Biology - BS, BA

College of Science

About This Degree

Biology is the study of living organisms and life, and their origin, structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. There are many specialty areas that students can major in within biology. Biologists can find careers in research, healthcare, teaching, science writing, administration and management, government, and industry. Studying biology teaches students to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems.

What You Will Learn

The Biology Department offers courses that fulfill the majority of graduate program prerequisites for students hoping to go on to health professions careers following their undergraduate degree. Students who receive health professions advising from USU can be in any major.USU medical school and dental school applicants have a consistently high acceptance rate. USU’s health profession students have the opportunity to receive advanced education in human anatomy and physiology, and the human dissection course offered by the department gives students hands-on preparation not available at most other universities.

Biology majors at USU have the unique opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects. Faculty is also involved in multiple USTAR (Utah Science Technology and Research) groups and in national and international collaborative research efforts.

Students will receive a by completing all required courses in their major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Emphases:

Biology:

This emphasis is a flexible option for students wishing to customize their education in biology. Students choose electives and conduct research in a variety of different topics, such as botany, entomology, biotechnology, synthetic biology, neurobiology, physiology, toxicology, microbiology, virology, herpetology, mammalogy, ornithology, behavioral biology, and more.

Cellular/Molecular:

This emphasis deals with the formation, structure, and function of macromolecules essential to life, such as nucleic acids and proteins. It also deals with cellular and developmental biology.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology:

This emphasis focuses on both ecology, the branch of biology dealing with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment, and biodiversity, the varieties of life on earth at all its levels and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it.

Human Biology:

This emphasis is designed to fulfill the academic course requirements for entrance to most medical or dental schools in the United States and Canada.

REQUEST INFORMATION
ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Science

Department: Biology Department

USU Locations:

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Most biology majors continue on to graduate or professional schools and pursue the following careers:

  • Professor at a college and university biology
  • Genetic councilor
  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Pharmacist
  • Medical technologist
  • Physical therapist
  • Research scientist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Physiologist

Students with a bachelor’s degree in biology can puruse the following careers:

  • Research and development for pharmaceutical companies
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Environmental educator
  • Research technician

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

Schedule an Appointment

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the biology program has additional requirements:

  • First-Year students:First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Student: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.25 transfer GPA for admission to this major.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Take The Next Step

Visit Campus

Schedule a campus tour and come see what it's all about.

Cost and Aid

Learn about tuition, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

How to Apply

Start your degree path and apply now.

You May Also Be Interested In

Biochemistry

Study chemical processes in living organisms by working with the structures and functions of cellular components, whether you focus more on the biological life sciences or you prefer the mathematical components of science-engineering.

BS

Biological Engineering

Explore fundamental knowledge and conduct world-changing research — at a top undergraduate research institution — that combines science and engineering to solve problems that affect medicine, food, the environment, and more.

BS

Chemistry

Master the study of chemistry — matter, its properties, and interactions — complete with opportunities to conduct undergraduate research in chemistry with experts in the field as you prepare for graduate school or careers in research.

BA, BS

Public Health

Identify the unique intersections of public health with other factors, such as occupational and environmental, as you prepare for medical or dental school or community education careers at one of the oldest programs of its kind in the nation.

BS