University of Nebraska, Omaha

Programme overview

The BA in Biology provides foundational training in organismal and cellular biology, ecology, evolution, and genetics while preserving elective space for complementary disciplines such as education, communication, or business. Compared with a Bachelor of Science, the BA typically emphasizes breadth across the curriculum and allows students to tailor their program toward interdisciplinary goals or secondary-teacher certification pathways.

What you'll study

• Core biological principles: introductory courses in cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution that establish scientific reasoning and laboratory basics.
• Laboratory and field experience: practical labs and fieldwork that teach experimental design, data collection, and analysis—though the BA may include fewer required advanced labs than a BS track.
• Supporting sciences: foundational coursework in chemistry and mathematics or statistics to support understanding of biological data and processes.
• Humanities and electives: elective credits drawn from arts, social sciences, or language studies to meet the BA’s broader liberal-arts focus.
• Capstone or seminar options: opportunities for a senior seminar, independent study, or research project to synthesize learning and develop communication skills.

Entry requirements

Typical admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent with strong preparation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Universities commonly consider GPA, standardized test scores where applicable, and a completed application. Transfer students are usually evaluated on college transcripts and prerequisite completion; prospective students interested in teacher certification should review additional state and program-specific requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Biology have diverse pathways: entry-level roles in environmental education, laboratory technician positions (often with additional on-the-job training), science communication, sales or technical support in biotech or healthcare industries, and roles in conservation or government agencies. The BA also serves as a foundation for graduate study in graduate programs or professional schools (e.g., teaching, public health, or allied health) when coupled with appropriate prerequisites.

Scholarships & funding angle

Many institutions offer merit- and need-based scholarships for incoming undergraduates; departmental awards and research assistantships may be available to students who engage in faculty-led projects. Prospective students should explore institutional scholarship pages, external grants for science majors, and funding tied to teacher education if pursuing certification—also consider work-study and paid internships that build experience while supporting costs.