B.S. in integrative biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Vanderbilt University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Integrative Biology at Vanderbilt University is ideal for students who want to understand how living systems work across different levels, from genes and organisms to ecosystems and the environment. The program gives students the flexibility to explore areas such as genomics, ecology, evolution and conservation while building strong scientific, analytical and research skills for future careers or advanced study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with the fundamentals of biology through courses such as BSCI 1509 Biological Systems and BSCI 1510 Molecules and Cells, building an understanding of how biological systems function from the cellular level upward. BSCI 1510L Biological Sciences Laboratory gives students practical experience with laboratory methods, observation and scientific investigation, alongside foundational chemistry courses.

Year 2

Students continue developing their understanding of living organisms and their relationships with the environment through BSCI 1511 Organisms and Ecosystems. They also move into higher-level Biological Sciences courses, exploring topics across organismal biology, ecology, evolution and other areas while strengthening their ability to interpret scientific information and biological evidence.

Year 3

Students have greater opportunities to explore specialized areas of integrative biology, including subjects related to genomics, ecology, evolution and organismal biology. Courses such as BSCI 3270 Statistical Methods in Biology and BSCI 3272 Genome Science can help students develop skills in biological data analysis, statistics, genome research and computational approaches to modern biology.

Year 4

In the final year, students deepen their knowledge through advanced 3000- and 4000-level coursework while having opportunities to undertake independent research. Courses such as BSCI 3861 Directed Laboratory Research and BSCI 3961 Independent Laboratory Research allow students to work with faculty, develop research questions, conduct investigations and gain experience interpreting their own scientific findings.

Focus Areas

Genomics, ecology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology, conservation biology, environmental biology, genome science, biological systems, statistical methods in biology, biological data analysis, experimental design, laboratory research, biodiversity, scientific investigation

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a broad understanding of biological systems, learn to connect biological processes across different levels of organization, build laboratory and research skills, develop scientific reasoning and experimental design abilities, analyze biological data and research findings, and gain the confidence to investigate biological questions independently.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Integrative Biology is an academic science degree and is not presented by Vanderbilt as a professionally accredited program such as an engineering degree. Its broad biological training and research opportunities provide a strong foundation for students planning to enter scientific careers or continue into graduate and professional education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Vanderbilt University reports that 93% of its 2024 graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, with a reported mean starting salary of $85,000. The university also reports a 69.3% acceptance rate for its first-time medical-school applicants in 2024, compared with a 46% national rate, demonstrating the strong environment Vanderbilt provides for students pursuing further education and professional pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Integrative Biology at Vanderbilt University gives students the opportunity to move beyond classroom learning and become involved in real biological research. The major places a strong emphasis on independent laboratory research, allowing students to work with faculty on projects related to genomics, ecology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology and conservation biology. Students can gain experience through research courses, faculty laboratories, summer research programs and Vanderbilt's wider network of interdisciplinary research centers and facilities.

Students can build practical skills through several hands-on opportunities:

Directed Laboratory Research – BSCI 3861: Students participate in original research projects developed by Biological Sciences faculty, gaining experience with defining research problems, designing experiments, conducting research and interpreting results. Teamwork is also frequently part of the experience.
Independent Laboratory Research – BSCI 3961: Students can progress to independent research and take a greater role in developing and carrying out a biological research project under faculty supervision.
Research Internship – BSCI 3860: Students are introduced to a faculty research laboratory, explore current research projects and publications, and develop their understanding of a particular area of biological research before progressing to more advanced research.
Research-focused laboratory work: BSCI 1512L Biological Sciences Laboratory uses directed research projects with an emphasis on experimental design and analysis, giving students research experience early in the program.
Faculty research laboratories: Students can become part of research groups working in areas including genomics, evolution, ecology, organismal biology, microbiology, neuroscience, biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology.
Interdisciplinary research centers: Students benefit from Vanderbilt's connections with the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Evolution Initiative and Microbiome Initiative.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center: The Biological Sciences Department is closely connected with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, giving students access to a research environment that connects fundamental biological science with medical and clinical research.
Summer research: Students can take part in opportunities such as the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy and Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program. Many summer research programs last around ten weeks and may provide a stipend.
Paid research positions: Undergraduate students can apply for paid research assistant positions in Biological Sciences laboratories, where they work alongside research teams and may later develop their own projects or transition into research-for-credit courses.
Immersion experience: BSCI 3861 Directed Research and BSCI 3961 Independent Research can serve as the department's Immersion experience, allowing students to make substantial hands-on research part of their undergraduate education.
Scientific communication: Research students develop skills in reading scientific literature, writing about research and presenting scientific findings. Vanderbilt also reports that many undergraduate students have contributed to scientific journal publications as co-authors.
International field learning: Students can take the Maymester course BSCI 3228-01: Corals, Koalas, and Cassowaries: Great Barrier Reef and Tropics of Australia, providing an opportunity to study biological systems through a field-based experience in Australia.
V-START and V-SMART: These programs provide additional pathways into STEM and biomedical research, including academic-year mentoring, summer research opportunities and conference experiences. V-START can help first- and second-year students enter research earlier in their undergraduate studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Integrative Biology at Vanderbilt University gives students a strong foundation for careers in biological research, biotechnology, healthcare and other science-related fields. Graduates can also use the degree as a stepping stone to advanced study, with Vanderbilt Biological Sciences graduates progressing into Ph.D., medical, pharmacy and other professional programs.

Typical job roles: Biological Researcher, Research Assistant, Laboratory Scientist, Genomics Researcher

The program combines career guidance, research experience and opportunities to connect with Vanderbilt's wider scientific community:

Career support: Vanderbilt's Career Center helps students explore careers, internships, graduate study, fellowships, gap years and entrepreneurship. Students can also benefit from employer engagement activities that connect them with employers, alumni and other professional contacts.
Research experience: Students can build substantial research experience through BSCI 3860 Research Internship, BSCI 3861 Directed Laboratory Research and BSCI 3961 Independent Laboratory Research. These opportunities allow students to work with faculty research teams and develop practical skills that are valuable for both employment and further study.
Research and industry connections: Students can become involved in research environments connected with areas such as genomics, molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, microbiology, ecology and evolution. Vanderbilt also provides connections with the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Evolution Initiative and Microbiome Initiative.
Biomedical research opportunities: Programs such as V-START and V-SMART provide pathways for students interested in biomedical research. Students can receive mentoring, participate in summer research and present their work at research conferences, helping them prepare for research-focused careers and advanced degrees.
Employment outcomes: Vanderbilt reports that 93% of its 2024 graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, with a mean starting salary of $85,000.
College of Arts and Science outcomes: For the College of Arts and Science Class of 2024, 90% of graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months. Among graduates who continued to graduate school, 84% were accepted into their first- or second-choice program.
Research achievements: Students who take the research pathway can develop a strong portfolio of laboratory and scientific experience. Vanderbilt notes that many Biological Sciences undergraduates have contributed significantly to research projects and have been listed as co-authors on scientific journal publications.
Long-term professional value: The B.S. in Integrative Biology is an academic science degree rather than a professionally licensed degree, so it does not have a specific professional accreditation such as ABET. However, its combination of advanced biological study, laboratory experience and independent research can provide valuable preparation for scientific careers and competitive graduate or professional programs.
Graduation outcomes: Vanderbilt Biological Sciences graduates have progressed into Ph.D. programs, medical school, pharmacy, dental education and research positions. Examples include graduates entering Stanford's M.D./Ph.D. program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Dental Medicine and Ph.D. programs at institutions such as UC Berkeley and MIT.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Integrative Biology, students can continue their education through Ph.D. programs in biological and life sciences, M.D. programs, M.D./Ph.D. programs, pharmacy and dental programs, and other health-professional or graduate degrees. The research experience gained during the degree can be particularly useful for students who want to build a career in scientific research, biomedical science, genomics, ecology, evolutionary biology or related fields.