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.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
Steely Library, Suite 410,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, United States
Students should have completed secondary school coursework and any appropriate examination (if applicable).
English proficiency required for admission can be satisfied by any one of the following:
An official and satisfactory score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. The minimum TOEFL scores to be considered for admission are a 500 on the paper-based exam or a 61 on the internet-based (iBT) exam.
Documentation of having satisfactorily completed freshman-level English composition at an American regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. and an overall acceptable GPA. Non-native speakers of English may still be asked to take the TOEFL if it has been several years since taking the English courses or if the student has returned to his or her home country for several years since taking the course.
A satisfactory score on the verbal portion of the ACT or SAT taken within the last two years. The minimum scores to be considered for admission are an ACT of 18 or SAT of 430 (through 3/15/16) or 25 (effective 3/16/16).
An official and satisfactory score from the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) taken within the last two years. The minimum IELTS scores to be considered for admission must include a cumulative band of 5.5 and sub-scores in reading and writing of 5.0 or better.
Successful completion of NKU’s American English Language Program with at least an 80% in each AELP class.
Priority deadline: For Fall Semester: April 15; Spring Semester: October 15
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
NKU has a focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning, and graduates develop versatile skill sets in preparation for employment.
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