BS in Biological Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Florida State University

Program Overview

Florida State University’s BS in Biological Science provides a broad foundation in biology while allowing students to shape their studies around areas such as cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution and environmental science, marine biology, plant sciences, physiology and neuroscience, or zoology. It suits students interested in biological research, biotechnology, environmental science, healthcare and other life-science careers, with the curriculum combining biology with supporting study in chemistry, mathematics and physics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through BSC 2010 Biological Science I, CHM 1045 General Chemistry I and Lab, and mathematics such as MAC 1140 Pre-Calculus Algebra. The year also develops academic writing and general education skills through courses such as ENC 1101 Freshman Composition and ENC 2135 Research, Genre, and Context.

Year 2: Students progress into BSC 2011 Biological Sciences II and Lab, CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I, and STA 2171 Statistics for Biology, strengthening their understanding of biological systems while building quantitative and laboratory foundations. PCB 3063 Genetics and BSC 3930 Seminar in Biological Frontiers then introduce students to more advanced biological concepts and contemporary topics in the field.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into upper-division biological science with BSC 3016 Eukaryotic Diversity or PCB 3134 Cell Structure and Function, alongside BSC 3402L Experimental Biology Lab and additional biology electives. Students can begin shaping their academic direction through courses from areas such as cell and molecular biology, physiology, or ecology and environmental sciences.

Year 4: Students complete advanced study through PCB 4674 Evolution, upper-level biology courses with laboratory components, and additional electives selected around their interests and career plans. The final year also includes completion of remaining degree requirements and a pre-graduation check, preparing students for employment or further study in biological and health-related fields.

Focus areas: Cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution and environmental science, marine biology, physiology and neuroscience, plant sciences, pre-professional health sciences, and zoology.

Learning outcomes: Students develop broad biological knowledge together with laboratory, research, analytical, quantitative and scientific communication skills through required biology courses, experimental laboratory work and upper-level electives.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Florida State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate degrees; FSU's published programmatic accreditation list does not identify Biological Science as a separately program-accredited bachelor's program.

Reputation (employability rankings): FSU's official materials identify the Biological Science program as a STEM and Natural Sciences program and list representative employers and career paths including biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, hospitals, medical laboratories, environmental agencies and educational institutions. An official FSU report also notes that its graduate Biological Science program was included in U.S. News rankings, although this is a graduate-program ranking rather than a ranking of the undergraduate BS.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Biological Science at Florida State University gives students practical experience through laboratory-based coursework, undergraduate research, field-based study, and access to biological research facilities. Students can build skills across areas such as ecology, organismal biology, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology while working with faculty and using research resources available through the Department of Biological Science. These opportunities help students connect classroom concepts with real biological research and scientific investigation:

Laboratory experience: Students complete hands-on laboratory coursework as part of the Biological Science curriculum, developing practical skills in areas such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and organismal biology.
Undergraduate research: The Department of Biological Science provides opportunities for undergraduates to participate in faculty-led research, allowing students to work directly within active research laboratories and develop research skills.
Independent research: Students can pursue independent study and undergraduate research projects under faculty supervision, providing experience in designing and carrying out biological investigations.
Field-based learning: Biological Science students can gain field experience through courses and research involving ecology, environmental biology, organisms, and natural systems, particularly through FSU's extensive biological field-study resources.
Research areas: Department research encompasses areas including ecology and evolution, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, developmental biology, and organismal biology, giving students opportunities to explore different research environments.
Biological research facilities: Students benefit from the research infrastructure of the Department of Biological Science, including faculty laboratories and specialized facilities supporting molecular, cellular, ecological, and organismal research.
FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory: Students interested in marine and environmental biology can access research and educational opportunities through the university's Coastal and Marine Laboratory, supporting hands-on study of coastal and marine systems.
Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium: The university's herbarium provides access to a significant scientific plant collection and supports research and teaching in plant biology, ecology, systematics, and biodiversity.
Teaching and research collections: FSU's biological resources include specialized collections and facilities that support practical learning in organismal biology and biodiversity.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Biological Science at Florida State University builds a broad foundation in biological sciences that can support careers in laboratory research, environmental science, biotechnology, healthcare, and related fields. The program also provides preparation for graduate and professional education, making it suitable for students who want to continue into advanced study after completing their bachelor’s degree.

Career roles: Biological Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Biological Science Technician:

Career services: FSU’s Career Center supports students with career advising, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, employer connections, internships, and job-search resources.
Employment statistics: FSU publishes career-outcomes information through its Career Center First Destination Survey. Program-specific salary figures for the BS in Biological Science are not stated on the official program page, so a microbiology/biology-specific salary figure should not be assumed from general data.
University–industry connections: FSU’s Institute of Molecular Biophysics connects biological research with biotechnology and biomedical applications, while the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and FSU research centers provide opportunities for interdisciplinary scientific work.
Research opportunities: Students can gain experience through undergraduate research with faculty and participate in research across areas such as cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, and neuroscience, helping develop skills useful for scientific and laboratory careers.
Accreditation value: Florida State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This institutional accreditation provides continuing academic recognition for the university and its degree programs.
Graduation outcomes: FSU tracks graduate outcomes through its First Destination Survey, covering employment, continuing education, and other post-graduation destinations.
Professional preparation: The biological sciences foundation can also support students preparing for professional programs in areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health professions, depending on the additional prerequisites required by the target program.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master’s and doctoral programs in biological sciences and related disciplines, including areas such as molecular biology, ecology, genetics, neuroscience, and biotechnology. Students interested in healthcare can also use the undergraduate foundation to pursue professional degrees such as MD, DDS/DMD, DVM, or PharmD, subject to each institution’s admission and prerequisite requirements.