Academic Programs in Biology

The area of Biological Sciences encompasses a diverse range of subjects in the fields of health and natural history. If you want to experience the world through studies in life science, the Department of Biological Sciences is the place to be. As a biology student, you will enjoy the opportunity to work in the lab and outside from your first year.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers two undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Biology and the Bachelor of Science in General Science. Or, if you are majoring in another subject area, you can work toward a Minor in Biology. The department also offers a graduate degree: a Master of Science in Biology. Tailor your degree to fit your needs by choosing from one of several options -- outlined below -- or work with your biology advisor to design your own specialization.

Except for some pre-professional programs, each option for a B.S. in Biology is arranged into three tiers. Tier I includes five fundamental biology courses. Tier II is comprised of a diversity of biology courses with broad applications, and students must pass at least four of these courses most appropriate for their career goals. Tier III includes additional required or recommended biology courses specific to the area of emphasis.

Undergraduate Programs in Biological Sciences

Wondering what you can study in biology? At FHSU, we have more than 10 options you can choose from, or you can work with your biology advisor to design your own specialty. The options listed below include a printable pdf file of the courses you would take in biology, as well as other science and math courses.

Conservation and Natural Resources

If you are interested in studying conservation and natural resource management, check the several options available within the B.S. in Biology. These options are geared toward students who want to work for conservation agencies or zoos, for example, or who want to pursue advanced degrees. Options available for study are:

Biomedical Professions

If a career in the medical field appeals to you, consider one of several biomedical options for the B.S. in Biology. Our pre-professional options are designed to prepare you for additional education in medicine. Options available for study are:

Biology and Secondary Education

You can earn a dual degree with a B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education to prepare for a career teaching in a high school.

Bachelor of Science in General Science - Concentration in Biology

The B.S. in General Science offers you a flexible, broad-based education in the core disciplines of biology, chemistry, geosciences, and physics, while allowing you to deepen your knowledge and skills in one or more of those concentration areas. This degree program is ideal for students who have wide-ranging interests in the physical and life sciences who wish to pursue a variety of career fields, such as lab assistant, pharmaceutical representative, medical equipment sales, or manager in a technical field. This degree is not recommended for students interested in pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, or pre-pharmacy majors, but may be appropriate for pre-dental and pre-OT/PT majors.

Learn more about the courses available for the B.S. in General Science – Concentration in Biology.

Minor in Biology

You can earn a minor in biology to complement your degree from another department at FHSU. The minor consists of at least 20 credit hours of biology coursework as outlined below:

BIOL 180/180L, Principles of Biology/Lab (4 hours; Fall and Spring Semesters)
Your choice of 2 of the following 3 courses:

BIOL 250/250L, Introductory Botany/Lab (4 hours; Fall and Spring Semesters)
BIOL 260/260L, Introductory Zoology/Lab (4 hours; Fall and Spring Semesters)
BIOL 490/490L, General Microbiology/Lab (5 hours; Spring Semesters; Chemistry prerequisites)