Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The Biology degree combines core coursework in molecular and cellular biology with organismal, ecological and evolutionary topics. Early coursework typically covers general biology, chemistry, introductory physics, calculus or statistics, and laboratory techniques. Upper‑division modules include genetics, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, ecology, evolution, and biochemistry, together with intensive lab and field courses.

• Core laboratory and lecture modules: general biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics.
• Organismal and systems courses: animal and plant physiology, developmental biology, organismal diversity.
• Ecology and environmental biology: population and community ecology, conservation biology, field methods.
• Methods and skills: microscopy, molecular techniques, data analysis, GIS and statistical methods used in biology.
• Capstone and research: senior seminar, independent research project or practicum, and opportunities for internships or field studies.

Students can often tailor their degree with elective sequences or concentrations (for example molecular biology, ecology/conservation, or secondary education preparation), and many pursue undergraduate research with faculty or applied fieldwork on the Colorado Plateau and nearby public lands.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Competitive applicants will have completed college‑preparatory science and mathematics courses in high school, including biology and chemistry, and one or more courses in algebra, precalculus or statistics. Admissions typically consider overall academic record, strength of science coursework, and other indicators such as personal statements or references where required.

• Typical academic preparation: high‑school biology and chemistry; mathematics through algebra and preferably precalculus or introductory statistics.
• Transfers: transfer applicants should have completed relevant college‑level prerequisites and present a competitive cumulative GPA; articulation agreements and transfer advising are available.
• Additional preparation: prior laboratory experience, fieldwork, volunteer work or extracurricular involvement in science can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Biology go into a wide range of careers across healthcare, research, education, government and industry. The degree prepares students for advanced study (master’s, PhD, professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or physician assistant), as well as entry‑level positions.

• Research technician or laboratory assistant in academic, government or commercial labs
• Environmental consultant, conservation technician or restoration specialist working with agencies and private firms
• Biotech or pharmaceutical industry roles in quality control, production or regulatory support
• Secondary school biology teacher (often combined with additional teacher certification)
• Preparation for professional health careers (pre‑medicine, pre‑veterinary, allied health) via prerequisite coursework

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers strong opportunities for hands‑on learning in both laboratory and field settings. Flagstaff’s proximity to diverse ecosystems — including forests, alpine environments and the Colorado Plateau — allows for rich field courses and research projects that complement classroom learning.

• Undergraduate research: accessible faculty‑mentored research opportunities that allow students to develop practical laboratory and field skills.
• Fieldwork advantages: direct access to a range of natural environments for ecology, conservation and organismal biology studies.
• Support services: academic advising, career services and internship connections to help transition into employment or graduate study.
• Flexible pathways: options to pursue specialisations, minors or teacher certification, and to combine coursework with pre‑professional prerequisites.