Bachelor of Science Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Houston

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Houston provides a broad foundation in biological science, combining core biology coursework with laboratory-based learning and opportunities to explore areas such as cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, and biochemistry. It suits students interested in scientific research, health-related professions, environmental biology, biotechnology, or further graduate study, with the degree allowing students to build their studies around their academic and career interests.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through introductory biology alongside chemistry, mathematics, and other foundational university coursework. Early study develops an understanding of biological principles and prepares students for the more advanced biology and biochemistry courses that follow; the University of Houston strictly enforces prerequisites for its biology courses.

Year 2: Students progress from introductory concepts into more specialized biological study and laboratory methodologies. Coursework builds the scientific background needed to understand biological systems at cellular, molecular, organismal, and ecological levels, while laboratory instruction provides practical exposure to different biological disciplines and methodologies.

Year 3: The curriculum moves toward upper-level biology and gives students greater flexibility to explore areas connected with their interests. The department's research strengths include cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, biochemistry and biophysics, with research spanning areas such as genomics, gene regulation, developmental biology, cancer biology, immunology, behavior, evolutionary genetics, and community ecology.

Year 4: Students consolidate their advanced biological knowledge while completing the program's capstone requirement. The NSM requirement can be fulfilled through options including a senior research project, senior honors thesis, approved minor, double major, or designated interdisciplinary capstone courses, allowing students to finish with an experience aligned with their academic or professional direction.

Focus areas: Cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, biochemistry and biophysics, genomics and gene regulation, developmental biology and regenerative medicine, cancer biology, immunology and therapeutics, evolutionary genetics, microbial evolution, behavior, and community ecology.

Learning outcomes: Develop a broad understanding of biological systems, apply biological concepts through laboratory methodologies and research, develop scientific and analytical skills, and prepare for professional or graduate-level study in biological and health-related fields. The department specifically highlights laboratory instruction and undergraduate research as ways students gain skills beyond conventional classroom and teaching-laboratory learning.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Biology, B.S. is listed among the University of Houston's undergraduate programs leading to initial teacher certification that are fully accredited by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. This accreditation applies to the educator-preparation pathway rather than serving as a general accreditation of the Biology B.S. itself.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Houston's official Biology and Biochemistry department reports nearly $18 million in external research grants annually, primarily from the NIH and NSF, and notes that faculty research is published in journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS. A program-specific employability ranking for the Biology B.S. was not stated on the official university sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Houston’s Bachelor of Science in Biology combines classroom study with practical laboratory and research experiences that help students apply biological concepts to real scientific questions. Students can develop laboratory, field, quantitative, and research skills through upper-level biology courses, independent research, and opportunities to work with faculty in areas ranging from ecology and evolution to molecular and cellular biology. The program’s location in Houston also provides access to the university’s research facilities and the broader scientific environment of the Texas Medical Center. These opportunities include:

Undergraduate research: Biology students can participate in faculty-led research through BIOL 3397/4397 Undergraduate Research in Biology, gaining experience in an active research laboratory or field-based research project under faculty supervision.
Research facilities: Students can conduct research within the Department of Biology’s faculty laboratories, covering areas such as ecology, evolution, animal behavior, plant biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and cell biology.
Laboratory training: The BS Biology curriculum includes dedicated laboratory courses where students develop practical skills in areas such as cell biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, and organismal biology.
Field-based experience: Biology students can gain field experience through courses and faculty research involving ecology, organismal biology, biodiversity, and environmental biology, allowing them to apply biological methods outside the classroom.
Quantitative and computational skills: Upper-level biology coursework incorporates data analysis, quantitative methods, and scientific interpretation, supporting preparation for research and graduate-level study.
Independent research: Students interested in intensive research can pursue senior-level research and thesis opportunities, working closely with faculty to investigate a specific biological question and communicate their findings.
Houston research environment: The University of Houston’s location provides students with opportunities to engage with a major biomedical and scientific community, including connections to the Texas Medical Center and Houston-area research institutions.
Libraries and scientific resources: Students have access to the University of Houston Libraries, including scientific databases, research materials, and study resources that support laboratory and independent research.
Research institutes and facilities: Biology students can benefit from UH research infrastructure and interdisciplinary centers supporting biological, biomedical, environmental, and molecular research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Houston can prepare graduates for laboratory, research, healthcare, environmental, and education-related careers, while giving students opportunities to build experience through undergraduate research and internships. The degree can also serve as a strong foundation for professional programs or graduate study in biology and related life-science fields.

Career roles: Biological Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Biology Teacher.

Career services: The NSM Career Center helps students obtain internships, undergraduate research, and full-time positions; its HireNSM platform provides biology students with field-specific job postings and interview-preparation opportunities, while employers can use the platform to recruit interns, researchers, and full-time employees.
Employment statistics and salary: A specific employment rate or salary figure for University of Houston Biology B.S. graduates is not stated on the official Biology program sources reviewed. UH does publish employment statistics for its separate Biotechnology B.S., including a $46,000 average starting salary, but that figure should not be treated as a Biology B.S. outcome.
University–industry connections: NSM connects students with employers for internships, research, and full-time positions, with opportunities available through partner settings including the Texas Medical Center, UH Coastal Center, and industry laboratories.
Research opportunities: Biology students can participate in faculty-mentored research through laboratory or field projects, Senior Honor Theses, Senior Research Projects, Special Problems courses, and university research programs.
Research partnerships: The UH Drug Discovery Institute offers undergraduate research programs such as UH-CURE, UH-HEART, UH-Cell, and UH-DRUG, providing hands-on research experience connected to cardiovascular research, cancer immunotherapy, drug discovery, and biomedical research.
Accreditation value: For students pursuing biology-based teacher preparation, the Biology B.S. leading to initial teacher certification is included among UH programs holding full AAQEP accreditation through June 30, 2029. This accreditation specifically applies to the educator-preparation pathway rather than every Biology B.S. student.
Graduation outcomes: UH's official Biology sources emphasize research and preparation for students' next educational or professional step, but a program-specific Biology B.S. graduation placement percentage is not stated.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biology B.S., students can continue into the University of Houston's M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology, with graduate study available across Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, and Biomedical Sciences pathways. The bachelor's degree can also provide preparation for professional and health-related graduate programs, depending on the student's selected prerequisites and career direction.