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 general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. 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 | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is for students who are fascinated by the wonders of life, from the smallest microorganisms to the complexities of ecosystems, unraveling the mysteries of genetics, ecology, and the intricate workings of living organisms.
Our BS in Biology students use hands-on learning to explore the diversity of life, contribute to scientific discoveries, and address global challenges. This major offers a modern, balanced, and comprehensive treatment of biology, emphasizing critical information analysis and integration among its sub-disciplines. Students begin by taking foundational courses that address fundamental biological concepts such as cellular and molecular processes, genetics and inheritance, and ecological and evolutionary theory. After completing the foundation courses, students tailor their degree plans to match their interests in areas of physiology, evolution, ecological systems, genetics, or cell theory.
Students seeking research opportunities can engage with our biological research faculty and/or our associated research center - Center for Adaptive Western Landscapes, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, and the Pathogen and Microbiome Institutes.
Our BS in Biology graduates attain high-level scientific inquiry skills and have endless career opportunities in graduate school, healthcare, research, education, conservation, government agencies, environmental science, or biotechnology. This degree encourages your curiosity to grow as it plunges you into the world of biology.
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 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 General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.