Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences Bachelor's Degree

Dive Into the Science of Life

From the smallest cell to the largest mammal, biology is all around you. It's the science of living organisms—how they function, their origins and evolution, and the ways they interact with other living things and the environment.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Michigan Tech, you'll learn the basics of cells, genes, and organisms, and apply your knowledge to the real world through innovative laboratory investigations, field research, and one-on-one work with professors. Get involved in undergraduate research through paid work experience. Earn research credits toward your degree or apply for a summer undergraduate research fellowship or undergraduate research internship. The strong, quantitative education in natural sciences you'll gain at Tech is the framework you need to excel in whatever comes next—whether you've got your sights set on medical school, advanced graduate work, or a career in industry.

The Keweenaw is Your Classroom

Michigan Tech's location in the Keweenaw Peninsula is rich with diverse ecosystems teeming with life—in the waters, forests, wetlands, and more—making Tech a prime location to study biology. During your time in the classroom, you'll learn in up-to-date labs and research facilities, with access to some of the most advanced technology in the industry.

  • Work on advanced DNA analysis, confocal microscopy, cell sorting, chromatography, and more.
  • Build research experience in our Great Lakes Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility on the waterfront that supports faculty in high-level research projects concerning water, atmospheric science, and conservation.
  • Learn hands-on in our H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex, a new $53 million facility full of leading-edge technology and equipment—including Anatomage Tables (think life-sized human cadaver meets iPad) in human anatomy labs.

Schedule a Virtual Meeting

  • 1,770
    miles to the Bahamas study abroad program
  • No. 5
    best college for biology in Michigan
  • 35%
    of undergraduates do research with faculty every year

Tomorrow Needs Talented Biologists

There is a great amount of industry demand for individuals with a robust, quantitative education in the biological sciences—especially those with a strong emphasis on high-level laboratory investigation and field research experience. At Michigan Tech, a bachelor's degree in biological sciences prepares you for a successful career. You'll graduate thoroughly prepared to find success in medical school, environmental stewardship, advanced graduate programs, or a career in the biotechnology, genomics, or pharmaceutical industries.

Be Career Ready

According to Cushman and Wakefield, there was 11.4% growth in life sciences employment in 2021. The accelerated growth of jobs in the life sciences sector shows that careers for biology majors will continue to be in high demand.

Career Opportunities for Biological Sciences Majors

Your future career options are unlimited with a degree in biological sciences. Career opportunities include:

  • Academia

  • Environmental consulting

  • Forensics

  • Governmental agencies

  • Healthcare

  • Nonprofit sectors

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Product development

  • Quality assurance

  • Secondary education

Additional Career Opportunities

Michigan Tech Biological Sciences Majors Get Hired

The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech biological sciences graduates includes:

  • Abbott Labs
  • Axalta Coating Systems
  • Cason & Associates
  • Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands
  • Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
  • Dental Advisor
  • Elite Medical Scribes
  • Emergency Care Consultants
  • Hortech Inc.
  • IHA
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • The Mannik & Smith Group Inc.
  • Oryana
  • OSF HealthCare
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan
  • Munson Medical Center
  • PPD
  • PreventionGenetics
  • RMB Environmental Laboratories
  • SePro Corporation
  • University of California Hospital
  • University of Florida
  • University of Iowa
  • University of New Hampshire
  • University of Rochester Medical Center
  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • USDA
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • White Water Associates
  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying biological sciences at Michigan's flagship technological university.

"Biological sciences allowed me to easily get in all of the prerequisites for medical school. This major made me more well-rounded because we had to take classes we never would have otherwise, like Ecology, where I gained more outside knowledge rather than just getting educated in strict biology/medicine."

Read Full Article

Cassie Cecchettini
Cassie Cecchettini '18
BS Biological Sciences

Study Biological Sciences at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you will build the foundational knowledge and research skills required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. You'll learn and experience firsthand how biology is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, the environment, and industry. With biology faculty who 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.

Undergraduate Majors in Biological Sciences

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors

Specialize in a secondary discipline outside of or complementary to your major, expand your knowledge base, and boost your potential career options with these nine biology-centric minors. A minor in a pre-professional program such as Pre-Law or Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school and future careers in law and medicine. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended 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

Student Learning Goals

When you complete our Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree, you can expect to achieve the following:

  • Have knowledge of the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of organization.
  • Increase critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Employ the scientific method to synthesize and report results.
  • Apply knowledge to broader global issues.
  • Be aware of the ethical and moral issues in biology.

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.

"All of the faculty and staff wanted the best for each student and were willing to help outside of class with extra materials, grad school applications, and letters of recommendation. Anything the students needed they were there ready to help."Shane Astrike ‘23, BS Biological Sciences, minor pre-health professions