Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Wayne State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University is designed for students seeking careers in the sciences or planning to enter graduate and professional schools, with a 120-credit curriculum combining biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and laboratory study. Students build a strong foundation in biological diversity, cellular mechanisms, evolution, genetics, and advanced biology electives while developing opportunities for scientific communication and undergraduate research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the foundations of biological science through BIO 1500 Basic Life Diversity and BIO 1501 Basic Life Diversity Laboratory, examining the diversity, structure, function, ecology, evolution, and distribution of living organisms while developing microscopy, scientific writing, and laboratory skills. BIO 1510 Basic Life Mechanisms and BIO 1511 Basic Life Mechanisms Laboratory then introduce cellular structure, metabolism, biomolecules, enzymes, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and the recording of laboratory data. Chemistry and mathematics foundations are also introduced through courses such as CHM 1100 General Chemistry I, CHM 1130 General Chemistry I Laboratory, and MAT 2010 Calculus I.

Year 2: Students move into more focused biological study with BIO 2600 Introduction to Cell Biology, exploring the structure and function of cells, followed by BIO 2700 Evolution: Basic Concepts and Applications, which examines evolutionary concepts and their application to understanding genetic, genomic, and organismal diversity. The science foundation expands through CHM 1140 General Chemistry II and CHM 1150 General Chemistry II Laboratory, CHM 1240 Organic Chemistry I, and the program's required physics sequence.

Year 3: The curriculum advances into genetics and upper-level biological sciences, with BIO 3070 Genetics examining the transmission, nature, and action of genetic material and, when taken for five credits, incorporating laboratory experiments. Students then select 3000-level or higher BIO electives, with options that can satisfy the upper-level laboratory and scientific communication requirements, while continuing CHM 2220 Organic Chemistry II and MAT 2020 Calculus II or STA 2210 Probability and Statistics.

Year 4: Students customize their final year through advanced BIO electives, including courses with upper-level laboratory or scientific communication components, allowing them to develop deeper expertise in areas of biological science aligned with their goals. Students can also incorporate BIO 4991–4994 Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences, which involves original research under the guidance of a faculty member, while eligible honors students can undertake BIO 6999 Honors Undergraduate Research Thesis.

Focus areas: Biological diversity, cell biology, evolution, genetics, cellular biochemistry, ecology and the environment, human physiology, molecular biology, microbiology, research, and scientific communication.

Learning outcomes: Students develop knowledge of biological systems and mechanisms, laboratory and scientific research skills, quantitative and analytical abilities, scientific communication, and the capacity to apply biological concepts to scientific problems through advanced coursework and research opportunities.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The official program page identifies the B.S. as preparation for careers in the sciences and for postgraduate professional schools; a specific professional accreditation for the Biological Sciences B.S. is not stated on the official program source.

Reputation (employability rankings): A program-specific employability ranking is not stated on the official Wayne State Biological Sciences program source, so no ranking is assigned here.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Wayne State University’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences develop practical skills through laboratory courses, undergraduate research, and hands-on experiences across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological biology. The program is supported by dedicated biological sciences facilities and research laboratories, while Wayne State’s urban Detroit setting also provides opportunities to connect biological science with biomedical and environmental research. These experiences help students move beyond classroom theory and develop laboratory, analytical, and research skills relevant to further study and scientific careers:

Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led research through the Department of Biological Sciences, gaining experience with real research questions and laboratory or field-based investigation.
Research areas: Faculty research includes areas such as cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology and evolution, microbiology, neuroscience, and plant biology, giving students opportunities to explore different areas of biological science.
Laboratory learning: Biology coursework incorporates hands-on laboratory experiences where students develop skills in experimental design, observation, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication.
Molecular and cellular facilities: Wayne State provides research laboratories supporting modern biological research, including facilities and instrumentation used for molecular, cellular, microbiological, and biochemical investigations.
Field-based learning: Biological Sciences students can engage with ecological and organismal research in Detroit and surrounding environments, supporting practical study of organisms, ecosystems, and environmental processes.
Interdisciplinary research: Students can benefit from Wayne State’s connections with biomedical and health-science programs, creating opportunities to apply biological knowledge within a broader research environment.
Libraries and research resources: Wayne State’s David Adamany Undergraduate Library and Purdy/Kresge Library provide students with access to scientific literature, research databases, study spaces, and academic research support.
Detroit research environment: Wayne State’s location in Detroit provides a distinctive setting for studying biological and environmental questions connected to an urban environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University is designed for students pursuing careers in the sciences or planning to enter postgraduate professional schools. Graduates can build careers in laboratory and biological research settings or use the degree as preparation for advanced study in biological sciences and related professional fields. Typical roles include biological technician, laboratory technician, research assistant, and environmental science technician.

Career and Employment Opportunities:

Career Services: Wayne State Career Services supports students through career advising, internships, micro-internships, networking opportunities, and resources for creating an individual career action plan and making the transition from college to employment.
Research opportunities: The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program connects students with faculty-led research projects, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge while being mentored by faculty researchers.
Employment and salary figures: Wayne State's official Biological Sciences B.S. information does not state program-specific employment rates or graduate salary figures, so these figures are not provided here.
University–industry and research connections: Students can engage with Wayne State's wider biomedical research environment, including the Integrative Biosciences Center and its Clinical Research Service Center, which supports clinical research, biospecimen storage, clinical research operations, databases, assays, and community outreach.
Research preparation: Students interested in research can pursue structured opportunities including the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics Summer Undergraduate Research Program, where participants work on research projects and present their findings to faculty and students.
Accreditation value: Wayne State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with the university listed as accredited for the 2026–2027 period. The official accreditation listing does not identify a separate specialized accreditation for the Biological Sciences B.S.
Graduation outcomes: The university specifically positions the B.S. for students seeking science careers and/or admission to postgraduate professional schools.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biological Sciences, students can continue into Wayne State's M.S. in Biological Sciences, M.S. in Molecular Biotechnology, or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, including doctoral areas such as Cell Development & Neurobiology, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, and Evolutionary & Organismal Biology. The B.S. can also support progression toward professional-school pathways, depending on the student's prerequisites and career objectives.