Biology Degrees

The strength of the biological sciences concentration lies in its flexibility. Students take core required courses as they begin their degree program and then go on to specialize in their fields of interest with their upper-division classes. So whether a student chooses to pursue a career in medical sciences or wildlife biology or any other specialty in the biological sciences, the degree program is individualized enough to ensure excellent preparation.

The cellular, molecular and developmental biology concentration provides a solid background in cell and molecular biology, genetics and developmental biology. Students begin by taking core required courses and then go on to specialize in their fields of interest with further upper-division coursework. This concentration prepares graduates for many career options including medicine, cell biology and biotechnology.

The concentration in ecology, evolution and organismal biology provides a solid foundation in ecology, evolution, and organismal diversity. Students begin by taking core required courses and then go on to specialize in their fields of interest with further upper-division coursework. This concentration prepares graduates for many career options including fish and wildlife biology, botany, zoology and ecology.

This concentration is for biology students wishing to teach at the secondary level. They begin their degree program by taking courses that give them an excellent background in biology and they also receive instruction in chemistry, geology and physics. This ensures that the students will perform well on all of the sections of the exam they will need to take to earn their licensure in Secondary Education in Science.

Students interested in earning a minor in biology begin by taking a number of core courses in biology. Then, to complete the minor, they choose among the many upper-division courses offered by the department.

Students wishing to earn an associate degree in science with an emphasis in biology begin by taking coursework that will give them a solid foundation in biological sciences. They then complete their two-year degree by choosing several courses from upper-division offerings in biology. If, in the future, they choose to pursue a four-year degree, the core required courses that they have taken for their associate degree will give them a head start on the bachelor's degree in biology.