • Queensland, Australia

    Queensland, Australia

  • Copenhagen, Denmark

    Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Norwich, England

    Norwich, England

  • Freiburg, Germany

    Freiburg, Germany

  • Galway, Ireland

    Galway, Ireland

  • Maastricht, Netherlands

    Maastricht, Netherlands

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