Biology, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology at Governors State University prepares students to explore the science of life through hands-on laboratory experiences, research opportunities, and personalized faculty mentorship. Students gain a strong foundation in molecular biology, ecology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, and environmental science while developing critical thinking and scientific research skills needed for graduate study or professional careers.
Why Study Biology at GovState?
At GovState, biology students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention from experienced faculty, and access to modern laboratory facilities. Located near major healthcare systems, research centers, environmental agencies, and biotechnology employers in the Chicago Southland region, GovState provides students with valuable internship, research, and career-building opportunities.
The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to participate in laboratory research, field studies, collaborative projects, and undergraduate presentations at scientific conferences. Students graduate prepared for careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, biotechnology, education, and many other growing scientific fields.
Career Opportunities
A Biology degree from GovState can prepare students for careers including:
- Biological Research Assistant
- Environmental Scientist
- Laboratory Technician
- Wildlife or Conservation Specialist
- Healthcare Professional
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Biotechnology Associate
- Public Health Specialist
- Forensic Science Technician
- Science Educator
The program also provides excellent preparation for advanced study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant programs, public health, and graduate-level biological sciences.
Advantages of Our Program
- Small class sizes with personalized faculty mentorship
- Hands-on laboratory and field research experiences
- Opportunities for undergraduate scientific research
- Access to internships in healthcare, environmental, and biotech industries
- Preparation for graduate and professional schools
- Modern science laboratories and equipment
- Flexible electives tailored to career interests
- Strong regional employer and community partnerships
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
GovState offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to help make a Biology degree affordable and accessible. Undergraduate students may qualify for federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans by completing the FAFSA.
Biology students may also pursue merit-based scholarships, STEM-related scholarships, transfer scholarships, and departmental awards. Financial aid advisors work closely with students to identify funding opportunities and develop a plan to support their educational goals.
Biological Field Station
The GovState Biological Field Station is a 144-acre ecological preserve that provides unique hands-on learning experiences for students and faculty. It supports extensive research activities, such as studies on bird nesting, small mammal population dynamics, hydrology, and invertebrate biodiversity. Notable projects include bird banding as part of the MAPS Program, small mammal trapping for mammalogy courses, and water sampling for microbiology studies. Student and faculty research conducted here has contributed to multiple theses, national presentations, and publications.
The facility also serves as an essential teaching tool for biology courses, allowing students to directly engage in ecological monitoring and environmental science. This extensive fieldwork has led to national presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and ongoing research projects.
Get Involved
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. These experiences help students build leadership skills, professional connections, and real-world experience before graduation.
Contact Us
- Division of Science Mathematics and Technology, F2401
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4521
- CAS-DSMT@govst.edu