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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Rice UniversityThe Bachelor of Science in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology at Rice University is ideal for students who want to understand how living systems work across different levels, from cells and organisms to ecosystems and evolution. The program combines core biology, chemistry, mathematics and laboratory learning with independent research, preparing students for careers and further study in areas such as biological research, biotechnology, environmental science, healthcare and conservation.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students build a strong foundation in the sciences through courses such as BIOS 201 Introductory Biology I, BIOS 202 Introductory Biology II and CHEM 121 General Chemistry I. They also develop their mathematical and quantitative skills through courses such as MATH 101 Single Variable Calculus I, giving them the knowledge needed for more advanced biosciences study.
Year 2: Students move into more advanced scientific concepts through courses such as CHEM 122 General Chemistry II, CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I and BIOS 301 Biochemistry I. They also explore key areas of Integrative Biology through subjects such as BIOS 332 Ecology, BIOS 334 Evolution and BIOS 341 Cell Biology.
Year 3: Students expand their knowledge through more specialized and interdisciplinary subjects, with options such as BIOS 338 Analysis and Visualization of Biological Data, BIOS 374 Global Change Biology and BIOS 423 Conservation Biology. Hands-on learning becomes an important part of the program through courses such as BIOS 211 Intermediate Experimental Cellular and Molecular Biosciences and BIOS 213 Introductory Lab in Ecology and Evolution.
Year 4: In the final year, students bring together their academic knowledge through advanced coursework, independent research and a capstone experience. They can complete at least 9 credits of BIOS 310 Independent Research for Biosciences Undergraduates while exploring advanced subjects such as BIOS 460 Cancer Biology, BIOS 470 Computation with Biological Data and BIOS 447 Experimental Biology and the Future of Medicine.
Focus Areas
Integrative Biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, conservation biology, biodiversity, global change biology, animal biology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, biological data analysis, environmental biology, laboratory science, independent research.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop a broad understanding of biology, deeper knowledge across different areas of biological science, the ability to evaluate scientific literature, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, experimental design and data analysis abilities, independent research experience, and strong skills for communicating scientific information through written, oral and visual formats.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The program provides a strong foundation for careers in biological research, biotechnology, environmental and conservation science, healthcare and other life-science fields. It also prepares students for graduate programs, medical school and other professional education. Rice University does not list a separate professional accreditation specifically for the BS in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Rice University is ranked No. 17 nationally in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings. It also ranks No. 8 for Undergraduate Teaching, No. 15 for Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects and No. 5 for Best Value Schools. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Rice is ranked No. 119 globally and No. 29 in the United States, reflecting the university's strong academic and research reputation.
Rice University’s BS in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical scientific experience. Students learn through laboratory courses, field-based activities, biological data analysis and independent research, with opportunities to work in Rice research laboratories and, where eligible, at laboratories connected to the Texas Medical Center. The program requires at least 9 credits of independent research, allowing students to take part in genuine scientific investigation and develop skills that are useful for graduate study and life-science careers. Students can gain this hands-on experience through:
Independent research: Students complete at least 9 credits of independent research through BIOS 310, working with Rice BioSciences faculty or eligible laboratories at the Texas Medical Center. Their research experience can include developing a proposal, conducting laboratory work, keeping weekly reports and producing a research paper or poster.
Laboratory training: Practical skills are developed through courses such as BIOS 322 Conservation Biology Lab, BIOS 324 Experimental Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, BIOS 330 Insect Biology Lab, BIOS 337 Field Bird Biology Lab and BIOS 339 Plant Diversity Lab.
Field-based learning: Courses focused on birds, insects, plants and conservation give students opportunities to study biological systems in practical and field-based settings rather than relying only on classroom learning.
Texas Medical Center opportunities: Students can access research opportunities with Rice faculty and researchers connected with the Texas Medical Center, giving them exposure to a major biomedical and research environment.
Research internships: Students can gain additional research experience through opportunities associated with BioSciences coursework and advanced undergraduate research programs.
Summer research fellowships: Rice BioSciences offers summer research fellowship opportunities, including the Schroepfer Fellowship, Spurlino Fellowship and Biosciences Summer Research Fellowships. Depending on funding and eligibility, selected students may receive $5,000 for a 10-week research internship.
Computational and data skills: Students can develop skills for working with biological data through BIOS 470 Computation with Biological Data, alongside quantitative training through statistics coursework.
Scientific communication: Research activities require students to communicate their findings through research proposals, reports, papers and posters, helping them become more confident in presenting scientific work.
Early research opportunities: Students can begin exploring research opportunities early in their undergraduate studies, with Rice providing access to faculty-mentored research and opportunities connected with the Texas Medical Center.
Research opportunity resources: The BioSciences department provides a dedicated opportunities resource through Canvas, helping students find research opportunities and access relevant advising information.
Advanced research experience: Students interested in pursuing research at a higher level can take advanced courses such as BIOS 401/402 Undergraduate Honors Research and BIOS 411/412 Undergraduate Research Seminar.
Research facilities: Practical learning takes place through Rice BioSciences faculty laboratories, undergraduate research facilities and research environments connected with the Texas Medical Center, giving students access to a broader scientific community in Houston.
The BS in Biosciences with a concentration in Integrative Biology gives students a strong foundation for both employment and further study in the life sciences. The combination of laboratory experience, independent research, scientific communication and knowledge of areas such as ecology, evolution and conservation can prepare graduates for roles such as biological research assistant, laboratory technician, environmental or conservation specialist, and biotechnology professional. Rice University also highlights graduate school, medical school and other professional programs as important pathways for Biosciences graduates.
Students can build their career and academic opportunities through:
Career support: Rice’s Center for Career Development provides career advising, employer connections, career events, workshops and access to 12twenty for finding internships and employment opportunities.
Research experience: Students can gain valuable research experience through BIOS 299 and BIOS 310, including opportunities to work with Rice faculty and in eligible research laboratories connected with the Texas Medical Center.
Strong research culture: More than 75% of Rice Natural Sciences students participate in research before graduation. This experience helps students apply what they learn in class to real scientific problems while developing critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
Summer research opportunities: Eligible BioSciences students can apply for summer research fellowships, including the Schroepfer Fellowship, Spurlino Fellowship and Biosciences Summer Research Fellowships. Depending on funding and eligibility, selected students may receive $5,000 for a 10-week research internship.
Graduate outcomes: Across Rice bachelor-level graduates from the Classes of 2023–2025, 53% were working and 33% continued their education. Rice reports a knowledge rate of more than 95% for these outcomes.
Salary information: Rice’s current public undergraduate career-outcomes information does not provide a usable average or median starting salary figure, so a specific salary should not be assumed for this program.
Industry connections: Students benefit from Rice’s research connections with the Texas Medical Center, giving them opportunities to work alongside researchers and gain exposure to Houston’s wider biomedical and scientific community.
Research recognition: Students can receive recognition for outstanding undergraduate research through BioSciences awards and Rice’s Distinction in Research and Creative Work, helping strong research achievements stand out academically and professionally.
Long-term academic value: The program’s emphasis on independent research and advanced scientific study can be particularly valuable for students planning careers in research or applying to competitive graduate and professional programs.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BS, students can continue into graduate programs in areas such as biochemistry and cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, biosciences and other related life-science disciplines. Students interested in healthcare can also use the degree as preparation for medical school and other professional programs.
Rice also offers an accelerated BS/MS/PhD pathway in Biochemistry and Cell Biology for qualified Biosciences undergraduates. Eligible students can apply during the spring of their sophomore year, allowing them to connect their undergraduate research with advanced graduate study and potentially shorten the overall time needed to complete their graduate education.
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent before enrollment. Applicants must submit the required application materials and meet Rice’s secondary-school course preparation.
Applicants should complete the required secondary-school preparation, including 4 credits of English, 2 credits of Social Studies, 3 credits of Mathematics, 2 credits of Laboratory Science, 2 credits of Foreign Language, and 3 additional credits. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Biological research scientistlaboratory technicianconservation biologistecologistevolutionary biologistenvironmental scientistwildlife biologistbiodiversity specialistbiotechnology professionalbiomedical researcherbiological data analystresearch assistantlife sciences professionalenvironmental research specialistbiological sciences educator
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