Biological Sciences
Students examining petri dishes in a lab

Undergraduate Experience

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 life sciences employment is projected to grow 11.4%. 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.

What is Human Biology?

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!

What is Medical Lab Science?

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.

  • 10.6
    student-to-faculty ratio
  • 11
    teaching labs for hands-on learning
  • 70%
    of our pre-professional health graduates are accepted (nearly double the national average)
  • 97.7%
    placement rates for undergraduates six months after graduation

Ready to take the next step?

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

Minors

Specialize in a secondary discipline outside of or complementary to your major, expand your knowledge base, and boost your potential career options with a psychology minor. Want a future career in law or medicine? A minor in a pre-professional program such as Law and Society or Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school and future careers in law and medicine. Or choose any of 80+ other minors. Although you can declare a minor anytime, we recommend that you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Ecology
  • Fish Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Nanoscale Science and Engineering
  • Plant Biotechnology
  • Plant Sciences

Undergraduate Advising

A positive and productive advising relationship is a key component of your success at Michigan Tech. You and your academic advisor will develop your academic plan, and your advisor will help you follow and complete your plan to ensure your success at Michigan Tech.

Biological Sciences Advising

Study Biological Sciences at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you will build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. 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 use biology in the lab, and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

"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