The combined accelerated program B.S./M.S. in Biology allows students to earn both degrees for a total of 141 credits, instead of 160. Students are required to take 21 graduate credits and 120 undergraduate credits. Students must decide to be in this program by the end of their sophomore year and arrange their program for their junior and senior years in close consultation with their academic advisers.

Program Outcomes for BS Biology

Students majoring in Biology develop the following skills and abilities:

Ability to use the scientific method and understand its strengths and weaknesses: Clearly states a hypothesis; Identifies not only the basics of the issue, but recognizes the nuances of the issue.

Ability to research a biological topic using traditional and computer technology: Provides a thorough and relevant literature review; Considers alternate ways to approach the questions; Ability to read and evaluate professional scientific literature; Demonstrates understanding of the relationship between experiment and theory.

Ability to write and communicate science: Writing enhances the presentation; Writing is consistently well written; Writing communicates clearly using the language of biology; Writing displays an excellent command of writing mechanics; Topics are clearly organized; Topics are covered in-depth; Topics display an abundance of original ideas; APA style is used consistently and accurately without any errors.

Ability to utilize mathematical reasoning and quantitative skills in biology: Analyzes data via graphs, statistics and curve fitting as appropriate; Possess observational and technical skills; Carries out controlled experiments using the proper equipment and safety measurements; Identifies relevant constraints; Collects data carefully and with appropriate precision; Uses initial data to refine the experiment.

Possess major field knowledge: Identifies an appropriate question by using prior knowledge; Ability to successfully compete in biologically related fields; Obtains acceptance into graduate/professional schools or employment in the field.

Degree Plan

NOTE: All students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in fulfillment of their Bachelor degree requirements.

Semesters 1 and 2

Semester 3 and 4

Semesters 5 and 6

Semesters 7 and 8

Semesters 9 and 10 (22 credits)

  • Graduate Biology Electives [Students may take any BIOL course at or above the “5000” level]

Cognate Requirements

Semesters 1 and 2

Semesters 3 and 4

Semesters 5 and 6

Major Requirements:

  • Free Electives: May be chosen from any courses offered at the University after consultation with an advisor, but may include no more than six credits of “1000” level Biology courses. Physical Education is recommended for students to go on to schools of Veterinary Medicine.
  • The Program is designed for students who plan to attend Graduate school or who wish to prepare for admission to a School of Medicine, Dentistry, Chiropractic, Optometry, etc., as well as those interested in entering directly into the workforce.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for the BS degree, and a minimum of an additional 21 credits for the MS degree.