Biological Sciences, General

Overview

Programs in general biological sciences teach people about living things and their life processes.

These programs include topics such as:

Evolution of organisms
Cell biology
Biochemistry
Laboratory science
Ecology
Human biology

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in general biology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Most colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in general biology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in general biology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced Biology courses
Biology
Chemistry
English Composition
Pre-Calculus
Probability and Statistics

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Laboratory research experience
Significant course work in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, anatomy, and physiology

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

A bachelor's degree program in biological sciences, general, typically requires that you study courses such as the following:

Applied Calculus
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Ecology
Elements of Physics
English Composition
General Biology
General Chemistry
Genetics
Introduction to Physiology
Organic Chemistry

Things to Know

Some colleges offer opportunities for undergraduates to assist with research. This experience can help you understand what biology research is like as a career.

This major can be good preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary school. It may lead you to advanced study of a specialized branch of biology such as ecology or physiology. Or, you may want to use your skills in the advanced study of agriculture, with a graduate degree in animal science or horticulture. You may be interested in a graduate degree in a field where biology intersects with social concerns, such as public health. Or, you may be able to enter the work force directly. For example, you might work in sales in the pharmaceutical industry.

East Side Area

Big Bend Community College

Biological Sciences Pre-Major

Central Washington University

Biology--Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Biology--General
Biology--Teaching
Craft Brewing

Walla Walla Community College

Biological Sciences Pre-Major

Walla Walla University

Biology

Washington State University - Pullman

Bioethics
Biology
Biology--Teaching Option
General Studies--Science
General Studies-Science--Basic Medical Sciences Option
Middle Level Science Teaching Endorsement

Wenatchee Valley College

Biology Pre-Major

Wenatchee Valley College (Omak Campus)

Associate of Science--Transfer

Whitman College

3-2 Forestry and Environmental Management (Combined Program)
3-2 Oceanography (Combined Program)
Biology
Biology--Environmental Studies
Biology--Geology

King-Snohomish Area

Bastyr University

Health Psychology and Human Biology (Pre-Med Track)
Integrated Human Biology

Bellevue College

Associate in Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree
Associate in Science Track 1 Biological, Environmental/Resources, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences (Life Sciences Track)