What are some good colleges for biology majors?

I'm thinking about majoring in biology, so I'm starting to research colleges that have strong biology programs. I'm excited about the possibility of getting involved in research as an undergrad, so that's a big factor for me. Also, I'd love to study somewhere that has good opportunities for internships or connections to nearby hospitals or labs. Any suggestions on colleges that are known for their biology programs? It'd be awesome to hear about both larger universities and liberal arts colleges, as I'm open to different types of school environments.

There are several schools known for strong biology programs across a range of environments.

At larger universities, consider schools like Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, and the University of California—Berkeley. These universities both have top biology programs and are located in areas with a prominent biotech and healthcare presence, allowing for numerous internship opportunities. Johns Hopkins is particularly well-regarded for its pre-med track and its close ties to the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Stanford offers special programs such as the Biology Honors Program and the Senior Reflection, which consist of an intensive research project and an arts or creative project, respectively. At UC Berkeley, undergrads often engage in research at renowned facilities like the Innovative Genomics Institute.

On the smaller side, for liberal arts colleges, Swarthmore College and Amherst College both have excellent biology programs. At Amherst College, there are ample opportunities for independent research, and the school's proximity to UMass Amherst opens the door to a wider scope of academic and research resources.

Swarthmore College is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, allowing students to take classes and potentially access resources and facilities at the university. Additionally, the biology department has a senior thesis program which is a year-long independent research project that could be a great opportunity for you.

Remember, you should not only look at the academic program, but the culture, location, size, and resources of the school to ensure it’s a good fit for you. Happy researching!