Biology Degrees Courses & Curriculum

The BA degree in Biology gives you a broad foundation in the biological sciences without emphasis toward any of the areas of specialty represented by the more career-oriented BS degree in Biology. This open configuration allows flexibility in designing a degree path that does not align well with any of the BS degrees. You will get a broad understanding of fundamental biological concepts at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels.

The BS degree in Biology prepares students for a wide variety of careers in a biological sub-discipline such as human health, medicine, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, natural resource management, public health, and environmental health. You will gain skills relevant to field work, lab work in clinical or industry settings, research, and data analysis. After graduation you can seek employment within the private sector, local, state, or federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia. If you are planning to pursue an advanced graduate degree or apply for admission to a pre-professional school such as medical, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dental, chiropractic, or veterinary school this degree would be suitable.

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology emphasis highly encourages research and prepares students for Marine Biology, Coastal Ecology, Veterinary school, DNR, Wildlife Management, or graduate school in Animal or Plant Biology.
• Human Health Sciences emphasis was made specifically for students interested in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Chiropractic school with pre-requisites built directly into the core curriculum. With guidance from faculty mentors, this emphasis option can also be a starter for: Medical and Dental school, Physician Assistant school, or Optometry school. This emphasis highly encourages biomechanics and anatomical kinesiology.
  • BS Biology with Human Health Sciences emphasis also offers a 3+2 accelerated program with the MSUM Masters of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program.
  • BS Biology with Human Health Sciences emphasis also offers a 3+3 articulation agreement with Northwestern Health Sciences University for entry into the NWSU Doctor of Chiropractor program.
• Medical and Cellular Biology emphasis prepares students for Physician Assistant school, Medical school, Dental school, Medical Lab Sciences, Pharmacy school and graduate school in the health, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. This emphasis covers everything in the Human Health Sciences track but with more Chemistry to adequately prepare students for the MCAT.
• One Health emphasis prepares students for Public Health Microbiology, Public and Global Health Policy, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Infectious Disease Management, and graduate school in these disciplines. It approaches health with a one-health perspective that incorporates the study of human health, animal health, and environmental health.
  • Note: One Health is not a recommended track for students interested in pre-health occupations such as PT, OT, Chiro, or Physician Assistant/Medical/Dental/Pharmacy school.

Biology Degree Requirements

• BA in Biology
• BS in Biology
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology emphasis
  • Human Health Sciences emphasis
  • Medical and Cellular Biology emphasis
  • One Health emphasis

Minors

• Biology minor
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology minor
• Health and Medical Sciences minor
• Public Health minor

Bachelor & Graduate Degree in 5 Years Options

• BS in Biology with Health Human Sciences emphasis & Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Graduate Certificate

• Biology Graduate Certificate