2026-2027

Biology, Minor

Department of Biological Sciences

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

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.

  • 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:

  • Complete individual plan 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

  • Communicate scientific information in written and oral form.
  • Understand the basic paradigm of scientific inquiry as it relates to biological problems.
  • Describe fundamental principles of biology e.g., the theory of evolution, the central dogma, diversity of life, and inheritance. 
  • Develop an appreciation for the interdisciplinary role of biological science as applied to their major field.

Minor Requirements

  • Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following:

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.