Applied Biological Sciences (Applied Biological Sciences) ,BS
Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Physician Assistant, Plants, Public Health, Zoology, animal, approved for STEM-OPT extension, predental, premed
Are you interested in pre-med, pre-dental or other professional programs related to human health? Would you like to apply biology knowledge and lab skills to solve challenges and innovate? An applied biology major is great for making the cross-discipline connections you'll use in careers or advanced degrees.
The BS program in applied biological sciences offers students solid foundations in biology and related sciences while allowing them to focus on an area of special interest.
Students learn about fundamental principles such as movement of energy and matter, exchange of genetic information, as well as the structure and function of relationships that govern life processes. They also learn about ethical and policy challenges that can arise when applying biological principles to social issues.
In this program, students contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:
- case studies
- faculty-guided research and service-learning projects
- field trips
- hands-on laboratories and field experience
- internships
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:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
-
Location:
Polytechnic
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math intensity:
Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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 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.
With more than 300 programs available in more than 65 countries, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their educational experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Those in applied biological sciences are able to expand their knowledge of how science impacts society in a variety of cultures, and they can acquire a global perspective, preparing them to lead in a future-focused career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs.
Graduates may pursue entry-level careers in wildlife and restoration ecology, urban horticulture and secondary education. The general program in applied biological sciences prepares graduates to succeed in graduate and professional schools in disciplines such as:
- biological research
- dentistry
- environmental biotechnology
- human health
- medicine
- physical therapy
- secondary education
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
5.1%
|
$99,550
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$155,040
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$211,300
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$83,930
|
|
|
9.8%
|
$99,930
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$81,990
|
|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
