This degree attracts students who are fascinated by the spectrum of biology, from the tiniest or simplest to the largest or most complex. Students may pursue a number of areas, including plants, animals, their evolution, physiology, or relationships.
The biological sciences encompass numerous cutting-edge disciplines. Each offers a multitude of exciting career paths. Prepare for a career in one of a dozen specialties in biology or microbiology, or pursue the growing field of exercise science. You can also train to teach biology in secondary or primary schools. You can prepare for graduate study, for admission to medical, dental, or veterinary school, or for other professional training.
You will also receive plenty of personal attention — from faculty in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science. And you can take advantage of our location on the Colorado Plateau, which offers high quality of life with many excellent destinations for field projects and recreation. Our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs. Whatever path you take after graduation, you will be ready to succeed.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Students may transfer up to 75 units of credit from an accredited community college. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Biology is the study of life and living organisms — their structure & organization, development, evolution, distribution and interactions. The major offers a modern, balanced, and comprehensive treatment of biology, emphasizing critical analysis of information and integration among its sub-disciplines. At NAU, all students take foundations courses that address fundamental biological concepts: cellular & molecular processes, genetics & inheritance, and ecological and evolutionary theory. Then, students complete the major by selecting the courses in biology that best serve their individual interests. Upper-division biology courses hone into areas of physiology, evolution, ecological systems, genetics or cell theory. Our graduates attain the high-level scientific inquiry skills and have practiced the research methods needed to compete in graduate and professional schools and to succeed in the workplace.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students may transfer up to 75 units of credit from an accredited community college.
This major requires 72 - 77 units distributed as follows:
Biology and Biology-Related Coursework (44 - 45 units)
Math and Science Coursework (28 - 32 units)
All prerequisite coursework must also be completed with a Grade of "C" or better.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.