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The B.S. in Biological Sciences at Arizona State University gives students a broad understanding of life, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems, while allowing them to explore areas such as biotechnology, genetics, ecology, conservation and biomedical science. It is a good choice for students who want a flexible biology degree with laboratory, research and field-based learning that can prepare them for careers or further study in biological and health sciences.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students start by building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Courses such as BIO 181 General Biology I, BIO 182 General Biology II, CHM 113 General Chemistry I and mathematics courses such as MAT 117 College Algebra, MAT 170 Precalculus or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences introduce the core scientific concepts needed for later study.
Year 2: Students move into more advanced biological and chemical concepts and begin developing a deeper understanding of how living systems work. Coursework can include BIO 340 General Genetics, BIO 345 Evolution, CHM 116 General Chemistry II, CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry and STP 231 Statistics for Life Science, helping students strengthen their analytical and scientific skills.
Year 3: Students can start focusing more closely on the areas of biology that match their interests, including ecology, conservation, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology and organismal biology. Courses may include BIO 320 Fundamentals of Ecology, BIO 353 Cell Biology, BIO 343/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society, BIO 440 Functional Genomics and BIO 467 Neurobiology, alongside laboratory-based learning.
Year 4: In the final year, students can take advanced courses and research-focused options that allow them to build deeper expertise in their chosen area. Options include BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology: Cell Culture, Immunocytochemistry and Bioimaging, BIO 415 Statistical Models for Biology, BIO 435 Research Techniques in Animal Behavior, BIO 495 Undergraduate Research and MIC 421 Experimental Immunology, helping students prepare for employment, graduate school or professional programs.
Focus Areas
Genetics, evolution, ecology, conservation biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, physiology, zoology, biotechnology, biomedical research, pre-health preparation, scientific research, organismal biology, biological data and environmental science.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop scientific reasoning, learn to analyze evidence and develop scientific explanations, and gain the ability to communicate biological concepts clearly using appropriate scientific evidence. The program also provides preparation for employment as well as graduate and professional study in biological and health-related fields.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The program is offered through Arizona State University, a nationally recognized research university, and is identified as STEM-OPT extension eligible. This can provide eligible international students with an opportunity to extend their U.S. work experience after completing the degree.
Reputation (Employability)
Students study within ASU's strong research environment and can benefit from opportunities to participate in scientific research across areas such as genetics, evolutionary biology, microbiology and ecosystem science. The university's research-focused environment and Arizona's diverse ecosystems also provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with laboratory and field-based experiences.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences at Arizona State University gives students opportunities to put biological concepts into practice through laboratory work, faculty-led research and field experiences. Students can explore areas such as genetics, evolution, microbiology, ecology and cell biology while developing practical laboratory, research and scientific communication skills. ASU's School of Life Sciences also provides access to modern research facilities and active research programs, allowing students to connect what they learn in class with real scientific work.
Students can build practical experience through:
Faculty-led research: Students can join research programs through the School of Life Sciences and work in areas such as genetics, evolutionary biology, microbiology and ecosystem science.
Undergraduate research: Courses such as BIO 495 Undergraduate Research, MBB 495 Undergraduate Research and MIC 495 Undergraduate Research provide opportunities to work on research projects under faculty guidance.
Laboratory-based learning: Students can develop hands-on laboratory skills through courses such as BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory, BIO 321 Introductory Ecology Laboratory, BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory, BIO 354 Cell Biology Laboratory and BIO 357 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory.
Cell culture and bioimaging: BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology: Cell Culture, Immunocytochemistry and Bioimaging provides practical experience with techniques used to investigate cells and biological processes.
Genetic engineering: BIO 343/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society gives students the opportunity to explore genetic engineering while considering its scientific and societal applications.
Biological data analysis: Students can develop quantitative skills through courses such as BIO 415 Statistical Models for Biology, helping them use data to investigate biological questions.
Research techniques: BIO 435 Research Techniques in Animal Behavior gives students focused experience in designing and carrying out research related to animal behavior.
Field and organism-based learning: Courses such as BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology, BIO 385 Comparative Invertebrate Zoology, BIO 386 General Entomology, BIO 471 Ornithology and BIO 474 Herpetology allow students to study organisms and biological systems through specialized coursework.
Internship and professional experience: Depending on their interests, students can gain practical exposure through opportunities such as BIO 390 Medical/Dental Field Placement and BIO 484/MIC 484 Internship.
Honors research: Students pursuing honors can undertake more focused research through BIO 492/MBB 492/MIC 492 Honors Directed Study, working with faculty on an area of academic interest.
Arizona as a living laboratory: ASU highlights Arizona's diverse ecological resources as an important part of the learning environment. Students can use field sites and research programs to connect biological concepts with real ecosystems and environmental conditions.
Research and Learning Environment:
Students study within ASU's School of Life Sciences and can connect their coursework with active research across genetics, evolution, microbiology, ecosystem science and other areas of biology. The combination of laboratory courses, faculty research, field experiences and internship opportunities gives students several ways to gain practical experience during their degree.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences at Arizona State University gives graduates a flexible foundation for careers across science, healthcare, environmental management, education, government and industry. The degree also prepares students for advanced study and professional programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and law.
Typical career paths include Biologist, Clinical Trial Manager, Environmental Protection Specialist and Medical and Health Services Manager. Depending on their interests and further qualifications, graduates can also move toward teaching, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health or science-related careers.
Students can build their career and future through several opportunities:
Research experience: Students can take part in research through ASU's School of Life Sciences, with opportunities to explore areas such as genetics, evolutionary biology, microbiology and ecosystem science. This experience can be particularly valuable for students considering research careers or postgraduate study.
Career preparation: The program develops scientific thinking, evidence-based analysis and scientific communication skills. These skills can support both employment and applications to graduate or professional programs.
Employment and salary outlook: ASU lists a median salary of $98,920 for Biologists, $167,220 for Clinical Trial Managers, $82,220 for Environmental Protection Specialists and $123,860 for Medical and Health Services Managers. ASU notes that these figures are not necessarily entry-level salaries and can vary based on experience and location.
Wide range of career sectors: Graduates are prepared for opportunities in environmental management, education, government and industry, giving students flexibility to move into different areas as their interests develop.
Health and professional pathways: The degree provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Some of these careers require additional degrees, certifications or professional licensure.
Accreditation value: ASU's undergraduate programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This institutional accreditation confirms that the university meets established academic standards and supports the recognition of the degree by employers and graduate schools.
STEM-OPT opportunity: The program is STEM-OPT extension eligible. Eligible international students in F-1 status may be able to extend their U.S. work experience by an additional 24 months after completing their standard OPT period. This benefit does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
Graduation outcomes: ASU states that the program prepares students for both employment and graduate or professional degree programs. Students graduate with a broad biological sciences foundation that can support different STEM, environmental and health-related directions.
Further Academic Progression:
Students who want to continue their education can move into master's, doctoral or professional programs related to biological and health sciences. ASU offers accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's options for eligible high-achieving students, allowing them to complete a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
Current accelerated options include Biology (Biology and Society), MS, Biology, MS, and Computational Life Sciences, MS. Students interested in healthcare can also use the biological sciences degree as a foundation for professional education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine.
Applicants must complete the required course competencies: 4 years of mathematics, 4 years of English (non-ESL/ELL), 3 years of laboratory sciences, 2 years of social sciences including 1 year of American history, 2 years of the same second language, and 1 year of fine arts or career and technical education.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following admission criteria: rank in the top 25% of their high school graduating class, have a 3.00 unweighted GPA in competency courses, achieve an ACT score of 22 (24 for nonresidents), or achieve an SAT score of 1120 (1180 for nonresidents).
Application Portal: ASU Application for Admission or Common Application; Test Scores: ACT/SAT optional; Transcripts: Official transcripts and examination results must be sent directly from the school or examination board to ASU. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Biological Sciences ProfessorBiologistClinical Trial ManagerDentistEnvironmental Protection SpecialistHigh School TeacherMedical and Health Services ManagerPharmacistVeterinarianEnvironmental Management ProfessionalBiological ResearcherBiotechnology Professional
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