Biological Sciences, BS


Your involvement in innovative research with award-winning faculty enables you to gain critical thinking skills and develop key lab techniques. You'll be prepared to jump-start your career in science or to continue on to graduate or professional education.

Program Description

The life sciences involve the study of the basic organization and processes of life (microbes, plants and animals) at scales ranging from molecules to ecosystems and in time from picoseconds to millennia. This includes investigations into how hereditary information is transferred and organisms evolve, the interplay of organisms and their environments, and how these factors interact in health and disease.

Students interested in a degree in life sciences can opt for a BS in biological sciences or choose one of five concentrations:

  • biology and society
  • biomedical sciences
  • conservation biology and ecology
  • genetics, cell and developmental biology
  • neurobiology, physiology and behavior

The biological sciences major with no concentration is designed for students who are committed to studying and training in multiple disciplines in biology and for students who want to get more exposure to the life sciences before deciding whether they want to declare a concentration as an undergraduate. Therefore, students in this major take core courses from several concentrations. Students in this major have more flexibility to customize their program of study so they can focus on their own area of interest that may not have a concentration, such as plant biology or genomics.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.


Degree details for on-campus students

Major core for on-campus participants 

Note: Once you start a General BIO sequence, you must complete the full sequence (BIO 181 & 182 OR BIO 281 & 282).

  • BIO 181 General Biology I (4) or BIO 281 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors I (4)
  • BIO 182 General Biology II (4) or BIO 282 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors II (4)
  • BIO 340 General Genetics (4) 
  • BIO 345 Evolution (3)

Additional on-campus major requirements

Pick five courses from the following for 15+ credit hours.

  • BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3)
  • BIO 311/HPS 340 Biology and Society or BIO 312/PHI 320 Bioethics or BIO 318/HPS 331 History of Medicine or BIO 416/HPS 410 Biomedical Research Ethics or HPS/PHI 314 Philosophy of Science (3)
  • BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
  • BIO 320 Fundamentals of Ecology (3)
  • BIO 331 Animal Behavior (3)
  • BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
  • BIO 353 Cell Biology (3)
  • BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
  • BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4) 
  • BIO 385 Comparative Invertebrate Zoology (4)
  • MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms & MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory (4)

Please see an advisor if above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them.

On-campus major laboratory / research courses

Complete two courses from the list below. Only 3 credits of 495, 484 or 492 can count towards one lab.

  • BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
  • BIO 321 Introductory Ecology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory (2)
  • BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
  • BIO 352 Laboratory in Vertebrate Developmental Anatomy (2)
  • BIO 357 Cell Biology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO 361 Animal Physiology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
  • BIO 385 Comparative Invertebrate Zoology (4)
  • BIO 386 General Entomology (4)
  • BIO 435 Research Techniques in Animal Behavior (3)
  • BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
  • BIO 471 Ornithology (3)
  • BIO 474 Herpetology (4)
  • BIO 475 Advanced Human Anatomy (3)
  • BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 484 Internship or BIO/MIC/MBB 492 Honors Directed Study may be substituted for one lab course (1-3)
  • MBB 350 Applied Genetics (4)
  • MIC 302 Advanced Bacteriology Laboratory (2)
  • MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2)

Major on-campus electives

Any SOLS upper division coursework (300 and 400 level BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB) will count in this area, including BCH 361, that has not already been used in the major area.

Requirements in related fields for on-campus participants

Choose one of the two tracks: General and Organic Chemistry or Pre-health sequence

General chemistry 
  • CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
AND Organic chemistry 
  • CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
  • CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) 
OR Pre health sequence 
  • CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
  • CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

Physics 

Choose one of two tracks: General Physics or the Pre-health sequence

  • PHY 101 Introduction to Physics (4) 
OR pre-health sequence
  • PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
  • PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
  • PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
  • PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)

Math (complete one)

  • MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
  • MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)

Statistics (complete one)

  • STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3) 
  • STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)

For more information on requirements and recommendations specific to this degree please see our Did you know for on-campus degrees page

Degree details for online students

Major core for online students

  • BIO 181 General Biology I (4) 
  • BIO 182 General Biology II (4) 
  • BIO 340 General Genetics (4) 
  • BIO 345 Evolution (3)

Additional major requirements for online students

Pick five courses from the following for 15+ credit hours

  • BIO 312/PHI 320 Bioethics (3) or PHI 314 Philosophy of Science (3) or BIO 311/HPS 340 Biology and Society (3) or BIO 416 Biomedical Research Ethics (3)
  • BIO 320 Fundamentals of Ecology (3)
  • BIO 331 Animal Behavior (3)
  • BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
  • BIO 353 Cell Biology (3)
  • BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
  • BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4) 
  • MIC 205 Microbiology & MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory (4)

Please see an advisor if above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them.

Major laboratory / research courses

Complete two courses from the list below. Credits from labs are accounted for in the major general elective area.

  • BIO 321 Introductory Ecology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO 357 Cell and Molecular Bio Lab (2)
  • BIO 361 Animal Physiology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
  • BIO 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO 484 Internship (1-3)

Online major electives

Any SOLS upper division coursework (300 and 400 level BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB) will count in this area, including BCH 361, that has not already been used in the major area.

Online requirements in related fields

Online general chemistry (take both)

Choose one of the two tracks: General and Organic Chemistry or Pre-health sequence

  • CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
AND Online organic chemistry (take both)
  • CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry SQ 1 (3)
  • CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory SQ 1 (1) 
OR pre-health sequence
  • CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
  • CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)

Online physics electives

Choose one of two tracks: General Physics or the Pre-health sequence

Physics
  • PHY 101 Introduction to Physics (4 hours)
OR Pre-health sequence
  • PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
  • PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
  • PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
  • PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)

Online math proficiency electives

Complete one of the following

  • MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
  • MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)

Online statistics electives

Complete one of the following

  • STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3) 
  • STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)

For more information or to review recommendations from advising visit our advising recommendations page


Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • First Required Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math Intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.



Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.



Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Biology, MS

Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Biology (Biology and Society), MS

Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you also want to take your training into society, to bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop ways of knowing and skills for action in the real world, preparing you for employment, a PhD or other professional studies.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS

Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? Choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities and gain skills in contemporary techniques, and enjoy the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Microbiology, MS

When you become an expert in microbes, you will be able to contribute to the greater good. Join us to learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM

This concentration prepares graduates for leadership roles in global organizations. It offers applied learning opportunities, internships and 16 concentrations in real-world settings around the world where students gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM

A new class of hybrid careers has recently emerged that combines digital media skills with marketing and design expertise. Offered in partnership with ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thunderbird's concentration in digital audience strategy within the MGM program produces global leaders with management and multimedia skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM

This concentration provides you with specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management. It is designed for future leaders in nonprofit, governmental or international business roles.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business), MGM

This concentration produces leaders with mastery of global business management principles and practices as well as a deep understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM

Become a global innovator with a higher purpose. Customize your degree with skills and experience that empower you to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in solving societal development issues such as raising standards of living.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM

Customize your degree with digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics. With a concentration in global digital transformation, you're prepared to lead the way in global industry 4.0.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM

This concentration provides the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, students master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM

This program is for those who seek a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry. This concentration provides you with a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM

This concentration delivers experiential learning and skill-building in global management and legal analysis --- all in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Integrated Health Care), MGM

Become a global leader with a higher purpose. Learn to develop, implement, evaluate and sustain integrated care programs in diverse health care settings in response to increasing worldwide demand.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM

New generations demand purpose-driven careers. Nonprofit organizations that operate globally are poised to meet your desire for meaningful, rewarding work that produces prosperity to enhance the communities they serve. Become a future-ready leader who can maximize the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration), MGM

Public-private partnerships are on the rise globally. Executives and managers in this arena need repertoires that combine public administration mastery with cutting-edge global management skills and experience. This concentration addresses that cross-sectoral niche.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy), MGM

This concentration prepares students for careers as policy analysts and leaders in public service. Graduates around the world are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM

As sustainability gains importance worldwide, global organizations need expert leaders and managers who can transform sustainability practices. Tailor your experience with powerful new strategies and tactics for making sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM

As ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices, managers and executives need new capabilities in order to transform global enterprises. This program prepares you for leadership roles in the global tourism arena.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management, MGM

This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings where you can gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs

Apply to a program

Visit our campus

Affording College

Tuition calculator

Scholarships

Financial aid

Career Outlook

The biological science major provides an excellent foundation for graduate study as well as preparation for professional schooling in:

  • dentistry
  • medicine
  • pharmacy
  • veterinary medicine

Graduates may enter positions in:

  • biotechnology
  • education
  • government
  • industry

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Biological Sciences Professor


  • Growth: 8.6%
  • Median Salary*: $81,650
  Bright Outlook

Biologist


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: $87,300

Clinical Trial Manager


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: $144,440

Dentist


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: $155,040

Environmental Protection Specialist


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: $76,480

High School Teacher


  • Growth: 1.0%
  • Median Salary*: $62,360

Medical and Health Services Manager


  • Growth: 28.4%
  • Median Salary*: $104,830
  Bright Outlook

Pharmacist


  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: $132,750

Veterinarian (Vet)


  • Growth: 19.7%
  • Median Salary*: $103,260
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu



Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.