Biological Sciences, BS
Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life with a degree that offers flexible specialization options and hands-on research experiences. Work alongside faculty in research labs and develop practical skills in laboratory work, field studies and scientific communication.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
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
Biological Sciences degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences program, you study the organization and processes of life, from molecules to ecosystems. Your coursework explores genetics, evolution, ecology, physiology, zoology, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology to reveal how living systems develop, adapt and interact with their environments. Through lectures, laboratory work and research opportunities, you build skills in critical thinking and scientific communication.
You may pursue the general degree or select from concentrations in biology and society; biomedical sciences; conservation biology and ecology; genetics, cell and developmental biology; or neurobiology, physiology and behavior. The general degree offers flexibility to explore multiple disciplines or tailor coursework to your individual interests.
This program is also available as an accelerated degree option. If you're considering concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you should consult The College's website for additional details and requirements.
Why study biological sciences at ASU?
You'll benefit from faculty expertise and modern research facilities at a nationally recognized R1 research university. ASU's biological sciences program connects you with abundant undergraduate research opportunities where you can contribute to active scientific discovery.
Arizona's unique ecological resources provide a living laboratory for your studies. You'll access field sites and research programs that bring biological concepts to life while building skills that employers and graduate programs value.
The program offers flexible career-focused pathways aligned with your interests. You can choose coursework in areas such as pre-health preparation, biotechnology, ecology, genetics, conservation or biomedical research to prepare for your specific goals.
Additional details
You can join research programs through the School of Life Sciences to gain experience in areas such as genetics studies, evolutionary biology, microbiology and ecosystem science.
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 340 General Genetics |
| BIO 345 Evolution |
| MAT 117 College Algebra |
| CHM 113 General Chemistry I |
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.
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.
Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations. 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.
Professional health education is competitive. Less than 50% of students who apply to medical schools are admitted; the numbers vary for other health-related fields. Medical and professional school admission officers increasingly focus on students with dedication to community service, so engaging in community activities and research abroad helps any student who intends to pursue a health career to create a diverse, accomplished portfolio that can give them an advantage over the competition.
Study abroad students experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. Global Education programs enable students to develop a valuable skill set by exposing them to different health environments and expanding their knowledge of culturally specific health approaches.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences.
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 Sciences Professor | 7.3% | $84,620 | Learn more |
| Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Clinical Trial Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Dentist | 5.7% | $170,950 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 24.2% | $123,860 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | 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 biological sciences degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for careers in diverse STEM fields, including environmental management, education, government and industry. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study and professional programs in biological and health sciences, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and law.
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 Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
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.
