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Bachelor Degree Programs

SIU Biological Sciences students working in a lab

A bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences provides a solid foundation for diverse and exciting careers. With specializations in biology education, pre-health, or ecology, you can tailor your degree to fit your passion, preparing for careers in teaching, healthcare, environmental science, or research. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees, work for government or nonprofit organizations, or enter academia—opening doors to countless opportunities.

In the Biological Sciences Program, you will experience small class sizes and direct mentorship from faculty, gaining hands-on experience and guidance. Our majors are charting a path towards a range of careers with curricula catered to pre-health, ecology, and biology education.

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Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

The Biological Sciences degree program through the School of Education can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

  • Total Degree Requirements: 126-127 credit hours
  • University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
  • Biological Sciences Major Requirements: 55-56 credit hours
  • Professional Education Sequence: 30 credit hours

Compass IconCheck out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

The Biological Sciences degree program through the School of Biological Sciences can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

  • Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
  • University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
  • Biological Sciences Major Requirements: 70-72 credit hours
  • Electives: 3-5 credit hours

Compass IconCheck out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, Biological Sciences, Ecology specializations, which can help you outline what courses to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.

Specializations

Our degree program taps into resources across all areas of science, letting you shape your education to fit your career goals. Whether you're aiming for teaching, med school, or a career in ecological research, we’ll help you get where you want to go.

  • Biology Education: If you're passionate about teaching and science, the Biology Education specialization is for you. This track prepares you to become a middle school, junior high, or high school biology teacher. With a curriculum aligned with Illinois State Board of Education requirements, you'll gain the knowledge and credentials to inspire the next generation of scientists. By working closely with both the School of Education and the School of Biological Sciences, you’ll get the best of both worlds—hands-on teaching experience and a solid understanding of biological concepts.
  • Biomedical Science: The Biomedical Science specialization sets you up for success in healthcare fields like medicine, physician assistant roles, dentistry, pharmacy, and more. With this focus, you'll build a strong foundation in biology and life sciences, preparing you for the advanced degrees needed for careers in the health sector. SIU’s specialized advising team for pre-health students will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you're on track for medical school or other graduate programs.
  • Ecology: This specialization lets you explore the interconnectedness of microbes, animals, plants, and ecosystems. In the Ecology specialization, you will learn about conservation, environmental science, and organismal biology while preparing for graduate studies or careers in research and environmental management with state and federal agencies. At SIU, you’ll also have access to diverse ecological environments right from the start, allowing for real-world field experience alongside expert faculty.

Minor

Make a career path as unique as you are. A minor in Biological Sciences is the perfect complement to many physical sciences or liberal arts majors.

Combine it with chemistry or engineering for a career in biotechnology, or pair it with communications or fine arts for paths like science journalism or illustration. Unlock new career opportunities with a biological sciences minor!

Facilities

Plant Biology Greenhouse & Conservatory: Home to one of southern Illinois' most diverse plant collections, including species from around the globe that are used in labs and lectures to study plant taxonomy, biodiversity, and evolution.

SIU Herbarium: With over 90,000 plant specimens, SIU’s Herbarium is a vital resource for research and teaching, offering students hands-on experience in plant curation, digitization, and ecology.

Interactive Labs: Equipped with modern tools and live specimens, SIU’s labs offer students hands-on experience in biological research, guided by faculty experts.

Fieldwork Opportunities: Study diverse ecosystems in your own back yard in southern Illinois, from forests to wetlands, or travel to the Gulf Coast to explore marine biology through fieldwork courses.

Research

As a student majoring in Biological Sciences, you will have access to cutting-edge research in areas like ecotoxicology, climate change adaptation, and biogeography from the very start. Guided by expert faculty, you will gain hands-on experience in modern research techniques, preparing you for competitive careers. Many students secure research funding, present at national conferences, and win prestigious awards and scholarships.

  • Research is all about exploration and finding answers to the questions that fascinate you.
  • At SIU, a top-ranked research university, you’ll have hands-on opportunities starting your freshman year.
  • No waiting—start research right away with access to resources most universities reserve for upperclassmen.
  • SIU’s REACH and McNair Scholars programs offer funding to support your research.
  • Gain valuable experience that will boost your resume and set you apart in your career.

Student Resources

Our Biological Sciences degree is interdepartmental, meaning you have more ways to customize your education. You’ll have access to resources from across the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.

Center for Ecology

Here you can explore a dozen different ecosystems in just one day. If you're into ecology, you'll have the chance to work with experts in microbiology, plant biology, zoology, and more. It’s a unique opportunity to dive deep into the natural world alongside leading scientists across multiple fields.

Assistantships/Internships

You can get paid to do research in the biological sciences with an undergraduate assistantship. You’ll help with research related to your major, build lasting relationships with industry experts and faculty while learning essential lab skills. So start building your resume and getting paid for your passions from the start and apply for an assistantship.

Field Courses

You can explore marine biology firsthand during spring break at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, gaining real-world experience with marine ecosystems and organisms. These opportunities provide hands-on learning and boost your career potential.

Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism:

At SIU's Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism, you can make a real impact while building your resume. Get hands-on experience through volunteer work that connects what you learn in class to the real world. Whether you're into environmental education or preparing for a career in healthcare, giving back can help you discover your future path.

Honors program

Your hard work deserves recognition. Our University Honors Program isn’t about extra work—it’s about more opportunities. As an honors student, you’ll have more flexibility in meeting core requirements, access to exclusive scholarships, and personalized guidance to help you succeed.

Scholarships

SIU is committed to making your college education affordable. We offer a searchable scholarship database to help you find opportunities to reduce your financial burden. Just sign in with your SIU Dawg Tag credentials to explore scholarships that reward hard work and academic talents to help you achieve your goals.

Scholarships for Biological Sciences students

  • Harvey Fisher Award is given to a Biological Sciences major with sophomore or junior standing, who has demonstrated academic excellence.
  • John W. Voigt Memorial Scholarship - Students of any rank in Biological Sciences with high academic achievements are eligible for this award.
  • Hilda Stein Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student with a declared interest in Ornithology or a graduate student conducting...
  • Ronald Glenn Thurman, Ph.D. Memorial Scholarship - is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior who is enrolled in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences in one...
  • Edwin C. Galbreath Memorial Award in Biological Sciences is to be presented to the graduate student in the Biological Sciences Program whose thesis or research...
  • DuWayne C. Englert Award is awarded to a Biological Sciences major to honor Dr. Englert, a former Director of Biological Sciences.
  • Joan F. Knowles Memorial Scholarship is presented to a Biological Sciences undergraduate who is also a pre-professional major and has outstanding academic achievement.

Apply to these scholarships and find many more SIU donor-funded awards using the Saluki Scholarship portal. You create an account, sign in and browse through a searchable database of hundreds of scholarship opportunities that you can apply for as an incoming freshman, current student, or transfer student.

Careers

Our Biological Sciences program, students can specialize in biology education, pre-health, or ecology, preparing for careers in teaching, healthcare, environmental science, and research. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees, work for government or nonprofit organizations, or enter academia. Tailor your degree to your passion and open doors to a range of exciting career paths.

  • Biologist
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Ecologist
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Geneticist
  • Botanist
  • Zoologist
  • Biotech Researcher
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Biology Teacher (Secondary Education)
  • Science Writer/Journalist
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Food Scientist
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Research Assistant
  • Veterinary Technician (with additional training)
  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Park Ranger
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Some of these positions may require further certification or education, but a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences is a solid foundation for these diverse and exciting careers

Student Organizations

SIU offers more than 400 RSOs, giving you opportunities to make friends with similar interests and career goals.

  • DiversifySTEM
  • Plant Biology Student Organization
  • Microbiology Student Organization
  • Zoology Club
  • Herpetology Club
  • Zeta Theta Omega (zoological fraternity)
  • Wildlife Society
  • Medprep Club
  • Microbiology Student Organization
  • Wildlife Society
  • Zoology Club
  • Saluki Science Ambassadors
  • Pre-Health Professions Association
  • Beautify Southern Illinois Student
  • Alliance
  • Sustainability Council
  • Science Living Learning Community

Contact Information

Jennifer Weber
Program Coordinator
Life Science II 425A
1125 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-3219
jennifer.weber@siu.edu

Alesia Beanland
Academic Advisor
Agriculture Bldg 217 A
1205 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-3080
alesia@siu.edu

Samples in the Biological Sciences Lab