Biological Sciences ,BS
Animals, Biology, Biotechnology, Conservation, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Ocean, Plants, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical, genomics, life sciences, molecular, pre-health, premedlist
Explore the diversity of living systems and the connections that sustain life. Develop analytical skills and laboratory experience while examining how biological systems function, evolve and interact. Gain a foundation in modern biology that prepares you for a variety of careers.
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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This video provides an overview of the Biological Sciences degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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.
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.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
7.3%
|
$84,620
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$170,950
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
-1.6%
|
$72,040
|
|
|
23.2%
|
$123,860
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$140,910
|
|
|
9.6%
|
$130,100
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
Program term definitions
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.
