Biological Sciences
Students examining petri dishes in a lab

Undergraduate Biological Sciences Majors

Create Solutions That Help Sustain Life

The future of life as we know it depends on the expertise of biological scientists who are equipped for whatever tomorrow brings.

Biological scientists know the keys to understanding life, improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The areas of study within the Biological Sciences Department—biological sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, computational biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, human biology, medical laboratory science and nursing—help you to develop analytical, critical thinking, laboratory, research, and applied skills, blending the theoretical and practical aspects of biology you'll need to be successful. Career outcomes—including job placement and starting and median salaries are excellent. Plus Cushman & Wakefield projects 11.4% growth in life sciences employment. It's no wonder that so many choose to study the biological sciences.

Bachelor's Degrees

Biological Sciences—BS

Take a traditional approach to the study of biology with our BS in Biological Sciences, which sets you up for success in graduate school, industry, or laboratory research. Biological sciences majors learn best in a practical laboratory setting. Our program will prepare you to contribute to the nucleus of biological advancements in diverse fields and leave your impression on the world. You'll quickly learn your way around our advanced labs and equipment, spending time conducting research (independently and alongside faculty) and creatively exploring the real-world applications of biology. 

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—BS

Biochemists and molecular biologists investigate biologically important molecules, mechanisms, and processes. Our interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will prepare you for a rewarding career in virtually any branch of the life sciences you choose, such as agriculture; biotechnology; biofuels; medicine and pharmacology; forensic science; or genomics and molecular genetics. Spend your time conducting research and creatively exploring the real-world applications of biochemistry, including environmental remediation, cancer biology, diabetes, RNA silencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, cell wall biotechnology, and plastic biodegradation. 

Computational Biology—BS

Fuse your interest in biology with your IT and computer skills with a BS in Computational Biology. More than just studying concepts, you'll become a specialist, using a variety of computational analyses to study, process, and analyze vast molecular biological data. Learn by doing in our specialized computations facilities and computing laboratories—all of which feature the latest software and technologies. You'll benefit from a program that emphasizes a strong, quantitative education combined with cutting-edge biological research.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology—BS

Michigan Tech's location amid diverse ecosystems teeming with life—waters, forests, wetlands, the Great Lakes, and more—makes it a prime location to earn a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. You will study biodiversity in the environment and the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that change and maintain it.  You'll graduate prepared for a career in research, environmental science, agency work, conservation and restoration, education and outreach, or advanced education in graduate school. Make the Keweenaw your classroom.

Human Biology—BS

Gain a deep understanding of humans through a biological perspective—from the chemical through organismal levels, and how humans impact and interact with their environment. The BS in Human Biology includes all commonly required and recommended courses for pre-health professions, including medical school. Like many of our graduates, you could go on to pursue a graduate health professional program or a career in research, biosafety, industry sales, health education, or communication.

Medical Laboratory Science—BS

Detect disease and monitor patient health in our hands-on laboratories with a BS in Medical Laboratory Science. Small class sizes, one-on-one advising, and a medically oriented curriculum will prepare you for your future. You'll complete a clinical practicum and prepare to become board certified in our NAACLS accredited program. Plus, you'll be employable and in high demand as soon as you graduate from Tech—our grads get job security with a 100 percent job placement rate!

Nursing—BS

Impact lives with a challenging, yet rewarding BS in Nursing. Small class sizes, one-on-one advising, hands-on experience, and a rigorous curriculum will prepare you for a fulfilling nursing career in a variety of healthcare settings. Plus, there's no waiting list for admission, which means qualified students can get started right away.

Earn an Accelerated Master's Degree in Just 1 Extra Year

Highly motivated students can earn a master's degree in biological sciences in as little as one additional year of study beyond a bachelor's. Accelerated master's students graduate prepared for various careers in biology that require advanced training, such as in industry, teaching, independent research, or continued graduate work.

  • 8.6
    student-to-faculty ratio
  • 15
    average lab size
  • 70%
    acceptance into graduate health programs
  • 24
    average class size

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the Biological Sciences department undergraduate degree programs at Michigan's flagship technological university.

"My favorite part of the department is the professors. Every single one has shown a keen interest in my learning and challenges students while keeping things interesting. Even after I've taken their classes, I feel like I can reach out to them for advice and they would all be willing to help."Jillian Sodini '24, BS Human Biology

Study Biological Sciences at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you’ll build research skills and foundational knowledge required to succeed in graduate school, research, or industry. You'll learn and experience first-hand how biology is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment and industry. With biology faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you'll investigate, explore and experiment in the lab and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Combine your creativity and curiosity to meet pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking and tenacity to inspire, design and implement a sustainable future across social and natural sciences, humanities, and arts.

Undergraduate Majors in Biology

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.