Biology - BS, BA
Biology degrees provide a foundation for graduate work or employment in prehealth, research, industry, or government agencies. The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology with four areas of emphasis;
Biology Emphasis
Biology is the study of life. The study of living organisms, and their origin, growth, structure, function, evolution, distribution, and interactions. There are many areas students can emphasize within Biology. Estabilishes a foundation in ecology, evolution, physiology, and genetics as well as chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Emphasis Requirements
Courtney Streich
Academic Advisor Coordinatorshe/her/hers
Biology
A Major For Students Who
- Want to understand the interactions between organisms and the environment
- Want a broad base for understanding principles governing life processes at all levels - molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological
- Want to experience hands-on application of what they learn in the classroom
- Are interested in gaining a strong background for graduate or professional schools
Graduates Establish Careers In
Most biology majors continue to graduate or professional schools and pursue the following careers:
- Biological Researcher
- Biotechnologist
- Epidemiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Genetic counselor
- Health professional
- Physiologist
- Higher Education lecturer
- Research scientist
- Veterinarian
Students with a bachelor degree in biology can pursue the following careers:
- Research and development for biotechnical and pharmaceutical companies
- Biological or Pharmaceutical sales rep
- Environmental studies
- Research technician
- Conservation biologist
Human Biology Emphasis
Biology is the study of life. The human biology emphasis provides a strong foundation in biology with a special emphasis on the scientific principles that underlie modern health sciences. With a foundation in biology, including anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology and evolution, a strong training in chemistry, physics and mathematics, and a background in the social sciences, all within an emphasis on the biology applied to people.
Emphasis Requirements
Mary McFadden
Academic Advisor Coordinatorshe/her/hers
Biology
A Major For Students Who
- Desire a solid education in biology
- Want to pursue a professional health-related career
- Want to experience hands-on application of what they learn in the classroom
- Are interested in graduate or professional schools in the life or health sciences
Graduates Establish Careers In
Most biology majors continue to graduate or professional schools and pursue the following careers:
- Physician
- Dentist
- Physician’s assistant
- Pharmacist
- Medical technologist
- Physical therapist
- Research scientist
- Occupational therapist
- Epidemiologist
- Forensic scientist
- Physiologist
- Professor at a college or university
- Genetic counselor
- Optometrist
- Biotechnologist
Students with a bachelor degree in biology can pursue the following careers:
- Research and development for biotechnical and pharmaceutical companies
- Biological or Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Research technician
Ecology & Evolution Emphasis
Ecology is the scientific discipline concerned with the relationships between organisms and their past, present, and future environments. The Ecology Center at USU has had a string of directors known nationally and worldwide as premier scientists in the field of ecology, and students graduating with a degree in ecology are able to make contacts with influential faculty that can help them as they pursue prestigious post-doctoral programs and faculty positions at universities around the world. Additionally, the Ecology Center hosts a seminar series that brings famous scientists from all over the world to speak at USU.
Emphasis Requirements
Courtney Streich
Academic Advisor Coordinatorshe/her/hers
Biology
Students with a bachelor degree in biology can pursue the following careers:
- Students who graduate with a master’s typically pursue PhD programs or work as research assistants for government agencies.
- PhD graduates primarily seek post-doctoral positions with universities and then go on to faculty positions or work as researchers for government agencies.
Cellular / Molecular Emphasis
This emphasis deals with the formation, structure, and function of macromolecules essential to life, such as nucleic acids and proteins. It also deals with cellular and developmental biology.
Emphasis Requirements
Courtney Streich
Academic Advisor Coordinatorshe/her/hers
Biology
Biological Science-Composite Teaching - BS, BA
Additional coursework to develop areas such as mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The program provides the students with a thorough background in the latest and most effective teaching methods and resources. TEAL provides information on the education courses required for this degree. The biological Science-Composite Teaching Major program is fully accredited by the Utah State Office of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Biology educators teach how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. The field develops constantly, and it is important for biological science teachers to stay current. The department helps students do this by incorporating recent research results into the classroom, providing research opportunities, and inviting them to participate in research seminars and presentations.
Mary McFadden
Academic Advisor Coordinatorshe/her/hers
Biology
Graduates Establish Careers In
Secondary Education. Graduates qualify for application for licensure to teach in middle schools and high schools.
Public Health - BS
The program prepares students for professional employment in these fields, with options for work in related areas. The public health degree is a good choice for students pursuing medical, dental or other health professional schools. The Department of Biology offers a BS degree in Public Health with preprofessional training with three areas of ephasis;
Carl Farley
Senior Lecturer & Academic Advisor
Biology
Industrial Hygiene Emphasis
The industrial hygiene profession deals with the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of occupational health hazards in the workplace. The industrial hygienist evaluates worker exposure to chemical, physical, and biological hazards, and other factors that contribute to unsuitable working conditions. Industrial hygienists implement measures to control these hazards to provide a safe and healthful working environment. They often are involved with safety and environmental issues as well.
Industrial hygiene students are eligible for a minor in chemistry upon graduation. Students find jobs in private industry, government or consulting firms, and an alumni network provides internship and job opportunities. The USU industrial hygiene program is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, 415 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21201, tel. (410) 347-7700. Graduates are encouraged to pursue professional certification as a CIH or CSP and are eligible to receive a GSP designation upon graduation.
Emphasis RequirementsIndustrial Hygiene Enrollment \ Graduation Average Data from 2011-2020
- 68 Enroll with PubH-IH Emphasis
- 17 Graduate with IH
- 13 Enter workforce as IH or Safety
Information for students, from the American Industrial Hygiene Association
Environmental Health Emphasis
Environmental health professionals often will oversee environmental and health programs for government agencies and private companies. Their main responsibility is coordinating inspection programs for a wide of facilities for compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations. They inspect drinking water systems, landfills, underground storage tanks, and hazardous materials transfer facilities. Their primary goal is to assist with protecting the environment and help keep works happy and healthy.
Emphasis RequirementsPublic Health Education Emphasis
Public health education professionals are a primary source and disseminator of health education materials and programs. Public health specialists assist people in developing positive health attitudes and behavior for safe and healthful community living. Their responsibilities include teaching, research, administrative duties, speaking before civic groups, arranging publicity campaigns, and coordinating the activities of various service organizations and governmental or community agencies. Public health educators often work for local public health agencies or private industry. Graduates are qualified to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Emphasis Requirements