Bachelors in Biological Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northwestern University

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences Major at Northwestern University gives students a strong understanding of life and how biological systems work, from molecules and cells to organisms, ecosystems, and human health. It is a great choice for students interested in medicine, research, biotechnology, or other biology-related careers, with opportunities to explore specialist areas and gain practical experience through laboratory work and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by building the scientific foundation needed for further study in biology, with subjects such as General Chemistry, Calculus, Statistics, and BIOL_SCI 201-0 Molecular Biology. These courses help students develop an understanding of biological processes while strengthening their chemistry, mathematics, and quantitative skills.

Year 2: Students move into important areas of modern biology through courses such as BIOL_SCI 202-0 Cell Biology and BIOL_SCI 203-0 Genetics and Evolution. Alongside classroom learning, BIOL_SCI 232-0 Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory and BIOL_SCI 233-0 Genetics and Molecular Processes Laboratory give students practical experience with biological experiments and laboratory techniques.

Year 3: Students develop more advanced laboratory and biochemical skills through courses such as BIOL_SCI 234-0 Investigative Laboratory and BIOL_SCI 301-0 Principles of Biochemistry. They can also begin focusing their studies on areas such as Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Health and Disease, or Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology.

Year 4: In their final year, students take advanced biology courses and electives that allow them to build deeper knowledge in their chosen area. Options include subjects such as Biochemistry and Biophysics, Computational and Systems Biology, Molecular Neurobiology, and Interdisciplinary Biology, giving students the flexibility to shape their studies around their future career or academic goals.

Focus Areas

Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Health and Disease, Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Computational and Systems Biology, Molecular Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Biology

Learning Outcomes

Develop a strong understanding of biological principles, build knowledge in specialized areas of modern biology, understand how biological experiments are designed and conducted, develop laboratory and research skills, evaluate scientific evidence and experimental results, apply quantitative and statistical approaches to biological questions, develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, understand molecular and cellular processes, apply biological knowledge to research and real-world challenges, prepare for careers and further study in biology and related fields

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biological Sciences Major is offered through Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and is an academic biology program rather than a professionally accredited engineering program. The curriculum provides a strong academic and practical foundation for students interested in research, medicine, biotechnology, postgraduate study, and professional schools.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Northwestern's Biological Sciences program combines broad biological training with opportunities for specialization, laboratory learning, independent research, and academic advising. Students can gain experience in modern areas of biological science and prepare for a wide range of postgraduate and professional pathways, including medicine, research, biotechnology, and other science-related careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biological Sciences Major at Northwestern University gives students plenty of opportunities to move beyond textbooks and gain practical experience in the laboratory and through research. Students learn how to conduct experiments, analyze results, work with modern biological techniques, and explore real scientific questions while being guided by faculty and researchers. The program also provides access to research environments and advanced facilities across Northwestern, helping students build skills that are useful for careers in biology, medicine, biotechnology, and scientific research.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory (BIOL_SCI 232): Students gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques while exploring molecular and cellular processes through biological experiments.
Genetics and Molecular Processes Laboratory (BIOL_SCI 233): This laboratory gives students practical experience investigating genetics and molecular biology and helps them understand how experimental approaches are used to answer biological questions.
Investigative Laboratory (BIOL_SCI 234): Students work with more open-ended investigations rather than simply following fixed procedures, giving them experience in designing experiments, analyzing evidence, and drawing scientific conclusions.
Independent Research (BIOL_SCI 398 and BIOL_SCI 399): Students can work directly with faculty on research projects and develop experience in planning experiments, collecting and interpreting data, reading scientific literature, and communicating research findings.
Faculty Research Laboratories: Students can pursue research opportunities across areas such as Molecular Biosciences, Neurobiology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and the Feinberg School of Medicine, allowing them to explore different areas of modern biological science.
Off-Campus Research Opportunities: Research can also extend beyond Northwestern's campus, with opportunities connected to institutions such as the Field Museum of Natural History and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Science Research Workshop: Students can learn more about conducting research, identifying research opportunities, and working with faculty mentors as they develop their scientific interests.
Research Track: Students interested in a stronger research focus can follow the Biological Sciences research track, which emphasizes primary scientific literature, research methods, and the reasoning behind biological discoveries.
Advanced Research Facilities: Students involved in research can benefit from facilities such as the Biological Imaging Facility and the Center for Advanced Microscopy, which provide access to sophisticated imaging and analysis technologies.
High Throughput Analysis: Northwestern's High Throughput Analysis Lab provides advanced capabilities for automated biological analysis, including micro- and nanoliter liquid handling, microbial culture, fluorescence microscopy, and other research applications.
Research Funding: Students may apply for undergraduate research funding, including Northwestern Undergraduate Research Grants, Weinberg College Research Grants, and Biological Sciences Research Grants, helping them pursue independent research projects.
Research Recognition: Outstanding undergraduate research can also be recognized through Biological Sciences research prizes, giving students an opportunity to showcase their achievements in scientific investigation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Biological Sciences degree from Northwestern University gives students a strong foundation for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other life-science fields. It can lead to roles such as Research Technician, Clinical Research Coordinator, Microbiology Analyst, and Medical Scribe, while also providing a strong starting point for students who want to continue into medical school, graduate study, or other professional programs.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through several opportunities at Northwestern:

Career support: Northwestern Career Advancement offers career advising, job-search resources, employer events, career fairs, and opportunities to connect with professionals. Students can also benefit from alumni networking and mentoring as they explore career options and prepare for employment.
Employment and salary outcomes: Northwestern's Class of 2025 university-wide outcomes report shows that 72% of graduates were employed six months after graduation. Among graduates who reported full-time starting salaries, the overall average was $85,044. The average reported salary was $57,214 in biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals and $51,314 in research and science. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to Biological Sciences graduates.
Research and industry exposure: Students can gain experience through research in areas such as biomedical science, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, genetic testing, environmental science, and public health. Career pathways connected with the major include opportunities in organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.
Research funding: Students interested in gaining deeper research experience can apply for Northwestern and Biological Sciences research funding. Biological Sciences summer research grants can provide between $1,750 and $3,500, helping students dedicate time to independent research projects.
Graduation outcomes: Biological Sciences graduates can move into clinical research, laboratory research, healthcare, biotechnology, medical services, genetic counseling, dentistry, pharmacy, and other science-related areas. Others use the degree as preparation for advanced study and professional schools.
Long-term value: Biological Sciences is an academic major rather than a professionally accredited program such as an engineering degree. Its long-term value comes from the strong scientific foundation, laboratory and research experience, specialized biology knowledge, and preparation it provides for graduate and professional education.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Biological Sciences Major, students can continue their education through medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, veterinary medicine, genetic counseling master's programs, master's degrees, PhD programs, MD/PhD programs, and other postgraduate programs in health and life sciences. This makes the degree a strong option for students who want to build a career in advanced scientific research, healthcare, medicine, biotechnology, or academia.