BA in Biological Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Florida State University

Program Overview

Florida State University’s B.A. in Biological Science provides a broad foundation in modern biology while allowing students to tailor their studies through academic tracks such as cell and molecular biology, ecology and environmental science, marine biology, physiology and neuroscience, plant sciences, zoology, and pre-professional health sciences. It suits students interested in biological research, environmental and laboratory careers, or preparation for professional health programs, with coursework spanning molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through BSC 2010 Biological Science I, CHM 1045 General Chemistry I, and MAC 1140 Pre-Calculus Algebra, alongside general education and composition coursework. The first-year biology sequence introduces biological processes and functions at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, supported by laboratory study.

Year 2: Students progress into BSC 2011 Biological Sciences II, PCB 3063 Genetics, and CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I, developing knowledge of inheritance, evolution, ecology, genetics, and the chemical principles supporting biological systems. BSC 3938 Careers in the Biological Sciences also introduces students to career options and preparation for employment or further academic study.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into advanced biological study through options such as BSC 3016 Eukaryotic Diversity or PCB 3134 Cell Structure & Function, together with BSC 3402L Experimental Biology Lab. Students begin focusing their upper-level biology electives around areas such as cell and molecular biology, physiology, ecology, marine biology, plant sciences, zoology, or pre-professional health sciences.

Year 4: Students complete advanced major coursework including PCB 4674 Evolution and additional biology courses with laboratory components, bringing together concepts from genetics, cellular biology, organismal biology, and evolution. The final year also includes completion of remaining electives and degree requirements, allowing students to shape their studies toward their selected biological science interests or future professional goals.

Focus areas: Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology Evolution and Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Plant Sciences, Pre-Professional Health Sciences, Zoology.

Learning outcomes: Build knowledge of biological processes across molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary levels; develop laboratory and experimental skills; apply genetics and biological principles to scientific problems; and prepare for employment, graduate study, or professional health programs.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The university's official program information identifies the Biological Science major as a B.A. or B.S. within the College of Arts and Sciences; no separate professional accreditation is stated for the Biological Science major on the official program pages reviewed. The pre-professional health sciences track incorporates prerequisite coursework for medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs.

Reputation (employability rankings): Florida State University reports a 2026 Princeton Review ranking of No. 13 among public universities nationally for Best Schools for Internships, reflecting the university's broader career-readiness environment rather than a ranking specific to the Biological Science major. FSU also reports a record 82% four-year graduation rate in 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Florida State University’s Biological Science B.A. combines classroom learning with practical laboratory and research opportunities that allow students to apply biological concepts to real scientific questions. Through the Department of Biological Science, students can pursue undergraduate research with faculty, gain laboratory experience through upper-level biology courses, and use specialized research facilities and instrumentation across areas such as ecology, evolution, molecular biology, and cell biology. These opportunities help students develop hands-on scientific, analytical, and research skills:

Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led research through the department’s undergraduate research opportunities, gaining experience with authentic biological research projects and laboratory or field-based investigations.
Independent research: Students can earn academic credit for supervised research through courses such as BSC 4910 – Directed Individual Study, allowing them to work directly with a faculty research mentor.
Laboratory experience: Biology coursework includes hands-on laboratory components where students practice experimental methods, scientific observation, data collection, and analysis.
Field research: Biological Science students can gain field experience through courses and faculty research involving ecology, organismal biology, conservation, and environmental biology, providing opportunities to study biological systems outside the traditional laboratory.
Molecular and cellular research: Department research encompasses areas including cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, evolution, and organismal biology, giving students opportunities to pursue research aligned with their interests.
Research facilities: Students benefit from the research infrastructure of FSU’s Department of Biological Science, including faculty laboratories and specialized facilities supporting molecular, cellular, ecological, evolutionary, and organismal research.
Research institutes and collections: FSU’s biological research environment includes resources such as the Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium, which supports botanical research and provides access to preserved plant specimens and scientific collections.
Scientific collections: The FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory provides opportunities for research and education involving marine and coastal biological systems, complementing the university’s broader biological sciences environment.
Library resources: Students have access to the Dirac Science Library, which provides scientific journals, databases, research materials, and other resources supporting biological science coursework and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA in Biological Science at Florida State University can prepare graduates for laboratory, environmental, healthcare, research, education, and conservation-related careers, while also providing a strong foundation for professional or graduate study. FSU specifically identifies careers ranging from biologist and microbiologist to environmental analyst, geneticist, laboratory technician, marine biologist, and zoologist.

Career roles: Biologist, Laboratory Technician, Environmental Analyst, Microbiologist: these are among the occupations identified by FSU's Biological Sciences career resources.

Career support: The FSU Career Center provides career advising, a major-specific Career Liaison, NoleNetwork, career/internship/graduate-school fairs, and employer connections. Students can also use the Biological Sciences career blueprint to explore occupations, skills, employers, and work settings relevant to the major.
Internship support: BSC 4941 Internship in Biological Science I allows eligible juniors and seniors to gain real-world experience under the supervision of an approved biological-science professional, with the experience recorded on the transcript.
Employment opportunities: FSU lists sample employers for Biological Sciences graduates including Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Harris Corporation, ScribeAmerica, Capital Regional Medical Center, DaVita, Florida State University, SeaWorld, and the Student Conservation Association.
Salary figures: FSU's sample-occupation data for Biological Sciences show an introductory salary range of $32,430–$58,870, mid-career range of $45,980–$100,730, and experienced range of $89,800–$208,000+. These are sample occupation ranges rather than guaranteed salaries for Biological Science graduates.
University–industry connections: FSU's Business & Industry Solutions connects private-sector organizations with university researchers and subject-matter experts, facilitates industry partnerships, and helps communicate company research needs to FSU researchers.
Research progression: FSU's Department of Biological Science spans Ecology and Evolution, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience, giving graduates opportunities to continue into specialized research areas.
Accreditation value: Florida State University is accredited by SACSCOC to award baccalaureate, master's, specialist, doctoral, and other approved degrees. FSU's accreditation was reaffirmed in December 2024 for a ten-year period, supporting the institutional recognition of the bachelor's degree.
Graduation outcomes: FSU maintains Graduating Senior Survey destination data by college and major, covering graduates' post-college plans, and the Career Center provides these outcomes alongside salary and hiring resources.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into FSU's MS or PhD in Biological Science, with graduate study available across Ecology and Evolution, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience. FSU also offers a coursework-only MS, generally completed in 12–18 months, for students seeking an additional graduate credential or strengthening their preparation for professional school.