Biology, BS
Ready to explore science in depth and discover the connections between the life and physical sciences? Engage in hands-on lab projects, conduct interdisciplinary research, and work on real-world challenges --- such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease --- while preparing for graduate study or a career in science.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Biology degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in biology with an emphasis in the natural sciences, you examine these disciplines through experiential learning. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the connectedness of the life sciences, you gain an understanding of larger scientific concepts from multiple perspectives.
All the program's core courses include laboratories.
You are encouraged to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or during internships. Some even publish in top journals and present their results at scientific meetings.
Why study biology at ASU?
You graduate with a strong foundation in biological sciences and experience applying scientific concepts through laboratory work, research opportunities and experiential learning. Along the way, you develop critical thinking, scientific communication, quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills that employers value.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| BIO 320 Fundamentals of Ecology |
| LSC 322 Fundamentals of Ecology Laboratory |
| BIO 353 Cell Biology |
| BIO 354 Cell Biology Laboratory |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply biological processes and interactions using foundation biological concepts.
- Conduct laboratory and field investigations to address biological questions through scientific inquiry.
- Communicate biological information and scientific evidence effectively using written and oral formats.
Apply biological processes and interactions using foundation biological concepts.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the biology program to expand their knowledge of how science impacts society through a variety of cultures.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientist (General) | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Climate Change Analyst | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Health Sciences Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Life Scientist | 6.3% | $93,750 | Learn more |
| Medical Scientist | 12.6% | $103,410 | Learn more |
| Molecular Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | Learn more |
| Scientist/Biochemist | 12.3% | $127,410 | Learn more |
| Veterinarian (Vet) | 9.4% | $130,100 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this biology degree prepares you for
This program prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers by offering course and laboratory work and quantitative research opportunities that develop fundamental problem-solving, critical thinking, writing and communication skills. Graduates may enter careers in:
- business
- laboratory or field research
- medicine
- publishing
- scientific journalism
- teaching
Undergraduate laboratory experience --- both on and off campus --- enhances employability as a laboratory technician or research associate in university and government research settings; hospital and diagnostic laboratories; and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural and food processing industries.
Graduates with experience in field studies are prepared for entry-level positions in private companies and state and federal agencies, such as wildlife biologist, environmental consultant or conservation officer. They are also prepared for graduate or doctoral programs in human or veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or scientific research.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
MNSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
