Biological Sciences ,BS
Animals, Biology, Biotechnology, Conservation, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Ocean, Plants, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical, genomics, life sciences, molecular, pre-health, premedlist
Are you captivated by the variety and wonder of life? Are you curious about how organisms grow, interact and affect each other? Build a strong foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will launch your career in science, health care and research.
In the Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences, students discover the basic organization and processes of life, from molecules to ecosystems. They investigate how hereditary information is transferred, how organisms evolve, and the interplay of organisms and their environment.
Students can opt for the BS in biological sciences with no concentration, or they can choose one of five concentrations:
- biology and society
- biomedical sciences
- conservation biology and ecology
- genetics, cell and developmental biology
- neurobiology, physiology and behavior
The general degree allows students to take core courses in multiple disciplines and have the flexibility to focus on their areas of interest.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program.
In addition to reviewing 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year
| Transfer
| International
| Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.
Professional health education is competitive. Less than 50% of students who apply to medical schools are admitted; the numbers vary for other health-related fields. Medical and professional school admission officers increasingly focus on students with dedication to community service, so engaging in community activities and research abroad helps any student who intends to pursue a health career to create a diverse, accomplished portfolio that can give them an advantage over the competition.
Study abroad students experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. Global Education programs enable students to develop a valuable skill set by exposing them to different health environments and expanding their knowledge of culturally specific health approaches.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences.
Graduates have an excellent foundation for advanced research and graduate study in biological sciences, health sciences, law and other graduate-level and professional programs, including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.
Graduates are also well prepared for direct entry into their choice of many career fields, including biotechnology, education, government and industry.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
8.6%
|
$81,650
|
|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$144,440
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$155,040
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
1.0%
|
$62,360
|
|
|
28.4%
|
$104,830
|
|
|
2.6%
|
$132,750
|
|
|
19.7%
|
$103,260
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
