Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences

Students in the B.A. in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University develop practical scientific skills through laboratory-based biology courses, including microscopy, scientific writing, and the use of basic laboratory equipment. The program also gives eligible students opportunities to move beyond coursework into faculty-guided undergraduate research, directed study, and advanced biological sciences courses, with access to the wider research environment of Wayne State’s medical and biomedical facilities.

These program-specific opportunities include:

• Laboratory training: BIO 1501 Basic Life Diversity Laboratory introduces students to microscopy and basic laboratory equipment while developing scientific skills in critical reading and scientific writing.
• Cell biology experience: BIO 2600 Introduction to Cell Biology builds on the program’s foundation in cellular processes, while students can select additional upper-level BIO courses with laboratory components.
• Undergraduate research: BIO 4991–4994 Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences allows students to conduct original research under the guidance of a Biological Sciences faculty member; these courses are offered every term and can be taken for 1–4 credits.
• Directed study: BIO 6990 Honors Directed Study in Biology allows eligible Biological Sciences students to undertake faculty-directed study for undergraduate credit.
• Research opportunities in molecular medicine and genetics: The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics trains undergraduate students in faculty laboratories and offers the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), where students conduct immersive research, attend weekly seminars, and present their work at a research symposium.
• Specialized research facilities: The university’s biomedical research environment includes facilities with research-grade microscopes and imaging software, flow cytometry, PCR equipment, centrifuges, Biosafety Level 2 laboratories, zebrafish facilities, and molecular-analysis resources.
• Research centers: Students interested in molecular and cellular biology can benefit from the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, which has more than 28,000 square feet of research space containing open and closed laboratories, shared equipment, special procedure rooms, and conference spaces.
• Field-based learning: The Biological Sciences course offerings include BIO 5180 Field Investigations in Biological Sciences, providing an option for field-oriented biological study.
• Scientific communication: Upper-level Biological Sciences courses include designated Scientific Communication options, allowing students to strengthen their ability to communicate biological research and findings.
• Medical-campus resources: Wayne State’s biomedical environment places students near research facilities including the School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, C.S. Mott Center, and Shiffman Medical Library, creating opportunities to engage with a broader life-science research ecosystem.

The Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University provides a broad biology education that can support careers where biological knowledge is combined with communication, research, education, environmental work, or other fields. The university specifically describes the B.A. as a broad liberal arts education with a specialization in biology, while noting that it is not recommended for students planning to enter graduate science programs or medical school.

Typical career paths include laboratory assistant, biological technician, environmental technician, and science education or outreach roles: Wayne State also provides opportunities to build career experience through internships, micro-internships, networking, and career advising.

• Career Services: Wayne State Career Services provides career advising, action planning, goal setting, internships, micro-internships, networking opportunities, and resources designed to support students' transition from college to employment.
• Employment and salary figures: Specific employment rates and salary figures for graduates of the Biological Sciences B.A. are not stated on the official Wayne State program page, so no program-specific figures are provided here.
• Research and professional exposure: Wayne State offers undergraduate research opportunities in areas including cell cycle regulation, computational biology, neuroscience, evolutionary genetics, cardiovascular genetics, and mitochondrial genetics through its Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics. Its 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Program is a 10-week research experience that includes a $3,000 stipend for eligible participants.
• University–industry and healthcare connections: Wayne State's urban research environment connects students with biomedical and health research infrastructure, including the Integrative Biosciences Center and the Clinical Research Service Center, which supports clinical research, biobanking, clinical trials, community outreach, and related research activities.
• Long-term accreditation value: Wayne State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university has held HLC accreditation since 1915, supporting the long-term academic recognition of the institution and its degrees.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can use the broad biological sciences and liberal arts foundation for employment in biology-related settings or transition into further education. For students specifically targeting graduate science programs or medical school, Wayne State advises that the B.A. is not the recommended biological sciences pathway.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A., students can continue their education through relevant graduate or professional programs, depending on their additional coursework and career goals. Wayne State offers graduate study in Biological Sciences as well as biomedical graduate programs through the School of Medicine, providing potential routes into advanced study and research.