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Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Undergraduate Degrees
  3. Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS

At a Glance: program details

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

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


Experience the excitement of scientific discovery. Learn how genetic information is organized and transmitted across generations and study how genes can affect change at the cellular level and in organisms.

Program Description

The BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell and developmental biology integrates the study of three exciting, closely related areas of life science research.

Genetics examines the blueprints of life, such as DNA sequence and gene expression, while cell biology studies the machinery of life enclosed within the boundaries of cells. Developmental biology uses both genetics and cell biology to understand how genes and the environment interact to produce a whole new individual from a single cell as well as to understand the various developmental changes that organisms undergo throughout life.

The combined study of genetics, cell biology and development has resulted in a better understanding of many diseases and promises to prove even more important in the future.

Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects or internship opportunities to develop a better sense of how science is done.

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.

Major core

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)

Major concentration courses

  • BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
  • BIO 353 Cell Biology (3)
  • BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3) or BCH 461 General Biochemistry (3)

Additional major concentration courses

  • BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
  • BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
  • BIO/ASM 446 Principles of Human Genetics (3)
  • BIO/MBB 440 Functional Genomics (3)
  • BIO/MIC 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3)

Major laboratory courses (complete two of the following) 

  • BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
  • BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory (2)
  • BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
  • BIO 352 Laboratory in Vertebrate Developmental Anatomy (2)
  • BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
  • 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, only 3 credits from any of these can be used toward a lab)
  • MBB 350 Applied Genetics (4)
  • MIC 220 Biology of Microorganisms and MIC 206 Microbiology Lab (4)
  • MIC 302 Advanced Bacteriology Lab (2)
  • MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2)
  • BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1) or BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Lab (3)

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

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.

Requirements in related fields

General chemistry
  • CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
Organic chemistry (take general or pre-health sequence)
  • 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 (take general or 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 of the following)
  • MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
  • MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Statistics  (complete one of the following)
  • 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.




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:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

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 (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

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)

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

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 (Sustainable Tourism)

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

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 (Sustainability Solutions)

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

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

Global Management

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

Global Management (Public Administration)

Global Management (Public Administration)

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 (Global Entrepreneurship)

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

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)

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

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 Affairs)

Global Management (Global Affairs)

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)

Global Management (Global Business)

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

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Molecular and Cellular Biology

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

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

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

Biology

Biology

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

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology

Microbiology

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 (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

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 Policy)

Global Management (Public Policy)

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 (Global Legal Studies)

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

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

Biology (Biology and Society)

Biology (Biology and Society)

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


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

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Career Outlook

Graduates of this concentration have learned critical thinking skills that can be applied to many scientific problems and professions as well as to the challenges of daily life, and they have a variety of career options.

This degree provides the fundamental coursework necessary for admission into medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy or graduate schools or any of the health professions. There also are many employment opportunities that can be pursued upon receipt of the Bachelor of Science with this concentration, such as:

  • animal breeder technician
  • bioinformaticist or biotechnologist
  • crime lab technician
  • cytotechnologist
  • drug or vaccine design technician
  • genetic counselor
  • histologist
  • in-vitro fertilization technician
  • teacher
  • technical writer

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 Science Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 8.6%
  • Median Salary*: 81650
  Bright Outlook

Clinical Research Coordinators

  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
  Bright Outlook

Cytotechnologists

  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: 57380
  Bright Outlook

Epidemiologists

  • Growth: 26.7%
  • Median Salary*: 78520
  Bright Outlook

Genetic Counselors

  • Growth: 16.1%
  • Median Salary*: 89990
  Bright Outlook

Geneticists

  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 87300

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

  • Growth: 9.8%
  • Median Salary*: 99930
  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).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Through study abroad, students studying biological sciences are able to experience unique biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are able to be exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students also are able to engage in community service and outreach all around the world, which can help them stand out in graduate study or a professional career.

With more than 300 programs available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell and developmental biology.

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. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • sols.advising@asu.edu
  • 480/727-6277


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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