Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS at Arizona State University is ideal for students who are curious about how genes, cells and biological systems influence growth, development and disease. The program combines genetics, molecular and cell biology with laboratory experience, research and internship opportunities, preparing students for careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, healthcare and further study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start with the fundamentals of biology and the physical sciences through courses such as BIO 181: General Biology I, BIO 182: General Biology II, CHM 113: General Chemistry I and CHM 116: General Chemistry II. They also develop their mathematical skills through MAT 251: Calculus for Life Sciences, creating a strong foundation for more advanced science courses.

Year 2: Students begin exploring biology in greater depth through courses such as BIO 340: General Genetics and BIO 345: Evolution, alongside chemistry and statistics courses. These subjects help students understand how genetic information is passed on, how organisms evolve and how biological processes can be studied using scientific data.

Year 3: Students move further into genetics, cellular and molecular biology with courses such as BCH 361: Principles of Biochemistry, BIO 351: Developmental Biology and BIO 353: Cell Biology. Depending on their interests, students can also explore subjects such as immunology, functional genomics and other areas that connect cellular processes with health and disease.

Year 4: The final year gives students opportunities to strengthen their laboratory and research skills through courses such as BIO 342: General Genetics Laboratory, BIO 354: Cell Biology Laboratory, BIO 357: Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory and BIO 451: Cell Biotechnology: Cell Culture, Immunocytochemistry and Bioimaging. Students can also gain real-world experience through internships, research projects, honors study and other practical opportunities such as BIO 390, BIO 484, BIO 492 and BIO 495.

Focus Areas

Genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, gene expression, biochemistry, functional genomics, immunology, genetic engineering, biotechnology, laboratory research and biological data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong scientific thinking and problem-solving skills, learn to evaluate evidence and communicate scientific ideas clearly, and gain the preparation needed for employment or further study in biological and health-related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is offered through Arizona State University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the degree is STEM-OPT extension eligible for qualifying international students. Its focus on genetics, molecular and cellular biology, laboratory work, research and internships can support career pathways in biotechnology, genomics, biomedical research, healthcare and related life-science fields.

Reputation (Employability / Official Recognition)

Students study within Arizona State University’s R1 research environment, providing opportunities to learn from researchers and become involved in active research. The program also places emphasis on laboratory learning, research and internships, helping students develop practical experience alongside their academic knowledge.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) BS at Arizona State University gives students plenty of opportunities to learn by doing, not just through lectures. Students can develop practical skills through genetics and cell biology laboratories, undergraduate research, internships and hands-on biotechnology activities, while working with techniques and approaches used in modern biological research. These experiences help students connect classroom concepts with real laboratory and professional settings:

Genetics laboratory: BIO 342: General Genetics Laboratory gives students hands-on experience applying genetics concepts through laboratory-based learning.
Cell biology laboratory: BIO 354: Cell Biology Laboratory allows students to develop practical skills related to cellular processes and experimental biology.
Cell and molecular biology: BIO 357: Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory provides further laboratory experience in areas closely connected to the program’s genetics, cell and developmental biology focus.
Cell biotechnology: BIO 451: Cell Biotechnology: Cell Culture, Immunocytochemistry and Bioimaging provides practical exposure to cell culture, immunocytochemistry and bioimaging techniques.
Undergraduate research: Through BIO 495: Undergraduate Research, students can work on research projects and gain experience with the process of conducting biological investigations.
Research computing: BIO 439: Computing for Research allows students to develop computing skills that can support biological research and data analysis.
Internships: BIO 484: Internship gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience in professional settings related to biological sciences.
Honors research: Students pursuing honors can undertake BIO 492: Honors Directed Study, providing an opportunity for more focused independent academic or research work.
Course-based research: ASU’s School of Life Sciences also provides course-based undergraduate research experiences, allowing students to participate in research projects as part of their coursework.
Research environment: Students study within ASU’s School of Life Sciences, where research covers areas including genetics, molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology and other life-science disciplines.
Practical and professional skills: Laboratory courses, research and internships help students build hands-on scientific skills while also developing problem-solving, communication, teamwork and research abilities.

Facilities and resources: Students have access to School of Life Sciences teaching and research environments that support laboratory learning and research in molecular, cellular, genetic and related biological fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology) BS gives students a strong foundation for careers in genetics, genomics, biotechnology, healthcare and biological research. Through laboratory work, research and internships, students can build the practical and scientific skills needed for employment or further study. Typical career paths include Geneticist, Genetic Counselor, Clinical Trial Manager and Medical Scientist.

Students can further develop their career opportunities through:

Career support: ASU’s School of Life Sciences provides career guidance, resume support, internship and job search assistance, interview preparation, career workshops and opportunities to connect with employers and professionals.
Career opportunities: Graduates can explore roles in genetics, biotechnology, research, clinical science, bioinformatics and healthcare. Career examples include bioinformatics analyst, cancer clinical research coordinator, cytogenetic technologist, genetic counselor and researcher.
Employment outlook and salaries: ASU lists a median salary of $98,920 for Geneticists with projected growth of 4.7%, $100,040 for Genetic Counselors with 10.4% projected growth, $167,220 for Clinical Trial Managers with 8.2% growth, and $103,410 for Medical Scientists with 12.6% growth. These figures represent career-level estimates and are not guaranteed starting salaries.
Industry and research exposure: Students can gain professional experience through the School of Life Sciences internship program, which has opportunities with organizations such as TGen, Abbott Laboratories, Genentech, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation and The Broad Institute.
Internship experience: Through BIO 484: Internship, students can gain practical experience, contribute to meaningful projects, work with current technologies and develop professional skills in real-world science-related settings.
Professional networking: Career fairs, employer events, workshops and networking opportunities help students connect with professionals and organizations in their areas of interest.
Preparation for employment: The program develops scientific reasoning, research, laboratory and communication skills, giving graduates a strong foundation for careers as well as further education.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is offered by Arizona State University, which is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The program is also STEM-OPT extension eligible for qualifying international students, providing an opportunity for eligible graduates to extend their practical training in the United States.

Further Academic Progression: Students who want to continue their education can pursue graduate or professional study in areas such as biology, genetics, biotechnology, genomics, biomedical sciences, medicine and related life-science fields. ASU also offers accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's pathways that can allow eligible students to complete both degrees in as little as five years, including pathways to the Biology (Biology and Society), MS; Biology, MS; and Computational Life Sciences, MS.