Biological Sciences (BS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

North Carolina State University Raleigh

Program Overview

NC State’s Biological Sciences (BS) gives students a strong and flexible foundation in the life sciences, covering areas such as genetics, microbiology, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and biotechnology. Students can follow the general biology pathway or choose a specialized concentration based on their interests, making the degree a good fit for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and further postgraduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and scientific thinking. Courses such as LSC 101 Critical and Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences, BIO 181 Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity, and BIO 183 Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology introduce students to key biological concepts while CH 101 Chemistry – A Molecular Science and CH 102 General Chemistry Laboratory develop their chemistry and laboratory skills.

Year 2: Students move into more detailed areas of biological and chemical science and begin developing a deeper understanding of how biological systems work. Courses such as BIO 270 Introduction to Evolution, CH 223 Organic Chemistry II, and CH 224 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory help students strengthen their knowledge while preparing them for more advanced biological study.

Year 3: Students explore genetics, microbiology, physiology, and other areas that connect biological theory with real-world applications. Courses including MB 351 General Microbiology and GN 311 Principles of Genetics build specialist knowledge, while learning experiences such as BIO 269 Research in the Life Sciences II: Guided Research, BSC 492 Professional Experience, BSC 493 Research Experience, and BSC 494 Teaching Experience allow students to gain practical experience.

Year 4: In the final year, students have greater flexibility to focus on areas that match their academic and career goals through advanced life-science, STEM, laboratory, and research electives. Depending on their interests, they can explore subjects such as BIO 416 Cancer Cell Biology, GN 451 Genome Science, BIT 476 Applied Bioinformatics, MB 411 Medical Microbiology, and MB 441 Immunology.

Focus Areas

Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology, Human Biology, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, physiology, evolutionary biology, ecology, biomedical sciences, laboratory research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a broad understanding of biological systems, from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, and ecosystems. They build practical skills in genetics, microbiology, physiology, chemistry, quantitative science, laboratory research, and scientific problem-solving, while gaining opportunities to apply their knowledge through research, professional experiences, teaching, and advanced laboratory work.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biological Sciences BS is offered through NC State’s Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Sciences. NC State is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), while the Biological Sciences BS does not have a separate professional accreditation such as ABET.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

NC State provides graduate outcome and employment information that helps students understand career and further-study opportunities after completing their degrees. According to NC State’s published salary information, the national average bachelor’s-level salary for Biological Sciences was $47,839, based on the NACE Summer 2024 salary survey.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biological Sciences (BS) at NC State gives students plenty of opportunities to turn what they learn in class into practical experience. Students can take part in faculty-guided research, laboratory courses, internships, professional experiences, teaching opportunities, and research-based courses, helping them develop hands-on skills in areas such as genetics, microbiology, cell biology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Undergraduate researchers can also work in advanced biological research facilities under appropriate faculty supervision, giving them the chance to experience a real research environment while completing their degree.

Students can build practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-guided research through courses such as BIO 269 Research in the Life Sciences II: Guided Research and BSC 493 Research Experience, allowing them to investigate real biological questions and develop research skills.
Research-based laboratory courses: Students can choose advanced laboratory opportunities such as BIO 418 Cell Biology Research Lab, BIT 465 Real-time PCR Techniques, BIT 466 Animal Cell Culture Techniques, BIT 467 PCR and DNA Fingerprinting, BIT 476 Applied Bioinformatics, BIT 477 Metagenomics, MB 412 Medical Microbiology Laboratory, and GN 425 Advanced Genetics Laboratory.
Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences: NC State’s CURE courses allow students to work on research questions for which the answers are not already known. Depending on the course, students can gain experience with experimental design, bioinformatics, data analysis, troubleshooting, and scientific communication.
Internships and professional experience: Students can undertake paid or volunteer internships and other professional experiences related to their academic interests. These opportunities help them apply biological knowledge in professional settings while developing technical and workplace skills.
Teaching experience: Through BSC 494 Teaching Experience, students can gain practical experience supporting undergraduate teaching in biological sciences or related departments.
Bioinformatics and computational learning: Students can explore computational approaches to biology through BIT 476 Applied Bioinformatics and related research opportunities. NC State’s Bioinformatics Research Center provides an environment focused on extracting useful information from biological data and applying it to areas such as human health, food security, and bioenergy.
Genetics and microbiology research facilities: Thomas Hall houses laboratories used by genetics and microbiology researchers, giving students involved in research access to a professional scientific environment.
Biological sciences laboratories: David Clark Labs contains numerous Biological Sciences laboratories and research spaces where students can gain experience through laboratory courses and faculty-led research.
Advanced research facilities: The department provides access to advanced biological research facilities and cutting-edge laboratories. These facilities are available for undergraduate research when students are working with appropriate faculty supervision.
Bioinformatics facilities: Ricks Hall houses the Bioinformatics Research Center, supporting research and learning involving biological data and computational approaches.
Centennial Campus research environment: The Toxicology Building is located on NC State’s Centennial Campus, an advanced technology community that brings together university, industry, and government partners, providing an environment connected to research and technological development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biological Sciences (BS) at NC State gives graduates a flexible foundation for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, government, education, and private industry. The program also prepares students for further study, with graduates able to progress into advanced life-science degrees as well as professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related fields.

Typical career roles include: Biological Researcher, Laboratory Technician, Biotechnology Professional, Environmental Scientist

Students can strengthen their career prospects and prepare for life after graduation through:

Career Development support: NC State’s Career Development Center helps students find internships, co-op opportunities, and professional experiences. The Biological Sciences department also provides resources and shares relevant opportunities to help students gain experience before graduation.
Academic and professional advising: Biological Sciences advisers help students plan their degree, explore career interests, connect with campus resources, and identify opportunities outside the classroom. Advisers can also help students plan for graduate or professional school.
Internships and professional experience: Through internships and paid or volunteer professional experiences, students can apply what they have learned in class to real-world settings, develop technical and professional skills, explore career options, and improve their employment prospects.
Employment and salary: NC State reports a $47,839 national average bachelor’s-level salary for Biological Sciences, based on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Summer 2024 salary survey.
Research opportunities: Students can participate in undergraduate research and work with faculty across different areas of biological science. These experiences can help students build research skills and create a strong foundation for graduate study or research-oriented careers.
Healthcare preparation: Students following the Human Biology concentration can complete prerequisites relevant to health professional programs. With support from Health Professions Advising, graduates can prepare for further study in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacology, and other health-related fields.
Industry opportunities: The Biological Sciences BS can prepare graduates for employment across government agencies and private industries, particularly in areas connected with biology, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and scientific research.
Graduate and professional outcomes: NC State notes that Biological Sciences graduates continue into advanced degrees in areas such as cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, ecology, and other life-science disciplines, while others progress into medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and related professional programs.
High-impact experiences: Students can take part in research and other high-impact experiences that strengthen practical skills and provide exposure to professional scientific environments. These experiences can help students build confidence, develop professional networks, and make more informed decisions about their future careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biological Sciences BS, students can continue into master’s or doctoral study in areas such as biology, cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, and other life-science fields. Students interested in healthcare can also use their undergraduate preparation to apply to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacology, and other health-related disciplines.