Biological Sciences (BA)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Southern California

Program Overview

The B.A. in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California gives students a broad understanding of life and living systems, from cells and genes to organisms, evolution, and biodiversity. It is a good choice for students interested in biology, healthcare, research, environmental science, or further study, while offering enough flexibility to explore areas that match their career goals.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by building a strong foundation in biology and chemistry through courses such as BISC 120L – General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution and BISC 220L – General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology. Alongside these subjects, students complete general education and writing requirements while beginning to develop their understanding of laboratory and scientific methods.

Year 2: The second year takes students further into the molecular and chemical side of biology. Courses such as BISC 320L – Molecular Biology and CHEM 322aL/bL – Organic Chemistry help students understand how biological processes work at the molecular level, while mathematics coursework such as MATH 125 – Calculus I strengthens their quantitative skills.

Year 3: Students continue developing their scientific knowledge through subjects such as BISC 330L – Biochemistry, where they explore the chemical processes that support life. Physics courses such as PHYS 135aL/135bL or PHYS 151L/152L add another important scientific perspective, while electives allow students to explore areas of biology that match their interests.

Year 4: In the final year, students bring together their knowledge through advanced coursework such as BISC 325 – Genetics and upper-division Biological Sciences electives. These electives give students the opportunity to explore areas such as molecular biology, human and evolutionary biology, marine environmental biology, and other specialized areas of biological science.

Focus Areas

Biological Sciences, molecular biology, human and evolutionary biology, marine environmental biology, neurobiology, genetics, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, biotechnology, pre-health preparation, undergraduate research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of biological systems, from molecular processes to whole organisms and ecosystems. They also build laboratory, research, analytical, critical-thinking, data interpretation, communication, and problem-solving skills that can support further study and careers in the life sciences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.A. in Biological Sciences is offered through USC Dornsife’s Department of Biological Sciences and provides a foundation for careers and further education in the biological sciences. The program can support students preparing for graduate and professional programs as well as careers involving research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

USC Dornsife identifies Biological Sciences among its top five undergraduate majors, demonstrating its strong popularity among students. USC also provides career support and opportunities related to employment, further education, internships, research, and professional development, helping students connect their academic experience with future career goals.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.A. in Biological Sciences at USC gives students opportunities to gain practical experience through laboratory research, faculty-led projects, and field-based learning. Students can work alongside researchers, develop hands-on laboratory and scientific skills, and explore areas such as molecular biology, computational biology, marine science, environmental biology, human and evolutionary biology, and neurobiology. These opportunities allow students to connect what they learn in class with real biological research and scientific investigation.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

BISC 290 – Introduction to Biological Research: Students can work as research assistants in USC faculty laboratories and gain early experience with biological research.
BISC 490 – Directed Research: Junior and senior students can undertake faculty-supervised research projects and earn upper-division elective credit while gaining experience working in a USC laboratory.
Molecular and Computational Biology Research: Students can participate in research involving areas such as molecular assays, computational genomic analysis, and other modern biological research approaches.
Advanced Research Techniques: Depending on their research area, students may gain exposure to techniques including advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, molecular analysis, and computational approaches to biological research.
USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience: Students benefit from access to advanced bioscience research infrastructure, including specialized research facilities and electron microscopy resources.
USC Wrigley Marine Science Center: Located on Catalina Island, the center provides opportunities for marine and environmental research. Its facilities include wet and dry laboratories, a greenhouse, diving facilities, classrooms, and accommodation for students and researchers.
Field-Based Learning: Students interested in marine and environmental biology can gain experience studying organisms and ecosystems in real-world environments through USC's field research activities.
Honors Research and Thesis: Students in the Biological Sciences Honors Program can complete BISC 490 Directed Research and a BISC 494 Honors Thesis, giving them experience developing and documenting an independent research project.
Undergraduate Research Fellowships: Biological Sciences majors can apply for undergraduate research funding opportunities that support supervised research with a Biological Sciences faculty mentor.
Freshman Science Honors: Students in the Freshman Science Honors Program can benefit from special academic activities, including laboratory-related tours and field trips.
Scientific Communication: Research opportunities help students develop skills in presenting scientific findings and preparing research papers. Honors students also complete a formal research thesis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.A. in Biological Sciences gives students the flexibility to move into life-science careers or continue into graduate and professional education. The program provides a strong foundation for students interested in research, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, and other biology-related fields, while USC offers career guidance and practical opportunities to help students prepare for their next step.

Typical career directions include:

Biological Research Assistant
Laboratory Researcher
Biotechnology Professional
Environmental or Conservation Professional

Career development and employment support includes:

Dornsife Career Pathways: Students can receive career advising and guidance on exploring careers, finding internships, preparing applications, attending career fairs, networking, and developing professional skills. Advisors work with academic advisors, faculty, and alumni to connect students' academic interests with career opportunities.
Gateway Internship Program: Eligible Dornsife students can participate in a paid summer internship combined with professional mentoring and career-development seminars. The program has supported more than 500 interns and 500 mentors over its 14-year history.
Handshake: Students can use USC Dornsife's Handshake platform to search for jobs and internships, research employers, attend career events, connect with employers and alumni, access career resources, and share their resumes with employers.
Internship experience: USC Dornsife reports that students complete an average of two internships during their undergraduate careers. Internships give students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, explore different career paths, and develop practical experience and professional connections.
University–industry connections: The Gateway Internship Program works with more than 55 employer partners as well as more than 100 nonprofit and public organizations. Partner employers provide structured internship experiences and can use the program as a talent pipeline for future positions.
Research opportunities: Students can gain additional experience through research with USC faculty and explore opportunities in areas such as biological sciences, clinical research, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and other STEM fields.
Employment and salary information: USC provides a First Destination outcomes tool covering employment, continuing education, employers, industries, locations, and starting salaries. USC does not publish a sufficiently specific current employment rate or salary figure for the B.A. in Biological Sciences, so a program-specific figure should not be presented as an official statistic.
Long-term value: The degree can provide a strong foundation for students planning careers in biological sciences as well as those intending to pursue medicine, healthcare professions, graduate research, biotechnology, or related advanced fields.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the B.A., students can continue into graduate or professional education according to their career goals. USC Dornsife offers graduate study in areas including Marine and Environmental Biology and Quantitative and Computational Biology, while Pre-Health Advisement supports students preparing for professional healthcare programs. The undergraduate degree can also provide a foundation for further study in molecular biology, biotechnology, environmental biology, marine science, medicine, and other related disciplines.