Biology, BA

The Biology, BA at Arizona State University gives students opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom through research, internships, faculty mentoring and hands-on biology courses. Students can work closely with faculty in small groups, contribute to research projects and gain practical experience in areas such as human health, disease, ecosystems and environmental science. The flexible nature of the degree also allows students to connect their biology studies with other academic interests through interdisciplinary and global learning opportunities:

• Faculty-led research: Students can work one-on-one or in small groups with faculty members in research laboratories, gaining experience with real scientific investigations and the research process.

• Undergraduate research: Students can use experiential-learning credits for opportunities such as BIO 495: Undergraduate Research and other approved research courses, allowing them to gain practical experience while earning academic credit.

• Internships: Through BIO 484: Internship, students can gain professional experience in science-related settings, including laboratories, hospitals, conservation organizations and biotechnology environments.

• Course-based research: ASU offers Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), where students work as part of a class on semester-long research projects addressing real scientific questions.

• Research partnerships: Undergraduate research opportunities can involve ASU faculty and external organizations such as the Phoenix Zoo, TGen and USDA, giving students exposure to different areas of biological research.

• Laboratory learning: Students can choose practical biology coursework, including LSC 322: Fundamentals of Ecology Laboratory, along with other laboratory-based courses that allow them to apply biological concepts through hands-on activities.

• Small-group learning: The program provides opportunities to work in small groups and one-on-one with faculty, giving students closer academic guidance and experience working collaboratively.

• Study abroad: Students can take part in study-abroad opportunities that allow them to experience different biological environments while developing broader cultural awareness, leadership and critical-thinking skills.

• Research presentations: Students involved in research may have opportunities to present their findings at regional and national scientific meetings, helping them become more confident in communicating scientific work.

• Interdisciplinary research: Students can participate in research covering areas such as human health and disease, ecosystems and environmental systems, allowing them to explore biology from different perspectives.

Facilities and resources: Students benefit from the research and teaching environments of ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and School of Life Sciences, including faculty research laboratories and partner research settings that support biological and interdisciplinary learning.

The Biology, BA at Arizona State University provides a flexible foundation for careers across research, healthcare, education, environmental science and other life-science fields. It also prepares students who want to continue into graduate or professional education, with career pathways ranging from biological research and genetics to medical science and environmental work.

Students can build their career prospects through a range of opportunities:

• Career support: Students can access career guidance, internship support and resources to help them explore life-science career pathways, prepare for employment and connect their studies with professional opportunities.

• Career and salary prospects: ASU highlights career options such as Biological Scientist, Climate Change Analyst, Geneticist, Health Sciences Manager, Life Scientist, Medical Scientist, Microbiologist, Molecular Biologist and Zoologist. The university lists median salaries ranging from around $68,940 for Zoologists to $167,220 for Health Sciences Managers, although these figures are not necessarily entry-level salaries.

• Practical industry experience: Students can complete internships and gain experience in professional environments such as laboratories, hospitals, conservation organizations and biotechnology companies. Internship opportunities can help students apply classroom knowledge while developing workplace skills and professional connections.

• Research experience: The program gives students opportunities to work closely with faculty and potentially become involved in research laboratories. Research areas can include human health and disease, ecosystems and environmental systems, giving students valuable experience with scientific investigation.

• Professional development: Through research, internships, presentations and collaborative activities, students can develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and scientific reasoning skills that are useful across a wide range of careers.

• Career pathways: Graduates can explore opportunities in laboratory research, environmental management and conservation, healthcare, education and outreach, nonprofit organizations, science communication, science writing and scientific advising for businesses or government organizations.

• Employment preparation: The combination of biology coursework, interdisciplinary study, research opportunities and practical experience helps students develop a broader skill set for entering the workforce or applying to advanced study.

• Accreditation: The program is offered by Arizona State University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This provides students with a degree from an institution that meets established standards for higher education.

• International opportunities: The Biology, BA is STEM-OPT extension eligible for qualifying international students. This can provide eligible graduates with additional opportunities to gain professional experience in the United States after completing their degree.

• Global experience: ASU provides access to more than 300 Global Education programs, allowing students to gain international exposure and develop communication, adaptability and networking skills that can support future academic and professional goals.

Further Academic Progression: Students who want to continue their education can progress to master's and professional programs in areas related to biology, biotechnology, environmental science, healthcare and other life-science fields. ASU also offers accelerated bachelor's-plus-master's pathways that may allow eligible students to complete both degrees in as little as five years, with options including Biological Data Science, Biological Data Science (Biotechnology), Forensic Science, Communication Studies, Social Data Science, and Social Justice and Human Rights.