Quick Facts
General Education Requirements:
38-41 hours
Required Courses: 63 hours
Upper-Division Applications Selectives:
9 hours
Electives: 7 hours
Total: 120 hours
Full Program RequirementsStudy for your BS in Biology near Chicago
Interested in a career in the sciences? Whether advancing to medical school or looking for a career in a laboratory, a biology degree from Governors State University offers the first steps you need. Explore the reasons to study biology, how our programs are interconnected in a global scientific community, and what you can do to reach your career goals.
Why Study Biology?
From the smallest molecules to the relationships within ecosystems, Biology examines the world within and around us to solve some of life’s greatest questions. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Governors State, students are prepared to solve heated issues in fields such as healthcare and climate change. An on-campus Biology Field Station provides a unique location for the study of terrestrial and aquatic ecology uniquely located at the intersection of urban, suburban, and rural areas, while students have access to state-of-the-art equipment in the newly renovated Health, Science, and Technology to study life’s smallest organisms, down to the level of DNA.
One of the biggest advantages of a Bachelor of Science in biology is the flexibility it affords you. If you’re passionate about helping people and looking for a way to expand your scientific knowledge, there are a generous number of career options available. From a local high school classroom to a global epidemiology laboratory, your new workspace can be virtually anywhere with a career in biology.
Launch a career studying DNA, researching wildlife, or providing essential medical services to your local community. Biology is the study of all types of living organisms and their environment. This study can lead to real-world advancements in science, technology, and health. It can also equip you with a broad range of skills and knowledge to participate in a global community.
Biology affects many areas of life. By understanding the building blocks of life, you can not only move forward in a medical or research career, but you can also gain a deeper understanding of the factors that create life. These fundamental concepts can help you participate critically in today’s world.
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Systems and Communities
A Bachelor of Science in biology from GovState gives you a broad understanding of various subdisciplines. These subdisciplines each form their own communities and systems which interact with each other. Explore these areas to ignite your passion and consider a discipline you wish to specialize in:
- Zoology
- Cell biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Anonymity
- Botany
These are only a few sub-disciplines available in biology. As you take general biology courses, you can begin to tailor your courses to match your passions. Take additional classes in one or more of these areas of interest, or keep your Bachelor of Science degree general in nature to keep your options open.
Just as ecosystems are interconnected, GovState’s Biology program recognizes that outreach plays a significant role in the university’s function, from local to international levels. Faculty and students coordinate community events such as an annual STEAM camp and at the university and frequent STEM events at local schools, as well as monthly science pub discussions open to the public at local restaurants.
Upper-division biology students may participate in an annual summer study opportunity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or collaborate with faculty research efforts in China.
GovState Field Station
As a GovState Biology student, you will have access to our on-campus field station to study, environmental science, ecology, wildlife, and more!
Reach Your Career Goals
A general biology foundation gives you a broad scope of the field, while specialized courses help you hone your skills and knowledge in particular areas. Use your elective courses to personalize your program with the types of courses that interest you most and align with your career goals.
Make your passion your career. Set your course for one of a stunning range of career possibilities with a BS in biology from GovState. Some careers require advanced degrees, while others allow you to enter the workforce immediately as a laboratory assistant or other critical role.
Many biology courses at GovState include a laboratory section. Hands-on experience is crucial in many biology careers. Conduct research projects and learn by doing with actual tests in biology, chemistry, and more.
Your degree program is about more than technical skills and biological information. As a student at GovState, you’ll discuss some of the key issues facing the world today. Discuss global climate change, GMO farming, genetic engineering, and other subjects that have a practical impact on current events.
Work with highly trained professors and advisors to chart your course at Governors State University. Located just south of Chicago, GovState has the professional connections, small class sizes, and field programs necessary to help you achieve your dreams. Other schools have large class sizes that make it difficult to connect with your professors, but we offer mentorship opportunities for students looking to receive personal training from experts in the field.
As a biology student, you are encouraged to focus your studies in your area of interest, tailoring your degree plan to your career ambitions. Job growth of 10% is anticipated over the next decade in the life, physical, and social science occupations, cited by Honors-eligible freshmen majoring in Biology may elect to follow the Health and Life Sciences Pathway, a route designed to prepare students to pursue the necessary graduate-level study required for competitive health fields.
Jobs & Salaries You Can Get With a Degree in Biology
A BS in biology is only the first step to an exciting career. With your degree, you can enter an advanced degree program or start a career in one of the following jobs:
- Biological Technician
- Agricultural Food Scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Medical Scientist
- Doctor or other Medical Professional
- Zoologist
- Biochemist
The average salary of a biochemist, zoologist, medical scientist, or healthcare professional can vary considerably. Depending on your location, education level, and training, you can expect salaries between $35,000 and over $200,000. Jobs are available in the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors.
Higher salaries are typically reserved for careers in the medical field. Receive a medical degree to complete your training as a physician, surgeon, or pharmacist and earn a competitive salary. Work closely with your local community or enter a research environment where you work on the cutting edge of technology and science.
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Explore financial aid and other resources to help you achieve your dream of a BS in biology from Governors State University. Entering a STEM career is an essential service, so you may be able to find additional funding and resources to help you succeed in your studies.
Some students of biology continue to a PhD program in biology and enjoy a career as a professor of biology. You can achieve many career goals with a degree in biology, so start your journey today. Apply today to find out if you meet the admission requirements for this exciting program at GovState. Shape your future in Chicago’s Southland with a small, tight-knit community of expert professionals and talented students.
Honors-eligible freshmen majoring in Biology may elect to
follow the Health and Life Sciences Pathway, a route designed prepare students
to pursue the necessary graduate-level study required for competitive health
fields.
Apply nowRequest info