Fact Sheets

Biosciences @ MSUM

Welcome to the Biosciences Department at MSUM! We have a tradition of preparing broadly educated graduates who are highly competitive for post-graduate educational opportunities and careers.

Our faculty pride themselves in offering students both excellent classroom teaching and opportunities to work independently on closely mentored research projects.

We have programs in biotechnology and biochemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, health and medical sciences, life science education and medical technology. One of them might be right for you!

Career Opportunities
Career opportunities open to biology graduates include biotechnology, laboratory technology, natural resource management, research, technical sales and service, teaching, and agricultural-related business. About one-third of MSUM's biology majors are pre-professional students preparing for schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine or physical therapy. Employment for biological and medical scientists will continue to increase faster than the average for all fields, with graduate work being necessary for employment in several areas. Approximately two-thirds of MSUM's biology graduates continue their education at the professional or graduate level.

Program Benefits

  • The new Science Laboratory Building and a remodeled faculty office complex provide state of the art research facilities for students and faculty.
  • A Biochemistry and Biotechnology emphasis leads to a double major in Biology and Chemistry.
  • A Health and Medical Sciences emphasis is available.
  • An Ecology and Evolutionary Biology emphasis is available to students interested in these areas and natural resources.
  • Upper-level biology elective courses average 10-15 students, giving you lots of personal attention.
  • All of MSUM's biology faculty have Ph.D.s, and their areas of expertise include a number of specializations. Faculty members are active in biological research and professional development.
  • Students have access to the Regional Science Center, a 220-acre outdoor science classroom, to conduct research, study, teach, or intern. The Center is a landscape of woodland and prairie along the Buffalo River.
  • Many biology majors participate in the Pre-Professional Club and/or Beta Beta Beta, MSUM's chapter of the national professional and honorary society for undergraduate biology students.
  • Other department facilities include: specialized teaching laboratories; a regional herbarium with more than 10,000 plants; a natural science museum; a greenhouse; animal quarters; student/faculty research laboratories; and a departmental library.