Biology, BS (CALS)

The Biology, B.S. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison gives students plenty of opportunities to turn biological concepts into practical experience through laboratory work, field studies, research, and independent projects. Students can explore different areas of biology while developing skills in experimentation, data analysis, scientific communication, and research, with opportunities to work with faculty and gain experience through academic credit or paid research.

The program also provides access to a wide range of laboratory and field-based courses, allowing students to choose experiences that match their interests in areas such as genetics, microbiology, genomics, ecology, wildlife, plant science, and physiology:

• Laboratory-based learning: Students can take practical courses such as CHEM 344 – Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory, GENETICS 545 – Genetics Laboratory, MICROBIO 304 – Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory, ZOOLOGY 555 – Laboratory in Developmental Biology, and ZOOLOGY 612 – Comparative Physiology Laboratory.

• Research capstone: The Biology B.S. includes a 2-credit capstone experience, which can be completed through approved research courses, directed study, senior research, or a research-based thesis.

• Wildlife research: Students interested in wildlife can choose F&W ECOL 595 – Wildlife Research Capstone, giving them an opportunity to apply biological knowledge to research and wildlife-related questions.

• Microbiology experience: Courses such as MICROBIO 304 – Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory, MICROBIO 526 – Physiology of Microorganisms, and M M & I 301 – Pathogenic Bacteriology provide opportunities to explore microorganisms and biological processes through laboratory-based learning.

• Genomics and biotechnology: Students can explore emerging biological technologies through courses such as AN SCI 366 – Concepts in Genomics, PHM SCI 254 – Tiny Earth Genomics – Researching Uncultured Antibiotic-Producing Microbes, and PLANTSCI 340 – Plant Genome Engineering and Editing.

• Computational research: ZOOLOGY 604 – Computer-based Gene and Disease/Disorder Research Lab gives students experience applying computer-based approaches to biological research.

• Field-based learning: Courses such as ZOOLOGY 320 – Field Marine Biology, BOTANY 403 – Field Collections and Identification, ZOOLOGY 316 – Laboratory for Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources, and F&W ECOL 561 – Wildlife Management Techniques allow students to learn through field and applied experiences.

• Data analysis: Students can strengthen their quantitative skills through courses including STAT 240 – Data Science Modeling I, STAT 301 – Introduction to Statistical Methods, and STAT 371 – Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences.

• Plant and environmental research: Students can gain practical experience through subjects such as PLANTSCI 315 – Plant Microbiomes, BOTANY 455 – The Vegetation of Wisconsin, ENVIR ST/LAND ARC 581 – Prescribed Fire: Ecology and Implementation, and F&W ECOL 458 – Environmental Data Science.

• Independent research: Students can participate in research with faculty members and may be able to receive academic credit or pay, depending on the research opportunity.

• Senior honors thesis: Students pursuing Honors in the Major can complete a two-semester senior honors thesis worth 6 credits and present their research publicly, providing valuable experience in independent scientific investigation.

• Study abroad: UW–Madison offers study-abroad opportunities that can allow Biology students to complete upper-level biological science coursework while gaining international academic experience.

• Research environment: The Biology Major is based in the Microbial Sciences Building, with students connected to the broader biological research community at UW–Madison and the Department of Bacteriology.

The Biology, B.S. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison gives graduates a strong and flexible foundation for careers in biological science, healthcare, research, biotechnology, environmental science, and related fields. It also prepares students for further education, making it a good choice for those who want to build a career in research or progress into professional programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry.

Typical career paths include Biological Researcher, Laboratory Scientist, Biotechnology Professional, and Environmental Scientist. The wide range of biological subjects covered by the degree allows students to develop knowledge suited to different career interests.

Career development and progression opportunities:

• Career support: CALS Career Services helps students explore career options, prepare for employment, find internships, develop job-search skills, and connect with employers and alumni.

• Academic and career advising: Students can receive guidance on planning their Biology degree around their career goals and identifying relevant research, internship, employment, and further-study opportunities.

• Internships and employment preparation: Career services support students with internship exploration, professional development, job-search preparation, and connections to employment opportunities.

• Employment outcomes: Across UW–Madison, 62.1% of graduates were employed after graduation, while 93% of graduates seeking employment, service, or military positions accepted a position within six months according to the 2024–2025 First Destination Survey.

• Graduate-study outcomes: 26.6% of UW–Madison graduates were admitted to graduate school in the same First Destination Survey, highlighting opportunities for students who want to continue their education.

• Industry and employer connections: CALS provides opportunities for students to connect with employers and alumni through career activities and professional-development events. The official Biology B.S. program information does not identify specific Biology-industry partnerships, so no specific partnerships are claimed here.

• Research experience: Students can strengthen their professional profile through faculty research, laboratory work, directed study, and other hands-on biological science experiences. Depending on the opportunity, research may be completed for academic credit or paid experience.

• Long-term value: The Biology B.S. is not a professionally licensed or engineering-accredited degree. Its long-term value comes from the strong foundation it provides in biological science, scientific problem-solving, laboratory work, quantitative analysis, communication, and teamwork.

• Graduation outcomes: CALS highlights strong demand for its graduates from employers and graduate programs. Biology graduates can move directly into employment or use their undergraduate preparation to progress into advanced study and professional education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biology, B.S., students can continue into master's and doctoral programs in biology and related life-science disciplines, including areas such as genetics, microbiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and conservation. Students interested in healthcare can also progress to professional programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry, building on the scientific and research skills developed during the bachelor's degree.