Bachelors in Biology

The Biology major at the University of Michigan gives students plenty of opportunities to move beyond classroom learning and gain practical experience through laboratory work, field studies, independent research, and biological data analysis. Students can work with faculty on research projects, use modern teaching and research laboratories, and take field-based courses at the University of Michigan Biological Station, helping them develop hands-on scientific and research skills.

Students can gain practical experience through:

• Laboratory experience: Students complete upper-level biology laboratory or field courses, with options such as BIOLOGY 207 Introductory Microbiology, BIOLOGY 226 Animal Physiology Laboratory, BIOLOGY 230 Introduction to Plant Biology, and MCDB 429 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory.

• Independent research: Students can take part in laboratory, field, or modeling research projects, working with faculty mentors to help design, conduct, and interpret research. Independent research courses through EEB and MCDB can also contribute toward the major.

• Honors research: Biology Honors students complete at least two terms of independent research, develop a substantial research project, and complete an honors thesis. Students also have the opportunity to present their research publicly.

• Field-based learning: The University of Michigan Biological Station provides field-based courses during the spring and summer. Courses such as General Ecology (BIOLOGY 381) and Evolution (EEB 392) allow students to study biological systems in real-world environments and incorporate research into their learning.

• Modern teaching laboratories: The Undergraduate Science Building contains 16 teaching laboratories supporting subjects including general biology, microbiology, animal physiology, genetics, developmental biology, and neurobiology.

• Digital tools and technology: Teaching laboratories include computer systems, drawing tablets, digital presentation systems, and connected workspaces that support laboratory activities, project work, and collaborative learning.

• Biological data and programming: Students can develop computational skills through coursework such as BIOLOGY 202 Biological Data Analysis & Programming, gaining experience working with biological data and applying programming and quantitative methods.

• Research facilities: Students benefit from research environments across the University of Michigan, including the Biological Sciences Building, which provides modern wet and dry laboratories and biological imaging facilities for research in areas such as ecology, evolution, molecular biology, and cell biology.

• DNA sequencing and molecular research: The University of Michigan provides access to resources such as the DNA Sequencing Core Facility and Biodiversity Lab, where molecular research can involve traditional and next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing as well as computational analysis.

• Internships and research opportunities: The Program in Biology shares opportunities for internships, volunteer positions, employment, summer research, and fellowships, allowing students to gain experience outside their regular coursework.

The Biology bachelor’s at the University of Michigan gives students a flexible foundation for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, conservation, education, public health, and other life-science fields. Graduates can also continue into medical, dental, nursing, graduate, or other professional programs, making this degree a strong choice for students who want to keep several career paths open.

Typical career directions include Biological Researcher, Laboratory Technician, Public Health Professional, Conservation Biologist, Biotechnology Professional, Science Teacher, Healthcare Professional, and Environmental Consultant. Students can strengthen their career preparation through:

• Career and academic support: The Program in Biology provides biology-focused advising and student support, while LSA offers academic and career resources to help students explore careers, find internships, develop résumés, and prepare for professional opportunities.

• Internships and practical experience: LSA’s Opportunity Hub connects students with internships and other opportunities where they can apply what they learn, gain workplace experience, build professional networks, and develop useful career skills. LSA reports that 77% of students had an internship that helped them gain additional experience and skills.

• Employment outcomes: Recent LSA First Destination Survey data shows that more than 78% of 2025 LSA graduates accepted a job offer or continued into graduate school within six months of graduation. Graduates move into areas including healthcare, technology, education, consulting, social services, and other professional sectors.

• Employer connections: LSA graduates have progressed into organizations such as Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Amazon, Epic, Trinity Health, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, Google, and the National Institutes of Health, demonstrating the broad range of opportunities available after an LSA degree.

• Research and life-science opportunities: Biology students can build research experience during their degree, which can be valuable when applying for research positions, graduate programs, medical school, and other professional programs.

• Alumni network: LSA has more than 200,000 living graduates around the world, giving students access to a large alumni community that can support career exploration, networking, and future opportunities.

• Long-term academic value: The Biology major is a broad biological sciences degree rather than a professionally accredited engineering program. Its flexibility allows graduates to pursue different directions, including graduate research, medicine, dentistry, public health, conservation, teaching, and other professional fields.

• Graduation outcomes: LSA reports that 96% of its graduates are employed or attending graduate or professional school, highlighting the range of progression opportunities available after completing an LSA degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Biology bachelor’s, students can continue into graduate programs in biology and related life-science fields or pursue professional education in areas such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, public health, and other health professions. Students who gain research experience or complete the Honors pathway can also strengthen their preparation for advanced research and graduate-level study.