Skills to Solve Tomorrow's Environmental Challenges

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology through the Department of Biology at the University of Dayton prepares you with the scientific background needed to understand and address the many pressing environmental concerns that exist in the modern world. You'll explore the interactions among organisms, the environment and human activities — equipping you with practical knowledge to tackle ecological challenges and pursue impactful careers in environmental science, conservation and research.


About the Environmental Biology (B.S.) Program

Why study environmental biology at UD?

Research and Real-World Experience

An internship is required of all environmental biology majors, and is usually served in the junior or senior year. Three credit hours of internship are required, and up to six hours can be taken. This unique opportunity allows students to obtain valuable training and "on-the-job" experience under the mentorship of established scientists and other professionals at local, state and federal government agencies and a wide diversity of environmental firms.

In addition to internships, students gain hands-on experience working out in the field in some of our courses. Also, students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of faculty field and laboratory research projects through special topics courses.

Research Opportunities

Personal attention between students and faculty provides students with great research experience, as well. We focus on each student as an individual and strive to create a strong foundation from which each graduate is able to launch satisfying careers that meet their vocational aspirations.

Dayton's Old River Park served for more than a half-century as a recreational area for NCR employees and their families, but now our students are using a portion of the 45-acre park for environmental research and education.

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about environmental biology at UD.

How do I apply to the environmental biology program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.


Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Environmental Biology (B.S.) Degree Requirements and Information

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

An internship is required of all environmental biology majors, and is usually served in the junior or senior year. Three credit hours of internship are required, and up to six hours can be taken. This unique opportunity allows students to obtain valuable training and "on-the-job" experience under the mentorship of established scientists and other professionals at local, state and federal government agencies and a wide diversity of environmental firms.

About the Degree

At UD, biology students study the diversity of life on earth (including plants, animals and microorganisms) and the ecological and evolutionary processes acting on populations, communities, and ecosystems through space and time. Our program emphasizes experiential learning and creates opportunities for students to get out of the classroom into nature.

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • BIO 151 and 151L – 151: Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology; 151L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    4
  • CHM 123 and 123L – 123: General Chemistry I; 123L: General Chemistry Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 148 – Introductory Calculus I
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 2
  • BIO 152 and 152L – 152: Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology; 152L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory II: Evolution & Ecology
    4
  • CHM 124 and 124L – 124: General Chemistry II; 124L: General Chemistry II Laboratory
    4
  • MTH 149 or 207 – 149: Introductory Calculus II; 207: Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 3
  • BIO 310 and 310L – 310: Ecology; 310L: Ecology Laboratory
    4
  • Supporting Science Elective and Laboratory
    4
  • ANT 150 – Cultural Anthropology
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 4
  • BIO 299 – Biology Seminar
    1
  • BIO 312 – General Genetics
    3
  • Supporting Science Elective and Laboratory
    4
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 5
  • Environmental and Ecological Lecture
    3
  • Environmental and Ecological Lab
    1
  • Supporting Science Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • Environmental and Ecological Lecture
    3
  • Environmental and Ecological Lab
    1
  • Supporting Science Elective
    3
  • GIS 450 – Applied Geographic Information Systems
    4
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 7
  • BIO 479L – Environmental Biology Research Methods Laboratory
    1
  • BIO 420 – Biology Capstone Seminar
    1
  • Environmental and Ecological Lectures
    6
  • Environmental and Ecological Lab
    1
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 12
Semester 8
  • BIO 499 – Environmental Biology Internship
    2
  • Environmental and Ecological Lecture
    3
  • Environmental and Ecological Lab
    1
  • General Electives
    9
  • Total Credit Hours 15

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.


The University of Dayton Environmental Biology program offers students the opportunity to learn about environmental science in outdoor areas that include a pollinator prairie, a greenhouse and a 5-acre research and education park. Students gain skills through hands-on research experiences and learn how to implement them to make an impact on modern environmental concerns.

University of Dayton students majoring in environmental biology gain real-world experience through faculty-mentored research, working in campus laboratories and field research areas. Students build close relationships with faculty and connect what they learn in the classroom to the ecological processes they see occurring in the field.


Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.


Beyond the Classroom: The UD Environmental Biology Experience

Hanley Sustainability Institute

Nationally recognized for work on campus and within the Dayton community, the Institute allows students to engage with faculty and community stakeholders to help make campus and the community more sustainable.

Rivers Institute

Students engage with faculty and community members to build community around the rivers by preserving and protecting our watershed.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students can work alongside faculty and graduate students in faculty research labs conducting research projects. Biology undergraduates have co-authored 140+ scientific posters and publications in the past five years.

Bachelor’s Plus Master’s Program

The BPM degree option allows undergraduate students majoring in environmental biology to obtain both a bachelor of science and a master of science in five years.


Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.


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Ready to Study Environmental Biology at UD?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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