Biology Major (Bachelor of Science)
Explore your unique interests in the natural environment and living organisms in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology program at Western Illinois University (WIU). You can focus your studies in one of five areas: botany, environmental science, medical sciences (pre-health professionals), microbiology, or zoology. Or become a biology teacher through our teacher education pathway.
Our biology major provides a comprehensive view of foundational topics while allowing you to deepen your understanding of subject areas relevant to your passions and goals. You can participate in internships and specialized studies in cannabis biology, fly fishery management, and tropical ecology.
Through hands-on laboratory experiences, fieldwork, and research, you gain the knowledge and skills applicable to professions in various disciplines. A bachelor’s degree in biology from WIU empowers you to pursue a career in your niche, whether research, forestry, conservation, medicine, or anything in between.
Why Earn a Biology Bachelor’s Degree at WIU?
At WIU, you can realize your ambitions through numerous opportunities to get involved. What you learn in the classroom at our Macomb campus is put directly into practice during field trips, laboratory experiences, and more. As a biology major, you benefit from:
- A range of research and field experiences that allow you to hone your skills in real-world settings
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Access to the Alice L. Kibbe Life Science Station, a 1,689-acre natural area along the Mississippi River
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Clubs and departmental organizations, including Tri-Beta, the Pre-Professional Club, the Zoology Club, the Biology Graduate Student Association (BGSA), and Students for Sustainability
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Outreach activities throughout the teacher education program, including science fair judging, coordinating events for the Science Olympiad, participating in Biology Day, and assisting with introductory biology labs
- The chance to
study abroad
and take classes in other countries
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Program Curriculum
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The biology bachelor's degree program builds a robust foundation in the biological sciences, covering molecular and cellular biology, ecology, and evolution. Students learn about the structure and function of living organisms at multiple levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems.
Our curriculum balances core concepts and specialized topics like botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, and environmental science. Students develop practical skills through lab courses, fieldwork, and research opportunities. WIU biology majors also gain experience with cutting-edge techniques in biotechnology, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary biological challenges and further their studies in the life sciences. By emphasizing the integration of various disciplines, we prepare students for career paths in research, healthcare, environmental management, and education.
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Biology Internship Opportunities
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Our internship courses allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Students pursuing a biology internship at WIU complete 40 contact hours and a written report synthesizing their experience. We place students in internships with various types of employers, and those interested in clinical laboratory science or medicine can seek an internship with an affiliated School of Medical Technology.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology?
Students intending to pursue graduate education in medicine, veterinary science, physical therapy, dentistry, or other subjects may choose the pre-health (medical sciences) pathway within the biology major.
This pathway provides rigorous coursework in physiology, anatomy, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, organic and inorganic biochemistry, and general physics.
Become a Biology Teacher
Students who want to become educators may take the teacher education pathway in the B.S. in biology degree program. Through additional courses in chemistry, physics, earth science, and a teaching practicum, students graduate with an Illinois teaching license for grades 9-12 science.
Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
WIU biology majors can specialize in botany, environmental science, medical sciences (pre-health professionals), microbiology, or zoology, allowing them to align their studies with their career goals. Through the teacher education program, WIU students gain a foundational knowledge of biology and the competencies needed to teach at the middle and high school levels.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in biology possess a broad understanding of biological sciences applicable in roles such as:
Job Placements
Western Illinois University biology majors build lasting careers at active research institutions, industry-leading healthcare organizations, and federal government agencies. Our graduates are employed at:
- Illinois Natural History Survey
- McDonough District Hospital
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Admissions
Ready to become a Leatherneck? Western is a test optional institution, meaning we don’t require SAT/ACT scores. Review our undergraduate admissions standards for more information about applying to the LEJA program at WIU.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Looking for resources that can help you determine financial aid opportunities? Develop the best plan for you by using WIU’s aid tools, which can assist you in making more informed decisions.
Scholarships
Offset the cost of your education through institutional scholarships, including The Western Way, which covers tuition costs and mandatory fees for eligible students. Our departmental scholarships can also provide the financial assistance you need to achieve your goals.
Become a Biology Major at Western Illinois University
Pursue your passions and interests in the Bachelor of Science in Biology program at WIU. Our program supports your professional aspirations and prepares you for future graduate studies and a lasting career in the field.
Take the next step—apply today!
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