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Degree Programs in Biology, Microbiology, & Biochemistry

Undergraduate Degrees   |   Graduate Degrees   |   Interdisciplinary Degrees   |   Minor Options

ISU Panorama. Photo by Chuck Peterson.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. If you have questions about the degree programs offered by our department, please contact us.

Undergraduate Degrees in Biology, Microbiology, & Biochemistry

The Department of Biological Sciences undergraduate degree programs were designed to highlight specific knowledge and skill sets that will serve as a strong foundation for a student’s chosen career path. Students majoring in any of our four bachelor degree programs have various opportunities that will further prepare them for a technical or scientific career, graduate studies, or professional schools. For example, ISU leads Idaho in health profession education and those students majoring in the Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) increase their chances of acceptance to a professional school. Over 90% of our students applying to M.D. and D.O. programs are accepted, a figure nearly twice the national average.

Please send Undergraduate Degree information

Apply for our Undergraduate Degree Programs

  1. Complete the Undergraduate Application Process.
  2. Meet with the Biological Sciences advisor.
  3. Declaration of Major.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology

The purpose of the B.A. in Biology is to serve students who have a broad interest in the Biological Sciences and who seek substantial flexibility in the development of their own programs.  This degree fosters knowledge and understanding of major concepts in the discipline as well as the processes of scientific investigation.  Students are required to take the Core Biology B.A. classes and then select an area of concentration in either Biological Education or Natural History.

For your chosen B.A. in Biology concentration, familiarize yourself with the:

  1. Degree requirements in the course catalog​
  2. BA Biology Degree MAPs;
    • Biology Education OR
    • Natural History

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology

The purpose of the B.S. in Biology is to serve students who have a broad interest in the biological sciences and who seek substantial flexibility in the development of their own programs. This degree fosters, in students, knowledge and understanding of major concepts in the discipline as well as the processes of scientific investigation. Students served by this Major are those interested in preparing for a career in biology, ecology, conservation or natural history, entering a health-related professional program (i.e., physician assistant, occupational therapist, medical doctor, etc.), certifying to teach in public schools, or developing a variety of laboratory skills. The B.S. in Biology requires significant exposure to biological sciences, as well as concepts in math and the physical sciences, while providing a large number of electives. Students are required to take the Core Biology B.S. classes and then select an area of concentration in either; Biomedical Sciences (BMS), Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECB), or Integrative Organismal Biology (IOB). 

For your chosen B.S. in Biology concentration, familiarize yourself with the:

  1. Degree requirements in the course catalog​ 
  2. BS Biology Degree MAPs;
    • Biomedical Sciences (BMS),
    • Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECB), OR
    • Integrative Organismal Biology (IOB)

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biochemistry

The B.S. in Biochemistry is a joint program between the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. The curriculum is designed to prepare the student for graduate work in biochemistry and related fields, as well as for admission to medical, dental, or other health professional schools. The graduate is also prepared to go directly into research or industrial positions which require preparation only at the B.S. level.

To prepare for the B.S. in Biochemistry familiarize yourself with the:

  1. Degree requirements in the course catalog​ 
  2. BS Biochemistry Degree MAP

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Microbiology

The purpose of the BS in Microbiology is to give students a broad set of scientific, analytical, and problem solving skills. This degree gives students a broad understanding of genetics, immunology, and molecular biology. The Microbiology degree prepares students for entry level jobs in healthcare and scientific research including job as a laboratory technician, food inspector, forensic scientist, and water quality scientist.

To prepare for the B.S. in Microbiology program, familiarize yourself with the:

  1. Degree requirements in the course catalog​
  2. BS Microbiology Degree MAP