Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

As medical and scientific innovation continue to drive biology into new and thrilling directions, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biological Sciences at Wayne State University becomes more valuable for those pursuing a medical career or graduate study.

Biology is an increasingly complex and exciting field that incorporates critical sub-disciplines such as anatomy, pathology, chemistry, genetics, botany and ecology. When you study biological sciences at WSU, you examine living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Why Wayne State's biological sciences major?

• Gain real-world, hands-on experience with peers and faculty.
• Conduct research using zebrafish as animal models to understand the neural and molecular basis for individual differences in behavior in the Kenney Lab.
• Networking and mentorship opportunities with distinguished biological researchers and scholars.
• Build the foundational knowledge and undergraduate credentials to enter a medical profession, medical school or related graduate study.

Learning objectives

In each component of the biological sciences degree program, you learn to become a multifaceted science communicator, deepening your understanding of the life sciences across one or more subdisciplines of biology (molecular, cellular, physiological or ecological).

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences prepares you to:

• Apply the process of science to understanding experimental observations and predicting outcomes.
• Interpret quantitative data that addresses biological questions.
• Explain how biological concepts may be used to address social and/or environmental problems.
• Elucidate scientific ideas and the results of scientific research effectively and concisely in written or oral form.
• Conduct experiments using common lab or field techniques.

Biological sciences program requirements and curriculum

Your biology education focuses on issues that impact human, animal and plant life. You solidify your understanding of biology through hands-on experiences and intellectually challenging courses.

As a biological sciences major, earn a minimum of 40 credits in biology courses and enroll in a range of life sciences, physics and chemistry courses. Through the program's interdisciplinary nature, your courses will also include genetic engineering, transhumanism, GMO farming and global climate change. Each of these courses combines to meet your 120 credit requirement.

View requirements

Courses

From studying brain changes to understanding the process of molecular evolution, you have an array of topics to choose from. At the beginning of the program, enroll in introductory courses and labs such as Basic Life Mechanisms, Introduction to Cell Biology, and Basic Life Diversity Laboratory.

Explore a few of the notable upper-level biology courses we have to offer:

Explore biological sciences courses

Ample research opportunities

Learn about the mechanism of X chromosome recognition in fruit flies or conduct research on zebrafish in the Kenney Lab. Regardless of which biology lab you begin your research in, our faculty is here to help you uncover groundbreaking research to add to the list of our existing biological scientific papers.

Watch our video to learn how the Kenney Lab studies the neural and molecular basis of individual differences in behavior and whole-brain network function.

Biological sciences degree career outlook

With the continual intersection of study between living organisms to advance scientific discovery growing, studying biology prepares you for success across a wide range of fields. Your biological sciences bachelor's could lead to a career in academics, laboratory research, pharmaceuticals, zoology and more. An education in biology is also an excellent starting point if you plan to pursue a medical career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the life, physical and social science occupations are projected to grow 7% into 2031.

Tuition and financial aid

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wayne State University is committed to giving each of our students the highest quality education possible at affordable rates. As such, we offer a range of scholarships and financial aid exclusively for students pursuing a major in the sciences.

While you fill out your FAFSA, estimate the tuition and financial savings of the biological sciences degree by trying out our net price calculator.

Learn more about Wayne State University's B.S. in Biological Sciences

With a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at WSU, you're prepared for immediate employment in the evolving world of biology or advanced study in graduate school.

Whether you're interested in healthcare, research or science education, you pave the way for an exciting career through our hands-on learning and networking resources across a global network of biology alumni.