Bachelor's of Science in Biology: Environmental Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Oklahoma State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology: Environmental Biology at Oklahoma State University combines broad biological science training with focused study of environmental systems, preparing students to understand organisms and their interactions with ecosystems and the natural environment. Students study animal, plant and microbial biology alongside genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, environmental biology, conservation, toxicology, natural resources, and other environmental subjects, making the program suitable for students interested in environmental science, conservation, ecology, research, or graduate and professional study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with BIOL 1113/BIOL 1111 Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology Laboratory, building their foundation in biological science through classroom and laboratory study. The first year also introduces quantitative preparation through MATH 1813 Preparation for Calculus, alongside CHEM 1314 Chemistry I and PBIO 1404 Plant Biology, establishing the scientific foundation for later environmental biology coursework.

Year 2: The second year expands students' understanding of living organisms through BIOL 1604 Animal Biology and strengthens their chemistry background through CHEM 1515 Chemistry II and CHEM 3053 Organic Chemistry I or the equivalent Survey of Organic Chemistry sequence. Students also take MICR 2123 Introduction to Microbiology and MICR 2132 Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory, developing knowledge of microorganisms and practical laboratory skills.

Year 3: Students move into the environmental focus with BIOL 3034 General Ecology, BIOL 3163 Environmental Biology, and MICR 3033 Cell and Molecular Biology, connecting biological processes with organisms and their environments. The curriculum also includes Physiology and Physiology Lab or the plant physiology sequence, together with physics and supplemental environmental subjects that allow students to explore areas such as conservation, climate, natural resources, or environmental change.

Year 4: The final year develops advanced understanding of biological processes through BIOL 3023 General Genetics and BIOL 4133 Evolution, while students complete additional major, supplemental, and elective coursework. Students can tailor the environmental emphasis through subjects such as Principles of Conservation Biology, Disease Ecology, Environmental Physiology, Organismal Ecotoxicology, Limnology, Restoration Ecology, Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality, Wildlife Management Techniques, Remote Sensing, Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future, and Biogeography, Biodiversity, and Humankind.

Focus areas: Environmental biology, ecology, conservation biology, genetics, evolution, microbiology, plant biology, animal biology, physiology, environmental physiology, ecotoxicology, toxicology, limnology, natural-resource conservation, watershed hydrology, wildlife management, climate change, biogeography, biodiversity, and environmental change.

Learning outcomes: Students develop a broad foundation across animal, plant, microbial, genetic, ecological, physiological, and evolutionary biology while gaining specialized knowledge relevant to organisms and their environments. The program is designed to support biology-related employment as well as admission to graduate and professional schools.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Institutional accreditation: Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) at its highest accreditation level, under the Open Pathway; the university's official accreditation listing does not identify a separate specialized accreditation for the Biology: Environmental Biology BS.

Reputation (employability rankings): Official employability ranking: Oklahoma State University's official program and catalog sources reviewed for this program do not state a specific QS, Guardian, or other employability ranking for the Biology: Environmental Biology BS, so no ranking is assigned here.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Biology: Environmental Biology at Oklahoma State University combines biological science with practical study of organisms, ecosystems, environmental impacts, and ecological processes. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, fieldwork, independent research, and projects involving organisms and ecological systems, with opportunities to study subjects such as invertebrates, fish, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental quality. The program specifically connects students with OSU’s research infrastructure, including the Ecotoxicology and Water Quality Research Laboratory and the university’s extensive natural-resource facilities.

Students can build practical environmental biology skills through these program-related opportunities:

Environmental biology coursework: The curriculum includes BIOL 3163 Environmental Biology, covering how organisms are influenced by their environments and how human activities affect environmental systems, including energy and material cycles, toxicological disease, and infectious disease.
Ecology and fieldwork: Students study General Ecology and gain practical exposure to ecological systems and organisms; OSU specifically highlights fieldwork involving monarch butterflies, collared lizards, bluebirds, and Daphnia.
Ecotoxicology and Water Quality Research Laboratory: The EWQRL provides undergraduate research opportunities involving aquatic monitoring in riverine, wetland, and reservoir systems, including invertebrate and fish surveys, zebra mussel monitoring, wetland delineation, and toxicity assessments.
Specialized laboratory equipment: The EWQRL includes a fathead minnow rearing room, temperature- and light-controlled environmental chambers, wet chemistry laboratory, computer laboratory, compound and dissecting microscopes, and digital imaging capabilities.
Undergraduate research: OSU biology students can participate in research involving fieldwork, laboratory assays and trials, data analysis, poster and oral presentations, and publications. Depending on the research project, students can progress from assisting with existing projects to developing independent research projects.
OSU Collection of Vertebrates: The Collection of Vertebrates, housed in Life Sciences West, gives students access to extensive biological specimen collections covering fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and frozen tissues, supporting taxonomic and biodiversity-related study.
Natural-resource research laboratories: OSU’s Natural Resource Ecology & Management facilities include the Ecohydrology & Ecosystem Sciences Lab, Freshwater Community Ecology Lab, and Lonsinger Wildlife Ecology & Management Lab, supporting research and teaching in ecosystems, freshwater conservation, wildlife ecology, and related environmental fields.
Field and research facilities: OSU Ag Research operates more than 40 facilities, including research stations, controlled-environment laboratories, wildlife and natural-resource facilities, and the Oklahoma Water Resources Center, providing additional resources relevant to environmental and ecological study.
Biology Learning Resources Center: The Biology Learning Resources Center in Life Sciences West provides computer tutorials, sample tests and papers, experiments, Teaching Assistant support, and study-group space for life-science students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biology: Environmental Biology at Oklahoma State University prepares students to apply biological science to environmental and ecological challenges, with a foundation that can lead to careers in environmental assessment, conservation, natural-resource management, and biological research. Graduates can pursue roles such as environmental scientist, wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, or biological technician, while the degree also provides preparation for graduate and professional study.

Career and Employment Opportunities:

Career services: Oklahoma State University’s Career Services provides career advising, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, Handshake job and internship opportunities, and connections with employers to support students in moving from their degree into employment.
Typical roles: Environmental scientist, wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, and biological technician are relevant career directions for graduates with environmental biology training.
Employment and salary information: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $80,060 for environmental scientists and specialists and $72,860 for zoologists and wildlife biologists in May 2024; these figures represent the occupations nationally rather than Oklahoma State University graduates specifically.
University–industry and agency connections: OSU’s environmental and natural-resource education connects students with applied research and professional activities involving areas such as wildlife, fisheries, rangelands, forestry, water resources, and environmental science, creating opportunities to develop experience relevant to government agencies, conservation organizations, and environmental employers.
Long-term accreditation value: Oklahoma State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, providing recognized institutional quality for students pursuing employment or further education after graduation.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter environmental and biological careers or use the undergraduate degree as preparation for advanced study in biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife management, and related disciplines.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biology: Environmental Biology, students can continue into graduate study in biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife ecology, natural-resource management, or related fields. The degree can also provide a foundation for professional programs and advanced qualifications where additional prerequisite coursework is required.