B.S./ M.S. in Biology

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Utah

Program Overview

The B.S./M.S. in Biology at the University of Utah is an accelerated five-year pathway that combines the university’s undergraduate Biology B.S. with graduate-level study, research, and a master’s thesis, allowing students to earn both degrees one year earlier than completing them separately. It suits students seeking advanced preparation for biological research, professional careers, or further study, with learning spanning cell and molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, ecology, evolution, and environmental biology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as BIOL 1610 Fundamental Principles of Biology I and BIOL 1620 Fundamental Principles of Biology II, supported by their associated laboratory courses BIOL 1615 and BIOL 1625. The program also begins the required chemistry, mathematics, and other science preparation that supports advanced biological study.

Year 2: Students move deeper into biological concepts with courses such as BIOL 2020 Principles of Cell Biology and BIOL 2030 Genetics, while continuing the chemistry, mathematics, and physics sequence required for the Biology degree. This stage develops understanding of cellular processes, genetic information, and the scientific foundations needed for upper-division biology.

Year 3: The curriculum broadens into higher-level biological study through BIOL 3410 Ecology and Evolution, BIOL 3510 Biological Chemistry I, and advanced biology electives. Students begin selecting coursework across areas such as cell and molecular biology, ecology and environmental biology, and integrative organismal biology, while completing additional laboratory experience.

Year 4: Students complete advanced undergraduate requirements, including 5000-level Biology courses and additional laboratory coursework, while BS/MS students can begin taking up to six graduate credits that do not count toward the B.S. degree. Students also develop their research direction and prepare for the transition into graduate-level study.

Year 5: The final year is centered on the M.S. component, including BIOL 7810 Research in Progress, BIOL 6950 Independent Study, and at least six credits of BIOL 6970 Thesis Research. Students complete original research with a Biology faculty member, submit a scientific thesis, and typically present and defend their thesis project near the end of the fifth year.

Focus areas: Behavior & Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology & Conservation Biology, Ecosystem Science, Evolution & Biodiversity, Genetics & Genomics, Microbial Biology, Physiology & Functional Morphology, Plant Biology, and Coevolutionary Biology.

Learning outcomes: Students develop knowledge of evolution, genetics and gene expression, molecular and cellular structures, organismal biology, and biological interactions with the environment, while gaining the ability to design and conduct biological experiments, use mathematical/computational tools, and communicate biological concepts effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The official University of Utah program pages do not state that the Biology B.S./M.S. is professionally accredited by a specialized external biology accreditation body; the program is offered through the School of Biological Sciences and the University of Utah.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Utah's official program information emphasizes preparation for careers in biological sciences and postgraduate education, including graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy programs. The university's official Biology pages do not publish a specific program-level QS or Guardian employability ranking for the B.S./M.S. Biology pathway.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Utah’s B.S./M.S. in Biology combines undergraduate biology training with advanced graduate-level study and substantial research experience. Students can participate in faculty-led research across areas ranging from molecular biology and genomics to ecology, evolution, conservation, and neurobiology, while the five-year structure culminates in a supervised thesis project and defense.

Students can develop practical laboratory, research, computational, and field-based skills through these opportunities:

Independent research: BIOL 4955 – Independent Research allows students to participate in faculty-sponsored research and apply up to 3 credits toward their degree and lab requirements.
Honors research: BIOL 4995 – Honors provides an independent research pathway and forms the foundation of the Biology Honors program.
B.S./M.S. thesis research: Students complete at least 6 credits of BIOL 6970 – Thesis Research with a Biology faculty member, then present and defend their thesis, typically near the end of the fifth year.
Advanced statistical tools: BIOL 6500 – Advanced Statistical Modeling for Biologists is strongly recommended in the B.S./M.S. program, giving students additional quantitative skills for biological research.
DNA sequencing: The School provides access to an Illumina MiSeq high-throughput DNA sequencing system and an Agilent Tapestation for sequencing-library quality control, located in the Crocker Science Center.
Advanced microscopy: Students working in research can access the Advanced Microscopy Facility and Electron Microscopy Core Laboratory, with electron, light, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy equipment, plus specialized sample-preparation equipment and training.
Environmental analysis: The Stable Isotope Ratio Facility for Environmental Research (SIRFER) provides H, C, N, O, and S stable-isotope analysis and supports undergraduate and graduate training through one-on-one analytical training and coursework.
Greenhouse research: The School’s approximately 6,400-square-foot Biology Greenhouses provide controlled environments ranging from desert to tropical conditions for plant research, teaching, and display.
Field-based research: Students can engage with research environments such as the Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa and Red Butte Canyon Natural Research Area, which support environmental and biological research projects.
Research groups: The School has approximately 50 research groups, covering laboratory and field research from molecular biology to ecology, giving undergraduates opportunities to work with different research approaches and faculty.
Computational research: The Center for High Performance Computing supports biological research involving big data, data analytics, research computing, and advanced computational resources.
Collaborative research: The School works with interdisciplinary centers including the Global Change and Sustainability Center, Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy, and Quantitative Biology Center, creating opportunities to connect biological research with environmental and quantitative sciences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The University of Utah’s Biology B.S./M.S. combines undergraduate study with graduate-level coursework and research, allowing students to complete both degrees in five years. The accelerated pathway adds advanced training and research experience that can support careers in biological research and related scientific fields, as well as progression to professional or doctoral programs.

Career roles: Molecular and Cellular Biologist, Medical Scientist, Microbiologist, Biological Technician.

Career services: U Career Success provides Handshake internship and job collections tailored to areas such as laboratories and life-science research, clinical support, and diagnostic healthcare.
Employment and salary: University of Utah career data report Molecular and Cellular Biologists at approximately $93,000 median annual earnings, with 80% earning approximately $54,000–$162,000 in 2025. Medical Scientists had approximately $101,000 median annual earnings, with 80% earning approximately $62,000–$170,000. These are national labor-market figures covering workers at all experience levels, not specifically University of Utah graduates.
University–industry connections: The University of Utah’s biology career resources connect students with employment opportunities across pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, medical research institutes, hospitals, government agencies, and university research laboratories.
Advanced research preparation: The B.S./M.S. requires at least six credits of thesis research, a faculty-supervised research project, and a thesis presentation and defense, giving graduates documented research experience for scientific careers and further study.
Accreditation value: The University of Utah is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), providing institutional accreditation for the university and its academic degrees.
Graduation outcomes: The combined program is designed to give graduates both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years, one year earlier than completing the degrees separately; the university states that the additional training and research experience can support job-market preparation, earning potential, professional-school entry, or Ph.D. study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S./M.S., students can continue into doctoral research through the University of Utah’s Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology (MCEB) or Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology (EEOB) graduate programs. The School of Biological Sciences also offers Ph.D. pathways with research-intensive training and faculty mentorship; qualified Ph.D. students receive financial support through teaching or research assistantships, with tuition coverage and health insurance described for the 2026–27 academic year.