Students who earn a Biological Sciences degree are prepared for a wide range of careers, including work in the state and federal government, higher education settings, the health industry, research laboratories, environmental organizations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nature centers, museums, and more. This track is particularly well suited for students who plan to enter a biological sciences graduate program or professional school.
Biological Sciences Major (B.S.)
Biological Sciences Major (B.S.)
The flexible Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences is particularly well-suited for students who plan to enter a biological sciences graduate program or professional school. Biology courses can be chosen to prepare for a specific area of interest while fulfilling the biology breadth requirement.
This major fulfills the needs of students interested in specializations in clinical laboratory science/medical technology, exercise physiology, or neuroscience. With careful selection of elective courses, this track also meets the pre-requisites for applying to medical, physician assistant, dental, optometry, and veterinary programs.
Careers with a Biology Degree
Admission Requirements
In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, first-year students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.
For information about changing your major to biological sciences or transfer admissions requirements, view the academic catalog.
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Tuition and Fees
OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.
Biological Sciences B.S. Courses & Curriculum
View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
Students must complete a total of 36 semester credit hours of BIOS coursework, including seven common curriculum courses. Students then select courses a variety of areas including ecology, human anatomy, molecular biology, physiology, microbes, and more.
How to Prepare for Medical School and Professional Health Careers
Careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, optometry, and other allied health professions start with strong academic performance. That first step happens with OHIO’s Pre-Health Advising Center.
Advising for Pre-Med and Pre-Professional Majors
Graduate Opportunities at OHIO
Ph.D. and M.S. Degrees
Ohio University offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in three concentration areas:
- Cell, Developmental and Microbiology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Physiology and Neuroscience
Biological Sciences Graduate Degrees
Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Assurance Program
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine selects a number of outstanding Ohio high school seniors to participate in its Early Assurance Program. In as few as seven years, students can earn their undergraduate degree from an EAP partner school – and their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Heritage College.
Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Assurance Program
Physical Therapy Early Assurance Program
Outstanding high school seniors are invited to apply for Ohio University’s Early Assurance Program (EAP) for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Students selected for the EAP earn conditional admission to the doctoral program, and a spot in the program is reserved for them as long as they maintain program requirements.
STEMstart: Get a Jump Start on Your Science Major
Admitted science students are invited to come to Athens in August, a week before their first-year classes start, to get a sneak peak of what's to come in their first semester and get a jumpstart on success in the sciences.
Get Laboratory and Field Experience
Laboratory experience and fieldwork opportunities in ecology, neuroscience, microbiology, genetics, pathogens, paleontology and much more are available to biology students at OHIO.
Student Success Stories
Jayanna Smith: From Small Town to Prestigious Award
Jack Zeitzheim Waded into Scenic River Internship
Ready to Get Started?
Related Biology Programs
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Cellular and Molecular Biology Major (B.S.)Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas of modern biology, driven by the revolution in genetics and genomics with wide-ranging implications for medicine.
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Marine, Freshwater, and Environmental Biology Major (B.S.)This major is for students interested in careers studying marine and freshwater organisms and their environments, Courses meet the requirements for admission to graduate programs in marine biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation biology.
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Wildlife and Conservation Major (B.S.)This major is for students interested in careers in the conservation and biology of wildlife, including careers as ecologists, wildlife biologists, wildlife refuge managers, zoologists, and general biologists.
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B.S. in Biological Sciences (Honors Tutorial)The Honors Tutorial College program in Biological Sciences offers intellectually curious students the opportunity to conduct research with faculty via a series of one-on-one or small-group tutorials.