This minor is a natural companion to careers in chemistry, psychology, environmental studies, genetics, science education, or perhaps even computer science and engineering. Students in other fields, including marketing, government, politics, or law, will find that biology coursework encourages critical thinking and observation skills as well as providing rich content.
The biological sciences encompass numerous cutting-edge disciplines; each offering a multitude of exciting career paths. You can supplement your major with a Biology minor, which will help you prepare for graduate study, 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. 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.
A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.
To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 18 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
Purpose Statement
Biology is the study of life and living organisms - their structure and organization, development, evolution, distribution, and interactions. The minor offers a modern, balanced, and comprehensive overview of biology, emphasizing critical analysis of information and integration among its sub-disciplines. At NAU, all students take foundational courses that address fundamental biological concepts, including cellular and molecular processes, genetics and inheritance, and ecological and evolutionary theory. Then, students complete the minor by selecting the biology courses that best serve their individual interests. Upper-division biology courses hone in on areas of physiology, evolution, ecological systems, genetics, or cell theory. Our graduates attain 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
Take the following 18 units with a Grade of 'C' or better in each course:
At least 6 units must be taken at NAU.
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following:
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.