Receiving the B.A. or B.S. degree in biological sciences can lead to a variety of careers including laboratory and field research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, teaching, forensics, and many others. While undergraduate instruction is our primary focus, the department also places great emphasis on undergraduate research. In fact, undergraduate research has become one of the defining characteristics of the department, and this has resulted in a large number of students working with faculty members on research projects.
Career Explorations: Many graduates go on to attend professional schools or graduate schools, while others choose to work in research labs located in the area. Our partnership with UK College of Medicine allows NKU students to get a head start in their medical education with opportunities like our Early Assurance Program and shadowing opportunities with St. Elizabeth. There are numerous internship opportunities in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, and multiple diagnostic laboratories, pharmacies and veterinary clinics.
Learning Opportunities: Students have the profoundly impactful opportunity to learn about the complexity of the human body in our cadaver lab, applying anatomy and physiology concepts they have previously learned in class in a lasting way. Our department has numerous laboratory spaces with shared scientific equipment that students use during independent research with faculty and in laboratory-based coursework. Students have the opportunity to study many different organisms and ask a wide range of questions. The NKU vivarium and aquatics facilities house a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The NKU herbarium contains thousands of plant collections used for both research and teaching. Study abroad and study away courses present students with the opportunity for enriching experiences in a variety of locations.
