Are you interested in pursuing a career in Biology, Biotechnology, or Health Science? Learn how New England College’s degree programs can help you get there.
Tuesday, February 11, at 6:00 p.m. EST
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Tuesday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m. EST
Register for the Zoom session.
You will be challenged with hands-on learning experiences and many opportunities to do real science, both in your classes and in federally funded research laboratories. Every biology major completes a yearlong research project. Many students present this work at local undergraduate meetings and even international scientific conferences.
At NEC, you will have opportunities for professional internships, biology-related travel courses, earning credits for getting certified as a biology teacher, and employment in our Summer Undergraduate Research Program. We will help you attain your career goals, whether that be graduate school or employment in such places as educational institutions, federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and private industry.
| Research | Experience | Travel |
| Participate in the federally funded Summer Undergraduate Research Program to gain research lab experience. | Experience learning through research projects and professional internships. | Travel to the reefs and Mayan ruins of Belize with the Tropical Marine Biology class. |
I needed a small community where people would know me and I would know them. The student-teacher ratio was exactly what I was looking for so that professors can give me their undivided attention and help me succeed and meet my goals!
Mackie Glashow Biology BS, 2013
Explore biological ecosystems, genetics, and zoology as a biology major. While studying living organisms, you will strengthen critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.
At NEC, the BS in Biology curriculum emphasizes hands-on inquiry and project-based learning. Students complete research projects, participate in internships, and gain laboratory experience. The curriculum also includes a course on Careers in Science that covers career paths, the job search, and applying to graduate school. Whether you want to teach biology, work in a research laboratory, or continue your education at the graduate level, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from NEC can help you reach your goal.
With a Bachelor of Science in Biology, you can pursue careers in zoology, laboratory science, or conservation science.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, you can also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Common graduate programs include biology, medical school, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy school.
| Biological Technician
$48,140* |
Conservation Scientist
$63,750* |
Wildlife Biologist
$64,650* |
Microbiologist
$79,260* |
| *Median annual salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |||
Dr. Eric Simon led a group of students from his Tropical Marine Biology class for a Study Away trip to Belize in January 2024.
Since joining the NH-INBRE network, the College has received $3.7 million in grants to support faculty and student biomedical research.
Five faculty and 10 students from New England College (NEC) presented research at the 20
24 New Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) Annual Meeting. This two-day conference hosts science students and faculty from 10 New Hampshire colleges and universities.
Above: Ella MacGregor, Health Science ’25, discusses her research with conference attendees.
For more than a decade, NEC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) has been quietly helping students embark on their science and healthcare careers. Each summer, students do real research and present their work at the NH-INBRE Conference.
Right: Professor James Newcomb and NEC students at the 2021 NH-INBRE Annual Meeting
New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.
NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree program, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.
At NEC, the world is your classroom.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in the state, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Academic Influence, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.
Professor, Biology and Health Science
Office: Science Building 212-C
Phone: 603.428.2271
Email: esimon@nec.edu
Professional website: ericjsimon.com
Expertise
Dr. Simon is the author of the introductory non-majors’ biology textbooks Biology: The Core, the lead author of Campbell Essential Biology and Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, and a co-author of the introductory biology textbook Campbell Biology: Concepts and Connections, all published by Pearson Education.
Educational Background
PhD in Biochemistry, Harvard University
MA in Biology, Wesleyan University
BA in Biology and Computer Science, Wesleyan University
Research Interests
His research focuses on innovative ways to use technology to improve teaching and learning in the science classroom, particularly among non-science major students.
Bio
Dr. Simon teaches introductory biology to both science majors and non-science majors, as well as human biology, tropical marine biology, careers in science, and TA training. Dr. Simon also teaches a variety of international travel courses to destinations such as Belize, Patagonia, Galapagos, Tanzania, and Cuba.
Associate Professor, Biology and Health Science
Phone: 603.428.2471
Email: gcook@nec.edu
Educational Background
PhD in Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University
MS in Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University
BS in Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Professor, Biology and Health Science and Co-Director of Center for Undergraduate Science Research
Office: Science Building 116C
Phone: 603.428.2374
Email: jnewcomb@nec.edu
Professional website: sites.google.com/view/newcomblab
Awards and Recent Press
Educational Background
PhD in Biology, Georgia State University
MS in Zoology, University of New Hampshire
BS in Zoology, University of New Hampshire
BS in Chemistry and Physics, Keene State College
Research Interests
My lab investigates the physiological mechanisms underlying behavior. Our latest projects include studies on cellular junctions, circadian rhythms, extraocular photoreception, non-invasive neural stimulation, and regeneration.
Bio
James Newcomb has been a professor at NEC since 2006. In 2019, he also became co-director of NEC’s Center for Undergraduate Science Research. He has maintained an externally funded research lab since 2010, during which time (as of 2020), he had obtained over $800,000 in extramural grants. As of 2020, he had published a total of 19 peer-reviewed publications (cited over 800 times), including 13 NEC students as co-authors, and been a co-author on 130 presentations at research conferences. He has also coauthored chapters for two different books. He is an Associate Editor for the journal Integrative Organismal Biology and Chair of the Division for Neurobiology, Neuroethology, and Sensory Biology of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. Beyond the confines of post-secondary academia, he is also an elected School Board member for John Stark Regional High School.
Professor of Biology and Health Science
Office: Science Building 211C
Phone: 603.428.2449
Email: lkoziol @nec.edu
Expertise, Awards, and Recent Press
Expertise in molecular microbiology, genetics, genomics, biofilms, and biochemistry
Awards:
Recent Publications:
Educational Background
Post-doctoral research, Scripps Research Institute
Post-doctoral research, Advanced Microbial Solutions
PhD, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
BA, Ripon College
Research Interests
My lab research studies the plant growth promoting bacteria of plant roots. Our focus has been on the plant colonizer Pseudomonas fluorescens, which promotes the growth of plants by forming biofilms on plant roots and protects the plants (including grapevines) from disease-causing bacteria and fungi.
My future research interests are to identify the microbiome of the soil and rhizosphere of the grapevine Vitis vinifera. The microbial composition of grape varieties in local regions of New Hampshire will be compared to the work done on characterizing the bacteriome of the Pinot Noir variety. Several grape varieties suffer from a condition called berry shrivel. The cause of berry shrivel is unknown. Knowledge of the biodiversity of these soil ecosystems will help in the understanding of the normal flora, which may be protective against berry shrivel and other diseases. In addition, characteristics of biotic soil factors contributing to grape growth could help the wine industry. Some of these bacteria associated with the grapevine roots can act as biological control agents decreasing the necessity for pesticides. Identifying the soil bacteria and fungi associated with the roots of the grape of will help scientists and vineyard owners understand the complex relationship between the soil microbiota and the grapevine.
Bio
Dr. Lori Koziol came to NEC after teaching at Ripon College in Wisconsin for several years. Prior to teaching, Dr. Koziol worked in drug development at a startup biotech company developing antibiotics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her research career and PhD work were on biofilm-forming bacteria of the mouth, Actinomyces. Currently, her lab works on Pseudomonas, which forms biofilms in human lungs, eyes, and skin and also can form biofilms on plant roots. Her lab studies antibiotic-resistant bacteria of the soil and soil-plant microbial interactions. Dr. Koziol teaches biology, genetics, microbiology, and beer brewing courses at NEC. She maintains a lab where she has mentored undergraduate research students in projects on microbial genetics since 2009. Her lab has been funded by the National Institutes of Health grant INBRE for several years. Her lab provides paid research opportunities for students.
Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Science
Office location: Science Building 210A
Phone: 603.428.2326
Email: mboesch@nec.edu
Professional Website: https://mcollardboesch.wixsite.com/lab-of-natural-pro-1
Expertise and Awards
Dr. Boesch has expertise in cancer biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, epigenetics, and scientific communication.
Awards:
Educational Background
Postdoctoral training in Cancer Epigenetics, Boston University
PhD in Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine
BS in Biological Engineering with a Biomedical concentration, Cornell University
Research Interests
I run the Laboratory of Natural Products for Cancer Prevention at New England College where we explore the role of natural products in epigenetic remodeling to prevent cancer recurrence. To achieve this, we are currently using cell culture-based experiments to evaluate changes in mRNA levels (RT-qPCR), protein modifications and expression (Western blot), transcriptomics (RNAseq), and chromatin accessibility (ATACseq) in cancer cells treated with a Muscadine grape extract.
Bio
Dr. Marianne Boesch joined NEC in 2024 after several years of training, research, and teaching at Boston University. Dr. Boesch has published over 10 peer-reviewed papers in cancer, epigenetics, natural products, and/or microbiome research and has mentored many research trainees throughout her career. She has been an active member and leader in the American Society for Nutrition since 2017 and presented her research findings at numerous conferences. Her primary interests lie in teaching and training undergraduate students in STEM disciplines while promoting hands-on lab and research activities.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology typically takes four years. Students must complete 120 credits to graduate. Full-time biology majors generally earn their degrees within four years. NEC accepts transfer credits, which can shorten the time to degree completion. Students can also enroll on a part-time basis.
At NEC, undergraduates complete the liberal arts and sciences core curriculum as part of their bachelor’s degree. The biology major has a 42-credit core curriculum, which includes biology, chemistry, and math courses. Students choose an organismal-level elective and a micro-level elective. The BS in Biology also requires 20 credits of biology electives. Students customize the degree by choosing electives such as Marine Biology, Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Wetlands.
What are the benefits of a Bachelor of Science in Biology?
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology strengthens analytical, research, and critical-thinking skills. Students take engaging courses on molecular biology, animal physiology, and biodiversity. NEC incorporates hands-on research and laboratory experience, better preparing graduates for careers in the sciences. A biology degree also prepares students for graduate programs in medicine, veterinary science, and the natural sciences.
Submit an application online to apply to the BS in Biology program. NEC accepts applications on a rolling admission basis, meaning you can apply anytime. Standardized test scores are optional, and NEC does not charge an application fee. Submit any college transcripts to receive transfer credit toward your bachelor’s degree.
Ready to start work on your biology degree? Submit a completed application for admission with your self-reported GPA to begin the admission process.