have graduated or will graduate from high school with a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
have earned a minimum ACT composite of 18 or SAT equivalent (minimum SAT score range of 860-890 when combining Critical Reading plus Math)
must meet the minimum high school subject requirements of 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Lab Sciences, 2 years of Social Sciences, 2 years of Fine Arts or 2 years of a Foreign Language and 2 years of Elective Academic Units
Applicants are required to submit official high school transcript(s) and official ACT or SAT score reports (if younger than 21 years old), or official GED. Final high school transcripts must be submitted after graduating or freshman applicants will be unable to begin courses.
English requirements
The IELTS minimum acceptable score is 6.0
International students should have TOEFL score 500 on paper based with 53 on reading, 54 on writing, 53 on Listening, 173 on computer based with 20 on reading, 21 on writing, 19 on Listening and IBT score of 68 with 19 on reading, 16 on writing, 18 on Listening and 15 on speaking.
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.
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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General Education Requirements (38-41 Hours)
The following courses must be taken to meet major and general education requirements:
General Biology I with Laboratory (4)
General Chemistry I with Laboratory (4)
MATH - 2281 Applied Calculus (3)
Required Courses (63 Hours)
The following courses must be taken at the lower-division level:
General Biology II with Laboratory (4)
General Chemistry II with Laboratory (4)
The following courses can be taken at either the lower-division or upper-division level:
Botany with Laboratory (3)
Zoology with Laboratory (3)
Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (8)
BIOL - 3360 Comparative Anatomy (3)
BIOL - 3361 Comparative Anatomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4430 Microbiology (3)
BIOL - 4431 Microbiology Laboratory (1)
PHYS - 2141 Intermediate Physics I (3)
PHYS - 2142 Intermediate Physics Lab I (1)
PHYS - 2143 Intermediate Physics II (3)
PHYS - 2144 Intermediate Physics Lab II (1)
The following courses must be taken at the upper-division level:
BIOL - 3099 Biology Junior Seminar (3)
BIOL - 3322 Ecology (3)
BIOL - 3323 Ecology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 3340 Genetics (3)
BIOL - 3370 Cell Biology (3)
BIOL - 3371 Cell Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4450 Animal Physiology (3)
BIOL - 4451 Animal Physiology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4460 Plant Physiology (3)
BIOL - 4461 Plant Physiology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4965 Senior Capstone: Evolution (3)
BIOL - 4990 Undergraduate Research I (1)
BIOL - 4992 Undergraduate Research II (1)
STAT - 4219 Statistical Methods (3)
Upper-Division Applications Selectives (9 Hours)
Select nine hours from the following courses:
BIOL - 3341 Genetics Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4510 Biological Literature (1)
BIOL - 4522 Ornithology (2)
BIOL - 4523 Ornithology Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4530 Biotechnology (2)
BIOL - 4531 Biotechnology Laboratory (1-2)
BIOL - 4555 Mammalogy (2)
BIOL - 4556 Mammalogy Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4560 Plant Systematics (2)
BIOL - 4561 Plant Systematics Laboratory (1)
BIOL - 4570 Immunology (3)
BIOL - 4580 Behavioral Ecology (3)
BIOL - 4700 Conservation Genetics (2)
BIOL - 4701 Conservation Genetics Lab (1)
NOTE:
Other biology courses as approved by the academic advisor.
Electives (7 Hours)
May include credit-hours needed to meet minor requirements.
Additional courses such as Analytical Chemistry (CHEM-3233/CHEM-3234), Analytical Biochemistry (CHEM-6333 /CHEM6334 ), Introduction to Computer Technology (CPSC-2005), or Computer Programming: Visual BASIC (CPSC-3120) are
strongly recommended.
Total - 120 Hours
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 GSU. 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 GSU 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 GSU, 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, GSU 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.
