Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Biosciences and a Major Concentration in Integrative Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Rice University

Program Overview

Rice University’s Bachelor of Arts in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology is a great option for students who want to understand biology from different perspectives, from cells and molecules to organisms, ecosystems, and evolution. The program combines biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, laboratory work, and research, giving students a flexible foundation for careers in life sciences, biotechnology, environmental biology, biomedical research, or further study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in science through courses such as Introductory Biology I and II, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry Laboratory I, Single Variable Calculus I and II, and Introduction to Statistics for Biosciences. These subjects help students develop the biological, mathematical, chemical, and analytical skills needed for more advanced coursework.

Year 2: Students move into the core areas of Integrative Biology through Biochemistry I, Ecology, Evolution, and Cell Biology, alongside further chemistry and science courses. Together, these subjects help students understand biology at different levels, from biochemical and cellular processes to organisms, populations, and evolutionary change.

Year 3: Students can explore a wider range of biological topics through courses such as Animal Behavior, Analysis and Visualization of Biological Data, Global Change Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Immunology, and Microbiology. They also gain practical experience through courses such as Intermediate Experimental Cellular and Molecular Biosciences, Introductory Lab in Ecology and Evolution, Experimental Synthetic Biology, and Experimental Molecular Biology.

Year 4: Students bring together their knowledge through advanced courses and a capstone experience. Depending on their interests, they can study areas such as Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Basis of Diseases, Conservation Biology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Cancer Biology, Computation with Biological Data, and Structural Biology, while independent research provides an opportunity to investigate real biological questions.

Focus Areas

Integrative biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, biological diversity, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, conservation biology, environmental biology, synthetic biology, biological data analysis, biomedical science

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a broad understanding of biology and learn how different areas of the discipline connect. They also build skills in scientific research, experimental design, data collection and analysis, critical thinking, scientific literature evaluation, mathematical modelling, and written, oral, and visual communication.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides a broad scientific foundation that can support careers in life sciences, biotechnology, biological research, environmental and conservation fields, and biomedical science. It also provides strong preparation for students planning to continue into medical school, graduate school, or other professional programs, with research opportunities allowing students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Rice University has a strong reputation as a research-focused university, giving students access to a wide scientific community and opportunities to work alongside faculty on research. The BioSciences department also encourages undergraduate research, helping students gain experience that can strengthen applications for employment, graduate programs, medical school, and other professional pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Rice University’s BA in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology gain practical experience through laboratory courses, independent research, and close interaction with faculty. The program allows students to explore both cellular and molecular biology and ecology and evolution through dedicated laboratory courses, while advanced subjects such as synthetic biology, microbiology, experimental physiology, and biological data provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings. Rice also encourages undergraduate research, with opportunities to work with faculty and research partners connected to the Texas Medical Center.

Students can develop their practical skills through a range of opportunities:

Hands-on laboratory training: Students complete courses such as Intermediate Experimental Cellular and Molecular Biosciences and Introductory Lab in Ecology and Evolution, giving them practical experience across different areas of biology.
Specialized laboratory courses: Students can choose from Microbiology Laboratory I and II, Experimental Biochemistry, Experimental Synthetic Biology, Experimental Molecular Biology, Experimental Physiology, Lab Module in Ecology, and Lab Module in Behavior.
Independent research: Through BIOS 310 Independent Research for Biosciences Undergraduates, students can work with Rice BioSciences faculty in research laboratories and develop experience in research planning, laboratory investigation, data collection, scientific writing, and presenting findings.
Early research opportunities: Rice provides opportunities for Natural Sciences students to become involved in faculty-mentored research from the early stages of their undergraduate studies, including opportunities connected with the Texas Medical Center.
Summer research opportunities: BioSciences students can apply for summer research fellowships that allow them to spend an extended period working on research projects in BioSciences laboratories. Opportunities may also include research experiences at the Texas Medical Center.
Computational biology experience: BIOS 470 Computation with Biological Data introduces students to computational approaches for investigating biological questions and complements their laboratory-based training.
Advanced biological research: Students can connect practical work with subjects such as Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Basis of Diseases, Conservation Biology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Cancer Biology, and Structural Biology.
Scientific communication: Research activities can involve preparing research proposals, reports, papers, and poster presentations, helping students become more confident in communicating scientific findings.
Faculty research environment: Students can work within Rice’s BioSciences research community and explore research areas that match their interests while receiving guidance from faculty mentors.
Research resources: The BioSciences department provides research information and opportunities through its undergraduate research resources, helping students identify projects and connect with potential faculty mentors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology gives students a strong and flexible foundation for careers across the life sciences. By combining biology with research, laboratory work, data analysis, ecology, evolution, and molecular sciences, the program can also prepare students for medical school, graduate study, and other professional programs. Potential career paths include Biological Research Assistant, Biotechnology Researcher, Environmental Scientist, and Laboratory Research Professional.

Here are some of the ways Rice University can support students as they move toward their careers:

Career support: Rice’s Center for Career Development offers career advising, internship support, networking opportunities, employer connections, and access to job and research opportunities. Students can also use career platforms and university recruiting activities to connect with potential employers.
Strong employment and education outcomes: Across Rice’s bachelor-level Classes of 2023–2025, 53% of graduates were working and 33% continued their education. Another 8% were seeking employment and 4% were seeking further education, with a knowledge rate of more than 95%.
Salary information: Rice’s current career-outcomes information does not provide a specific average or median salary for graduates of the Integrative Biology BA, so a program-specific salary figure cannot be stated reliably.
Research and industry connections: Students have opportunities to gain research experience with Rice faculty and through connections with the Texas Medical Center. Rice reports that more than 75% of Natural Sciences students participate in research before graduation, giving students valuable experience beyond the classroom.
Independent research experience: Through BIOS 310, students can participate in research projects in Rice BioSciences laboratories and eligible laboratories at the Texas Medical Center. Students can develop practical research skills and complete work such as research papers or poster presentations.
Summer research opportunities: Eligible Biosciences students can apply for departmental summer research fellowships. Some fellowships provide $5,000 for a 10-week research internship, subject to funding and eligibility.
Long-term value: The program develops skills in scientific research, experimental design, data analysis, critical thinking, scientific literature evaluation, mathematical modelling, and communication. These skills can be valuable across biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, research, and other life-science fields.
Graduation outcomes: Rice specifically identifies graduate school, medical school, other professional schools, and careers across the life sciences as major pathways for Biosciences graduates.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA, students can continue into master’s or PhD programs in areas such as biological sciences, biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, biomedical sciences, or related fields. Students interested in healthcare can also use the degree as a foundation for medical or other professional school. Rice itself offers graduate programs in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, providing relevant opportunities for students who want to continue into advanced study and research.