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The life sciences delve into the basic organization and processes of life (microbes, plants and animals) at scales ranging from molecules to ecosystems and in time from picoseconds to millennia. This includes investigations into how hereditary information is transferred and organisms evolve, the interplay of organisms and their environments, and how these factors interact in health and disease. Students interested in a degree in life sciences can opt for a BS in biological sciences or choose one of five concentrations:
- biology and society
- biomedical sciences
- conservation biology and ecology
- genetics, cell and developmental biology
- neurobiology, physiology and behavior
This program is available as an accelerated degree program: https://sols.asu.edu/degree-programs/accelerated-bachelor-master-science.
Degree Offered
Biological Sciences (BS)
Liberal Arts & Sciences, College of
Major Map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
Affording College
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career Outlook
The biological sciences major with no concentration is designed for students who are committed to studying and training in multiple disciplines in biology and students who want to get more exposure to the life sciences before deciding whether they want to declare a concentration as an undergraduate. Therefore, students in this major take core courses from several concentrations. Students in this major have more flexibility to customize their program of study so they can focus on their own area of interest that may not have a concentration, such as plant biology or genomics.
The biological science major provides an excellent foundation for graduate study as well as preparation for professional schooling in:
- dentistry
- medicine
- pharmacy
- veterinary medicine
Graduates may also enter positions in:
- biotechnology
- education
- government
- industry
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Scientists | -0.4% | $74,720 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 16.2% | $74,580 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | -0.4% | $74,720 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 3.3% | $120,050 |
| Community Health Workers | 14.9% | $34,870 |
| Dentists, General | 18% | $149,540 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | 10.7% | $66,250 |
| Family and General Practitioners | 10.2% | $180,180 |
| Range Managers | 6.9% | $61,860 |
| Foresters | 8.3% | $57,980 |
| Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 6.8% | $84,090 |
| Genetic Counselors | 28.8% | $67,500 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 3.3% | $120,050 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | 9.1% | $48,120 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 5.8% | $56,310 |
| Water Resource Specialists | 3.3% | $120,050 |
| Lawyers | 5.6% | $114,970 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | 7.2% | $69,100 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 16.9% | $92,810 |
| Microbiologists | 3.5% | $67,790 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | -0.4% | $74,720 |
| Park Naturalists | 6.9% | $61,860 |
| Pharmacists | 3.1% | $120,950 |
| Physical Therapists | 34% | $82,390 |
| Physician Assistants | 30.4% | $95,820 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | 8.2% | $84,940 |
| Soil and Water Conservationists | 6.9% | $61,860 |
| Physicians and Surgeons, All Other | 14.9% | # |
| Veterinarians | 8.9% | $87,590 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation