Biology, Minor
Want to broaden your science background? This program introduces you to the study of life and its connection to other sciences, giving you versatile skills that complement any major and expand your career options.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Biology minor description
The biology minor program provides you with a strong foundation in the life sciences, complementing a wide variety of majors. Coursework emphasizes the study of living systems at multiple levels, from molecular and cellular processes to ecological and environmental dynamics. The program enhances your critical thinking, problem-solving and scientific reasoning skills while highlighting the relevance of biology to contemporary issues such as health, sustainability and conservation. When paired with majors outside the sciences, the biology minor creates valuable interdisciplinary pathways. For example, if you are majoring in political science, you may use the combination to prepare for careers in environmental law, while if you are in psychology, you may apply your biological training to studies in neuroscience or health care. This minor is a versatile addition to many academic programs, enriching both your professional preparation and intellectual exploration.
Why earn a biology minor at ASU?
In the biology minor, you choose from a broad set of upper-division electives spanning conservation biology, toxicology, microbiology, animal behavior, biochemistry and genetics. Many courses build in hands-on laboratory experiences and applied scientific techniques. Learn through personalized instruction and direct engagement with faculty, all supported by the resources of a top-tier research university.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 19 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in biology consists of 19 credit hours of coursework, of which 11 hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Credit hours may not be shared between major and minor requirements. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the minor must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better. |
||
|
BIO 182 General Biology II
(SCIT)
4 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
CHM 116 General Chemistry II
(SCIT)
4 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
Complete one of the above course pairs.
4 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
Upper Division
BCH Elective
Upper Division
BIO Elective
Upper Division
ENV Elective
Upper Division
FOR Elective
Upper Division
LSC Elective
Upper Division
MIC Elective
Upper Division
PLB Elective
Upper Division
PTX Elective
Courses must have BIO 182 as a prerequisite in order to count toward the Upper Division Biology Electives requirement. Special topics courses (394/494) may be applicable with prior approval. Up to three credit hours of experiential learning (388, 484, 486, 492, 493, 495, 499) may be applied toward this requirement. Seek academic advising prior to enrollment.
7 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 7 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BA and BS in biology (including all concentrations); BA and BS in environmental science (including all concentrations); BS in biotechnology and bioenterprise; BS in forensic science; BS in pharmacology and toxicology
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
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.
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Careers this biology minor prepares you for
Graduates who have completed this minor program along their major have numerous professional options. They are prepared to pursue graduate studies or seek careers in such diverse areas as environmental management and conservation, health professions, laboratory research, primary and secondary school teaching, science advisement to businesses and government, and science writing.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
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.
