Bachelor of Science in Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Illinois Institute of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Illinois Institute of Technology provides rigorous preparation in modern biology, with core study spanning cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and physiology, supported by mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computing. It suits students interested in health professions, biotechnology, environmental science, research laboratories, or graduate study in areas such as biotechnology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their biological and scientific foundations through BIOL 100 Introduction to the Profession, BIOL 107 General Biology Lectures, and BIOL 109 General Biology Laboratory, while BIOL 115 Human Biology and BIOL 117 Human Biology Laboratory introduce human biology through experimental methods. Chemistry and mathematics are developed alongside biology through general chemistry and MATH 151 Calculus I.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized biological study with BIOL 214 Genetics, BIOL 210 Microbiology, and BIOL 225 Microbiology Laboratory, developing knowledge of inheritance, microorganisms, sterile techniques, microbial growth, and identification. Organic chemistry and physics continue to strengthen the scientific foundation required for advanced biological study.

Year 3: The curriculum progresses into molecular and biochemical concepts through BIOL 301 Introductory Biochemistry and BIOL 402 Metabolic Biochemistry, while students complete a senior biology laboratory elective and technical electives. Students also develop quantitative and computational skills through MATH 425 Statistical Methods and CS 105 Introduction to Computer Programming or CS 110 Computing Principles.

Year 4: Students deepen their understanding of cellular processes through BIOL 445 Cell Biology, develop scientific communication and literature-analysis skills through BIOL 451 Biological Literature, and complete BIOL 495 Biology Colloquium. Senior laboratory options include BIOL 404 Biochemistry Laboratory, BIOL 431 Animal Physiology Laboratory, or BIOL 446 Cell Biology Laboratory, complemented by technical electives and Illinois Tech’s Interprofessional Projects (IPRO).

Focus Areas

Modern cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, human biology, molecular biology, biological research, quantitative methods, computing, health sciences, biotechnology, environmental science

Learning Outcomes

Students develop knowledge of modern biological sciences, laboratory techniques, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, physiological systems, scientific literature, quantitative analysis, computing, and scientific communication, with opportunities to apply biological knowledge through laboratory and research-oriented study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accreditation: Illinois Tech is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university’s official accreditation information does not state a separate specialized professional accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Biology, so no program-specific accreditation is listed here.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Graduate outcomes: Illinois Tech’s 2025 First-Destination survey reports that 67.7% of undergraduate graduates were employed full-time, 3.8% employed part-time, and 10.4% continued their education six months after graduation, with responses from 91% of undergraduate degree recipients.

Graduate earnings: Illinois Tech reports an eight-year median graduate earnings figure of $77,282 and an earnings ratio of 1.94 in the 2025 Carnegie Foundation/American Council on Education Opportunity College and University classification.

University reputation: Illinois Tech reports #1 in Illinois and #22 in the U.S. for Best Salaries of Graduates in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 rankings and #91 in the U.S. and #265 worldwide in TIME/Statista’s 2026 World’s Top Universities ranking. These are university-level rankings rather than Biology-specific rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Illinois Tech’s B.S. in Biology combines classroom learning with hands-on laboratory work and undergraduate research, allowing students to develop practical skills in areas such as microbiology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology. Students can begin research as undergraduates and work with faculty in research laboratories, while partnerships with Argonne National Laboratory, BioCAT, and the National Center for Food Safety and Technology provide exposure to research environments beyond the classroom.

Key opportunities and facilities include:

Hands-on biology laboratories: Students conduct experiments in microbiology, biochemistry, and animal physiology laboratories, including work involving microbial systems, enzyme activity, and nerve action potentials using modern laboratory technology.
Undergraduate research: Biology students can participate in undergraduate research projects with Illinois Tech faculty, gaining experience in developing and conducting research beyond regular coursework.
Faculty-mentored summer research: Illinois Tech provides 10-week undergraduate research stipends for selected biology, chemistry, and physics students to conduct research alongside a faculty mentor.
Biomedical research: The Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering RES-MATCH offers one-semester biomedical science or biomedical engineering research opportunities supporting students and faculty laboratories.
Biophysics research access: BioCAT, located at Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Photon Source, provides access to X-ray facilities for studying biological materials including proteins, viruses, muscle, connective tissue, and other biological molecules.
Food-safety research: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH) is an applied food-science research consortium involving Illinois Tech, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the food industry, giving biology students an environment connected to food safety and biotechnology research.
Biological and biomedical research facilities: Illinois Tech has expanded its research presence at Fulton Labs, with more than 34,000 square feet of wet-lab facilities supporting biomedical and biological engineering research, including therapeutics development.
Industry-linked research environment: University Technology Park on the Illinois Tech campus houses companies working in life sciences, biotechnology, chemical research, and related technology fields, creating a nearby innovation environment for students interested in applied biological research.
Computational and interdisciplinary research: Illinois Tech's Active Computational Thinking Center supports computational research and connects campus researchers with regional and national computing facilities, complementing biology research involving data and computation.
Research presentation: Undergraduate researchers can participate in the Lewis College of Science and Letters Undergraduate Research Day, an annual symposium where students showcase their research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Illinois Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares students for careers that combine biological science with laboratory research, healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental applications. The program also provides a foundation for graduate and professional education, with opportunities to gain research experience and develop laboratory and analytical skills.

Career roles: Biological Technician, Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Environmental Scientist, Biotechnology Professional.

Career services: Illinois Tech’s Career Services supports students with career advising, internship and job searches, employer events, career fairs, résumé and interview preparation, and connections with employers. The university’s Handshake platform provides access to employment and internship opportunities.
Employment and salary: Illinois Tech publishes career-outcomes information through its institutional career resources; program-specific Biology salary or employment figures are not stated on the official Biology program page, so no Biology-specific salary figure is provided here.
University–industry connections: Students benefit from Illinois Tech’s location in Chicago, together with opportunities to connect with employers and research organizations through university career events, internships, and experiential learning. Biology students can also pursue research with faculty across biological and biomedical areas.
Research opportunities: The Biology program emphasizes laboratory and research preparation, allowing students to develop practical experience that can support careers in biotechnology, healthcare, research, and related scientific fields.
Accreditation value: Illinois Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This institutional accreditation provides continuing academic recognition of the university and its degrees.
Graduation outcomes: Illinois Tech reports graduate outcomes through its university-wide career-outcomes resources, including employment, continuing education, and other post-graduation destinations. A Biology-specific outcome percentage is not stated on the official program information.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biology, students can continue into graduate-level study in areas such as biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, environmental science, or related life-science disciplines. The degree can also provide preparation for professional pathways such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health professions, depending on prerequisite coursework and admission requirements.