Biology, B.S.
70 Credits | Main Campus | Washington, DC
Earn a Biology degree in Washington DC: Trinity's comprehensive life sciences program prepares you for diverse career paths through the study of living systems from the tiniest cell to enormous ecosystems.
Trinity Biology majors take a wide range of courses across Biology subfields, covering topics such as microbiology, comparative anatomy, cell biology, genetics, and ecology and evolution. Learning from experts in these fields prepares will prepare you for a variety of careers and graduate programs, including but not limited to: medical school, PA school, dental school, veterinary school, lab technicians, and PhD and masters programs.
Our passionate and knowledgeable faculty work together to make sure you feel supported, get hands-on experiences, and grow as a scientist throughout your time at Trinity. Our Biology (and STEM) faculty get to know your, understand your career goals, and provide mentorship to achieve those goals.
Being located in Washington DC means you have access to an incredible STEM network, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the National Institute of Health (NIH), Children’s National Hospital, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Rigorous Biology Courses & Inclusive Excellence:
You’ll take a rigorous set of biology courses including the following:
- Biodiversity and Living Systems
- Cell Biology
- Genomics & Evolution
- Intro to Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Comparative Anatomy & Physiology
- Molecular Biochemistry of the Cell
Check out the full list of Biology required and elective courses HERE
Paired with required chemistry, math, and physics courses, our biology curriculum will challenge you to become a strong analytical thinker and well-rounded scientist.
All of our STEM faculty are trained in and believe in creating inclusive classes that help you feel supported, valued, and safe. Our Biology classes engage you in hands-on learning and encourage you to be an active participant in your learning while continuing to challenge you to grow as a scientist.
Building community and Academic Skills for Success
In line with our inclusive excellence approach, you’ll take a series of Mentor Moment classes to support you through each stage of your college experience and prepare you for your STEM career. These courses, taken each year in of the major, support your study habits, time management skills, resume and CV building, internship finding, interview skills, and job/grad school applications. Taught by our STEM faculty, the courses also create a sense of community among the students and faculty, provide opportunities for mentorship, and empower you to use your voice in STEM and beyond.
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Why Study Biology in Washington DC at Trinity
Pursuing a Biology college degree in Washington DC at Trinity Washington University offers distinct advantages that enhance your educational experience and career prospects:
Access to National Research Institutions
Washington DC houses the world’s premier biological research facilities, including the National Institutes of Health, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Trinity’s biology students can access these institutions for internships, research opportunities, and special collections that complement classroom learning.
Environmental Diversity
The DC region offers unique environmental study opportunities with the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Rock Creek Park’s urban forest ecosystem, and the National Arboretum all within easy reach. Trinity biology students conduct field studies in these diverse habitats, gaining practical experience identifying species, analyzing ecosystem interactions, and monitoring environmental health.
Healthcare Sector Connections
Washington DC’s extensive healthcare network—including MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Children’s National Hospital, and numerous research hospitals—provides Trinity biology students interested in medical careers with volunteer positions, shadowing opportunities, and clinical exposure that strengthen medical school applications.
Policy and Advocacy Experience
Only in Washington DC can biology students directly engage with science policy development at organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Sciences, and federal regulatory agencies. Trinity students interested in conservation biology or public health gain firsthand exposure to how scientific research influences national policy.
Diverse Career Pathways
Trinity’s Biology degree program in Washington DC prepares graduates for the region’s robust employment opportunities in government agencies, research institutions, healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, and biotechnology companies. Our location facilitates networking with potential employers and mentors throughout your academic journey.
Local to the D.M.V. for more than 125 years
Trinity has been dedicated to serving learners in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia for over 125 years. At Trinity, your campus is practically next door if you are a resident of the District, Prince George’s County, Maryland, Montgomery County, Maryland, Alexandria Virginia, Arlington County, Virginia, and Fairfax County, Virginia.
Learn about Trinity’s Inclusive Excellence in STEM initiative.
What You’ll Learn
- principles of molecular biology, heredity, population genetics
- modern data mining
- bioinformatics
- next generation sequencing technologies
Local Internships
All Biology majors are required to have an internship before graduation. These internships provide hands-on experiences for our students, strengthening their analytical and laboratory skills and making them excellent candidates for a myriad of careers and graduate programs.
Many students present their work from their internships at national and/or local STEM conferences.
Recent Biology student internship placements have included
- Digital Imaging and Vision Applications in Science (DIVAS) Program, American University, MD
- Trinity-JHU SURE program, John’s Hopkins University, MD
- Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), Michigan State University, MI
- University of Maryland, MD
- The George Washington University, DC
- University of California- Davis, CA
Global Careers
- Research Biologist
- Geneticist
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Marine Biologist
- Forensic Scientist
Applying to the College of Arts & Sciences
Steps to Apply
- Apply to Trinity. Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.
- Have your School Administrator submit your Official Transcripts (High School/College/Home School/GED) – International Transcripts must be evaluated prior to submission
- Submit Essay “Where do I see myself after obtaining a TWU degree?”
- Submit your Recommendation Letter(s) (Teacher/Guidance Counselor/Mentor)
- Once your application is submitted, use your log-in credentials to check your status
Trinity Admissions is here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.
Admissions Criteria
- First-Time Freshman candidates for admission should complete a secondary school program that includes 16 academic units: English, Mathematics (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), Science to include Lab work (biology, chemistry, and physics), History, Foreign Language, and Social Science.
- Transfer candidates must submit official college transcripts from each previously attended college or university.
- Optional Standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) and/or the American College Test (ACT) can be submitted. To have your scores sent to us use SAT code 5796 and ACT code 0696.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average 2.0 (on 4.0 Scale).
Making Your Education Affordable
Your education at Trinity is a great investment in your future success! Thousands of Trinity graduates report high levels of satisfaction and strong earnings thanks to their Trinity degrees.
Trinity makes your investment affordable by keeping tuition low and providing generous grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
- Trinity’s tuition is the lowest among private universities in the Washington DC region;
- 100% of Trinity’s full-time undergraduates receive financial aid, with many receiving grants and scholarships that cover almost all tuition and even some living expenses;
- Professional undergraduates and graduate students may be eligible for grants and other forms of financial aid; many employers have tuition support programs as well.
Learn more about how Trinity helps you to get a great return on your investment.
