collageA common question asked by high-school students who are half-way through their biology courses is: ” Which degree should I pursue, a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science?” There are a number of conflicting opinions, and people seem to have strong feelings on either side.
Are you a biology major who wants to go to medical school? Or are you just wondering what the difference is between a BA and a BS degree? In this guide, we consider the facts of Biology Ba Or Bs For Vet School, biology ba or bs for med school, biology ba or bs for dental school, bs in biology and bachelor of science in biology salary.
Biology BA students typically take fewer general education requirements and more science and math courses than their counterparts who choose a BS degree in the same field. Additionally, BA students have the option to specialize in different areas of study, such as molecular biology or ecology. Read on to know more about Biology Ba Or Bs For Vet School, biology ba or bs for med school, biology ba or bs for dental school, bs in biology and bachelor of science in biology salary.
Biology BS students typically take more general education requirements and less science and math courses than their counterparts who choose a BA degree in the same field. Additionally, BS students have more options when it comes to specializing: they can focus on either animal or plant studies.
This article will help you decide which type of degree is right for your goals so that you can start pursuing them with confidence!
If you’re planning on applying to medical school, it’s important to understand how your degree will affect your application process. There are two main types of undergraduate degrees—the BA and the BS. A BA is typically more comprehensive and includes more general education requirements than its counterpart, the BS. Because of this, many students who choose a BA degree still go on to get their MDs or DOs eventually. However, not everyone pursues post-graduate education after their undergrad years; some find careers outside of medicine that they enjoy just as much or even more than becoming doctors themselves! On the other hand, BS students typically take fewer general education requirements and more science and math courses. Additionally, these majors offer the option to specialize in specific fields such as biochemistry or cell biology which may appeal more directly to those interested in pursuing medical studies later down the road.
If you’re planning to go into medical school, dental school, or another professional health program after college, you’ll want to pursue a bachelor of science in biology degree as opposed to a BA. The BS will give you more specialized knowledge in the field of biology and prepare you for graduate school in medicine or dentistry. On the other hand, if you’re interested in pursuing a career outside of medicine or dentistry after college—for example, becoming an elementary school teacher—then going with the BA would be best since it provides more flexibility when choosing your major later down the road.
Do you want to be a veterinarian? Are you thinking about going to medical school? Do you want to get your DMD and become a dentist? Great! But before you go any further, make sure you have the right biology background.
There are no set requirements for becoming a vet or a doctor, but most medical schools do look for certain things in their applicants’ backgrounds. For example, they usually like it if you’ve taken some biochemistry courses and/or have done some lab work. They also like it if your GPA is above 3.5 on a 4-point scale.
If you don’t have those things, don’t worry—you can still apply and still be accepted! But it’s always good to know what kind of background the admissions committee will expect from you so that you can make sure that your application is as strong as possible.
It might seem like science isn’t all about grades and numbers, but when it comes down to it—that’s exactly what makes up your application!
Biology Ba Vs Bs For Vet School
We begin with Biology Ba Vs Bs For Vet School, then biology ba vs bs for med school, biology ba or bs for dental school, bs in biology and bachelor of science in biology salary.
So, You think you want to go Vet School Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know veterinary medicine in the right career for me?
The best way to know for sure is to gain exposure to the profession through experiences with practicing veterinarians and/or veterinary researchers. In addition to a sincere concern for animals, an aptitude for science, and good people skills, veterinary school applicants must have a realistic understanding of the veterinary profession. Exploring the profession by shadowing or working for a veterinarian is the best way to learn and understand what is involved in the veterinary profession and whether veterinary medicine is the right career for you.
2. Where can I get further information about a career in veterinary medicine?
More information is available from the American Veterinary Medical Association or the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) .
3. How can I easily access a list of all of the colleges of veterinary medicine and their requirements?
Access the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) website http://www.aavmc.org The Prerequisites Chart for Veterinary Colleges (found on the VASCI website under undergraduate>pre-vet major) indicates the requirements for 30 U.S. schools and 13 foreign schools. The chart includes hyper-links to the requirement list found on each school’s website. The Veterinary College requirements (found on the VASCI website under undergraduate>pre-vet major) for admission lists the prerequisite courses. Additional information can be found in a book published by the AAVMC titled Veterinary Medical School Admission requirements in the United States and Canada (VMSAR). To order this book, visit the AAVMC website. (http://www.aavmc.org)
4. How competitive is the applicant pool for veterinary school nationally?
There are only 30 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States. Several thousand applicants vie for the approximately 3000 seats available each year. Admission to these programs is extremely competitive so you should strive to exceed the minimum requirements. To get a feel for the competitiveness of the applicant pool, some schools post last year’s entering class statistics; reviewing these statistics for the schools you are interested in will help you to have a better understanding of the requirements and selection criteria. In recent years, UMass graduates have attended Tufts University, Cornell University, Pennsylvania State University, Ohio State University, Iowa State University and others.
5. Can I apply to Vet Schools outside the United States?
Yes, there are AAVMC approved colleges of veterinary medicine outside the United States. In recent years, UMass graduates have attended University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Ross University on the island of St. Kitts, St. George’s University on the island of Grenada, Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada, and others.
6. How can I improve my chances of admission?
The admissions committees and counselors will be looking for students who: are academically curious, competent (especially in science course work), and sincerely motivated, have developed time and stress management skills, are community minded and have demonstrated leadership abilities, are effective communicators, have excellent interpersonal communication skills, have demonstrated teamwork ability and who have realistically evaluated their plans for financing their education since demands of the professional curriculum usually preclude part- time employment during school sessions. Students who are interested in veterinary medicine should pursue experience with employment (paid and volunteer), research, clubs and other activities that expose them to the profession and to different species of animals. A variety of veterinary and animal experience is highly recommended.
7. Is a Bachelor’s degree required for admission?
Most veterinary colleges do not require that a Bachelor’s degree be completed for admissions although most accepted applicants have a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) A very few outstanding applicants (1-2 percent) are accepted (to some schools) having completed only the pre-veterinary requirements.
The Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine located in Grafton, Massachusetts offers undergraduates enrolled at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst an opportunity to apply to the DVM program in March of their sophomore year. A limited number of students are admitted, and upon acceptance, are guaranteed a space in Tufts veterinary school class after they graduate, if they maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA and take the required prerequisite classes. To be eligible to apply, candidates for this program must be sophomores and must have completed a full year each of introductory biology and chemistry.
SAT scores will be evaluated in the place of GRE scores. Freshmen contemplating application to the Early Acceptance Program are encouraged to speak with a pre-veterinary advisor about accruing veterinary medical related experiences. If the applicant is not accepted, the applicant can make an appointment with a Tufts admission counselor in the summer to review his/her application, in order to strengthen it for the next round of veterinary medical school applications. Further information regarding this program can be viewed at the Tufts website. http://www.tufts.edu/vet/academic/earlyacceptance.html.
8. Must I complete all required courses before I can apply?
All schools allow candidates to apply before completing all required courses (you should be submitting your applications in September of your senior year). An applicant who is admitted without evidence of completion of all requirements will receive a provisional admission. Evidence of satisfactory completion of requirements must be received (at most schools) by July 15 prior to the fall of matriculating in the DVM program.
9. Does it matter where I obtain my undergraduate degree?
No, but it will be necessary for you to take the required prerequisite courses, and you will need to provide evidence that you can handle a rigorous upper division science curriculum. It would be to your advantage to select an institution that offers the required courses plus additional upper division science courses as part of an undergraduate degree program. The UMass program is specifically designed to meet all the necessary requirements.
10. Is there a preferred undergraduate major?
Your choice of a degree-oriented major depends on your academic and vocational interests within veterinary medicine and on your alternate career plans. It is possible to fulfill pre- veterinary requirements and at the same time complete departmental requirements for almost any science major; however, students can have any degree as long as they have completed required courses. Since most pre-veterinary students are interested in the biological sciences and/or in working with animals, they tend to major either in sciences applied to working with animals (e.g., animal sciences, wildlife biology) or in basic sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, zoology). Students are encouraged to select a baccalaureate program as early as possible in order to fulfill the requirements of their chosen departmental major. Selection of a major is also important for establishing alternative goals and/or for enhancing specific career options.
11. How can I be sure that the courses I take will fulfill the pre-veterinary requirements?
The University of Massachusetts Pre-Veterinary Science major curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of most veterinary schools. However, after selection of the school(s) you wish to attend, it is recommended that you consult each school’s catalog or website for specific requirements to ensure that you are meeting all the requirements. If there is a prerequisite listed that UMass does not appear to offer, it is recommended that you check with your academic advisor.
12. Is there an advantage in taking more science courses than the minimum prerequisites?
The first two years of study in veterinary medicine consist of challenging science course work. Students will find it beneficial to have had as much science course work in their undergraduate studies as possible, especially biological sciences.
13. What electives I should take?Suggested electives include: anatomy, physiology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, nutrition, immunology, epidemiology, histology, embryology, parasitology, virology, animal reproduction, animal husbandry, toxicology, parasitology, mycology, endocrinology, entomology, bacteriology, zoology, neuroanatomy or neurophysiology. Courses, practica, independent studies and internships that provide specific veterinary practice, animal experience and research experiences are highly recommended. In addition many schools recommend business, computer science, statistics and communications courses.
Professional veterinary curriculum is extremely demanding, it is highly recommended that prospective students enroll in challenging undergraduate courses that go beyond the pre- professional requirements; useful courses include comparative anatomy, embryology, and physiology. Superior performance in these kinds of courses will not only enhance the academic image of the applicant, but will also help build a solid base for more detailed courses in the professional veterinary curriculum.
Methods of observation and collection of data, evaluation, deduction, and interpretation of findings are extremely important. The analysis and organization of a set of observations into its simple components and synthesis of many fragments of data into a working hypothesis on which a plan of action can be based are critical. The student should keep these objectives in mind throughout pre-professional training. Courses that might be helpful in this area include physics, psychology, and other sciences. Independent study research projects are ideally suited to honing these skills.
A high degree of skill in the use of spoken and written language should be developed to communicate a story effectively and accurately, to record facts systematically for the use of others, and to transmit instructions precisely. Proficiency in accurate, rapid, interpretive reading should also be mastered. Courses that might be helpful in this area include English literature, English composition, and foreign languages. The study of foreign languages enhances appreciation of the exact meaning of words and the use of subtle differences in shading.
14. In evaluating my grades, will the fact that I took a heavy course load (honors, non- required challenging courses, etc.) or worked while attending classes be considered?
Yes, Admissions Committees understand that there are differences in the way academic histories are established. They will evaluate the quality of each applicant’s academic program as well as grades earned in college courses. Credit load, work load and rigor of curriculum will be considered. Conversely, those who have a pattern of incompletes or withdrawals from difficult courses, who regularly took low credit loads (without concurrently working), or who minimally fulfill requirements, will be acknowledged as having a lower quality of academic program.
15. Is there a minimum GPA or GRE requirement? This varies by school. Some schools do set minimum GPA and GRE scores, check the websites. All admissions committees consider the “whole package” (i.e. GPA, GRE scores, animal and pre- veterinary experience, extra-curricular involvement, community service, etc.) Some schools focus on the last 45 semester hours completed because typically, the last 45 hours are composed of upper division courses. Some schools have a formula which is usually outlined in their admissions information. The following is one example:
50% – Academic History and Experience – Prerequisite GPA, GRE, undergraduate institutionselectivity, academic load, number of withdrawals, research participation, teaching assistant positions, strength of academic references (if any), and academic flags/concerns.
25% – Pre-Veterinary Experience and Preparation – Amount of legitimate pre-veterinary experience, amount of legitimate animal experience, strength of veterinary and animal related references, relationship between references and veterinary/animal experiences.
25% – Overall Professionalism and Readiness to Matriculate – Overall professionalism of the application, strength of written communication skills, extracurricular experiences, community involvement, international experiences, awards and recognitions, non-veterinary or animal related employment experiences.
biology ba Vs bs for med school
Next, we consider biology ba Vs bs for med school, biology ba or bs for dental school, bs in biology and bachelor of science in biology salary.
To current high school students, the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) may seem only titularly, however, it can make a world of difference for your future career. Both are great degrees, but which is the best for you? In this post, we explore the pros and cons for each type of undergraduate degree in biology.
What is a BA and a BS?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) are two of the most common types of undergraduate degrees. There are also field-specific undergraduate degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS), A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences (BSLAS). Each of these degrees carries its own cultural capital and is achieved through different coursework. It is important to find out which type of degree you want to work towards.
For example, a student with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography may look for work in sociology where they could study human-landscape interaction or compare different art styles across the globe. Alternatively, a student with a Bachelor of Science in Geography may spend time using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), making maps, or collecting data on geyser eruptions. Both degrees offer great, but decidedly different, job prospects.
Although geography majors and biology majors do vastly different work, the degree differentiation is an important concept. Other degrees, such as computer science, also have this division.
Similarities Between the Biology BA and BS
Coursework
Both biology degrees require much of the same course work. For the first two years of college, BA and BS students will be side by side as they complete their general education requirements (courses like English, cultural studies, history, etc.). After that, both BA and BS students will take required biology major courses such as:
- Introductory biology
- Introductory chemistry
- Physics lectures and labs
- Organic chemistry
- Algebra
- Statistics
Requirements
BA and BS degrees also typically require the same auxiliary experiences, such as an internship or research. Biology majors commonly continue their education post-grad, but grad schools and other higher education institutions don’t care much between students with BA or BS degrees, as long as there is a reason behind your choice of degree.
A BA student who took more foreign language courses to read Latin better or to improve communication with a different population, will excel on a med school application. Alternatively, a BS student who took more neuroscience courses will have a higher chance of acceptance than a BA biology student when applying to a niche neurology program.
Regardless of the type of degree conferred, a med school is also going to require volunteer hours, personal essays, entrance exam scores, and letters of recommendation. The type of degree you obtain is just one part of your application, however you can base your application around the type of degree you obtain to strengthen your chances of acceptance.
Degree Length
Completing a BA or BS in undergrad will take the same amount of time. Typically, these degrees take around 4 years to complete on a normal track.
Career Options and Salaries
The career options for individuals with BA or BS degrees are very similar, as long as your BA program fulfills all the med school requirements (some do not!). Both BA and BS degrees can help students pursue fulfilling careers, such as becoming a nurse, therapist, or scientist. Additionally, since both degrees often lead to med school, salaries are very similar.
Differences Between the Biology BA vs. BS
Coursework
The main difference between a BA and a BS in Biology is the flexibility in undergraduate coursework.
The BA degree often allows more room for outside electives. This can be especially useful if you are trying to double major or minor. BA students usually still go on to med school, but some prefer to go into other fields like teaching or software engineering.
BS students typically take fewer general education requirements and more science and math courses. Additionally, BS students have the option to specialize. You should consider a BS degree if you are sure of what you want to concentrate on during your college career.
Requirements
One of the reasons to pursue a BS in Biology is to complete some med school requirements while you’re still in undergrad. Since BS degrees have a greater focus on math and science than BA degrees, BS students will have fewer courses to take in med school than BA students who could not fulfill as many of these requirements in their undergraduate studies. This can make the time in med school shorter (and cheaper!) for students with BS degrees.
Ultimately, a BA student is still a strong competitor against a BS student when applying to med school. While students pursuing a BA lack the medical specialization that comes with a BS degree, this can be countered with the additional electives, majors, or minors BA students can pursue during undergrad.
Career Options and Salaries
There is significant overlap between the career options and salaries for both degrees, however BA degree holders tend to pursue careers that apply biology to other fields, while BS degree holders typically pursue more research-intensive careers that center around pure biology.
Some BA careers include:
- Teaching
- Healthcare management
- Government roles
Some BS careers include:
- Pharmaceutical development
- Microbiology
- Genetics
It’s important to note that even though these differences in career options exist, it is possible for individuals with BA or BS degrees to pursue any of the careers listed above.
How to Find the Right School as Biology Major
Knowing the type of biology degree you want is only the first step. But don’t worry, we’re here to help for the rest of your journey!
Take a look at CollegeVine’s school search tool to see which schools offer a BA and/or BS in Biology. You can find the biology department that fits your needs by filtering by major, type of degree, or many other categories! You can also filter by specializations offered if you want to see schools that concentrate in kinesiology, psychology, or neurobiology!
If you’re wondering what your admissions odds are like at the schools on your college list, try our free chancing engine! This tool factors in your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and more to find out your chances of acceptance at hundreds of schools across the country.
Biology Major Paths
Below are six possible careers for students who pursue either a BA or a BS in Biology. They span a wide range of salaries and professional fields.
1. Emergency Management Directors
Median Salary: $76,250
Projected Growth (2019-2029): +4%
Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies (like a pandemic) and lead the response during and after these emergencies. They assess hazards and review local emergency operation plans to limit the resulting harm or damage.
2. Audiologist
Median Salary: $81,030
Projected Growth (2019-2029): +13%
Most audiologists work in healthcare facilities and have a doctoral degree augmented by a license to practice. This is a career path for those who want to specialize in patient care, dispense hearing aids, and use computers to test patients’ hearing abilities.
3. Recreational Therapist
Median Salary: $47,710
Projected Growth (2019-2029): +8%
Recreational Therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and local park districts. This is a great career path for those who want to be involved in the community.
4. Surgical Technologist
Median Salary: $49,710
Projected Growth (2019-2029): +7%
Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations and work in hospitals. Licensure varies by state, but the responsibilities stay the same: preparing operating rooms, helping surgeons during procedures, counting supplies, and readying patients for surgery.
5. Registered Nurses
Median Salary: $75,330
Projected Growth (2019-2029): +7%
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. They often work in hospitals or physicians’ offices. There are various types of nursing degrees, each with different opportunities.
6. Agricultural and Food Scientist
Median Salary: $68,830
Projected Growth (2019-2029): +6%
Agricultural and Food Scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. They often work in laboratories and offices. Creating new food products, traveling between facilities to oversee new project implementation, and conducting research on crops are just a few of the career options for Agricultural and Food Scientists.
biology ba or bs for dental school
More details coming up on biology ba or bs for dental school, bs in biology and bachelor of science in biology salary.
Yes, a bachelor of science in biology would suffice majority of the med school requirements. However, your grades and extracurriculars are also a factor. You don’t even need to be a biology major to go to med school.
Any 4-year degree is acceptable as long as you acquire the mandatory pre-requisite dental courses like physical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, biology, math (varies), physics and English. It could be in Lithuanian Folk Dancing as long as you acquire the pre-requisites.
What you should consider is how will your undergraduate degree translate into you going to grad school or finding a job if you do not get into Dentistry.
The dental school will likely have a list of courses that they expect you to take in order to qualify for admission. You will have to look at their website to verify what that is. In all likelihood, you will be able to satisfy that list with either degree.
The difference between the BA and BS has to do with focus. The BA will have more non-STEM requirements than the BS. The BA is considered a generalist’s degree. It is considered preparation for leadership. The BS is more of a specialist’s degree.
If I were you, I would take the major you most love, so long as you can satisfy the requirements for admission to the dental school.
It should be noted that a dentist has to talk to patients. It would be nice to have something to talk about other than just advanced biology. A smattering of humanities and social sciences will likely serve you better in terms of relating to your patients.
bs in biology
B.S. in Biological Sciences
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) curriculum is appropriate for students desiring a focused, in-depth grounding in all the essential elements of the biological sciences, and is particularly suitable for students intending to pursue graduate study in biology or in the health sciences. It also prepares students to function effectively in a variety of technical and laboratory research settings.
BIOL BS majors receive 69-77 total credits toward the 120 total credits needed for graduation. 33-43 of those credits are at the upper level (3XX/4XX) and may be applied to the University requirement of 45 upper level credits for graduation.
Course Requirements
Biology Core (18 credits)
Core courses
- BIOL 141 – Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy & Organisms
- BIOL 142 – Foundations of Biology: Ecology & Evolution
- BIOL 302 – Molecular and General Genetics
- BIOL 303 – Cell Biology
- BIOL 300L – Experimental Biology Laboratory
Biology Electives (17-21 credits)
Elective courses (four lecture, two laboratory)
- One Column A elective
- One Column B elective
- One Column A or B elective
- One BIOL 4XX Lecture course (except BIOL 430, 442, 495, 497H, 499 or 499H)
- Two Upper Level Laboratory electives
Column A electives
- BIOL 304 – Plant Biology
- BIOL 305 – Animal Physiology
- BIOL 306 – Molecular Biology
- BIOL 307 – Human Physiology
- BIOL 313 – Introduction to Bioinformatics
- BIOL 375 – General Microbiology (formerly BIOL 275)
- BIOL 430 – Biological Chemistry
- BIOL 442 – Developmental Biology
- BTEC 344 – Epidemiology
- BTEC 395 – Translational Bioinformatics
- BTEC 430 – Translational Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- MBIO 478 – Marine and Environmental Biotechnology
Column B electives
- Any BIOL 4XX lecture course (except BIOL 430, 442, 495, 497H, 499, 499H, or 499L)
- CHEM 352 – Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 352L – Organic Chemistry Lab II (must take both)
- CHEM 437 – Comprehensive Biochemistry I
- CHEM 438 – Comprehensive Biochemistry II
- GES 406 – Aquatic Ecology
- GES 408 – Field Ecology
- GES 413 – Seminar in Biogeography
- BTEC 444 – Translational Cancer Biotechnology
- BTEC 453 – Biochemical Engineering
Laboratory electives
- Any BIOL 3XX or 4XX Lab course (except BIOL 300L or BIOL 499L)
- Students may replace one upper level Biology lab with two semesters of BIOL 499, plus one semester of either BIOL 499L or BIOL 497H
Chemistry (15 credits)
- CHEM 101 – Principles of Chemistry I
- CHEM 102 – Principles of Chemistry II
- CHEM 102L – Introductory Chemistry Lab I
- CHEM 351 – Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 351L – Organic Chemistry Lab I
Physics (8 credits)
- Physics 111 – Basic Physics I (or PHYS 121)
- Physics 112 – Basic Physics II (or PHYS 122)
Mathematics (4 credits)
- MATH 151 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
Statistics (4 credits) – choose one
- STAT 350 – Statistics with Applications
- STAT 355 – Intro to Probability and Statistics for Scientists/Engineers
- BTEC 350 – Statistics for Translational Life Science
MATH/STAT/CMSC elective – choose one
- MATH 152 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- MATH 221 – Introduction to Linear Algebra
- STAT 414 – Environmental Statistics
- STAT 420 – Statistics for Bioinformatics
- STAT 454 – Applied Statistics
- CMSC 104 – Problem Solving and Computer Programming
- CMSC 201 – Computer Science I for Majors
Notes for BIOL B.S.
- Students must earn a “C” or better in all major courses AND course prerequisites.
- At least half of the required BIOL courses and electives must be completed in residence: for the BIOL B.S. at least six of eleven BIOL classes must be taken at UMBC.
- BIOL 141, BIOL 142 and BIOL 302 are considered an academic sequence. Once you pass BIOL 302 you may not go back and repeat BIOL 141 or BIOL 142.
- See the Undergraduate Catalog for additional non-BIOL courses that may be used as electives for the major. Biologically relevant 4XX level courses from other departments may be acceptable as a ‘Column B’ elective for the BIOL BS degree. Prior approval from the Biological Sciences Department Undergraduate Committee is required, using the form indicated in note 12. Such courses may not be used for the BIOL 4XX requirement.
- The following courses are similar in content and only one in each grouping can be used towards major requirements: BIOL 305 and 307; BIOL 430, BTEC 430, and CHEM 437 and 438; BIOL 444 and BTEC 444; or BIOL 495 and BTEC 395. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.
- Students may substitute CHEM 352 and CHEM 352L (must take both) for one Column B course. The CHEM 352/352L only counts for one BIOL residency requirement course (See Note 2).
- At least one BIOL 4XX lecture course must be taken at UMBC. BIOL 430, 442, 497H, 499 and Lab classes may NOT be used to satisfy this requirement.
- Students may substitute PHYS 121 for PHYS 111, and PHYS 122 for PHYS 112, but should note that PHYS 121/122 may not satisfy some professional school admission requirements.
- Students using a STAT class as a Column B course may not use the same course to fulfill the MATH/STAT/CMSC elective requirement.
- The Biological Sciences Department evaluates completion of major requirements based on COURSES completed, not CREDITS completed.
- Students who are BIOC (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) majors who wish to also pursue a BIOL B.S. degree may use Core BIOL, CHEM, MATH and PHYS courses from the BIOC major towards the BIOL degree, but MUST take separate electives for the two degrees (ie., no ‘double-dipping for the electives).
- Under exceptional circumstances, the Department may waive or alter a BIOL major requirement. Students seeking to petition for a waiver must consult with their academic adviser, then may submit a ‘Petition for Waiver/Substitution of Program Requirements’ form.
Legacy B.S. in Biological Sciences (for pre-Fall 2010 students)
If you enrolled in college for the first time before Fall 2010 you may be following an earlier version of our B.S. curriculum. The requirements are found here – pre-Fall 2010 B.S. curriculum – however some classes required in that curriculum are no longer available. Students pursuing a legacy degree can transfer to one of the new degree programs by filing a Change of Major Form which can be found on the Registrar’s web site.
bachelor of science in biology salary
How much does a Bachelors Biology make?
As of Apr 30, 2022, the average annual pay for a Bachelors Biology in the United States is $54,685 a year.
Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $26.29 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,052/week or $4,557/month.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $101,000 and as low as $24,000, the majority of Bachelors Biology salaries currently range between $37,500 (25th percentile) to $63,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $88,000 annually across the United States. The average pay range for a Bachelors Biology varies greatly (by as much as $25,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Bachelors Biology job market in both Lagos, NG and throughout the entire state of is not very active as few companies are currently hiring. A Bachelors Biology in your area makes on average $54,685 per year, or the same as the national average annual salary of $54,685. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Bachelors Biology salaries.
To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Bachelors Biology jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
Find your next high paying job as a Bachelors Biology on ZipRecruiter today.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Bachelors Biology Jobs
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Bachelors Biology job is above the national average. Topping the list is San Jose, CA, with Oakland, CA and Tanaina, AK close behind in the second and third positions. Tanaina, AK beats the national average by $11,777 (21.5%), and San Jose, CA furthers that trend with another $12,858 (23.5%) above the $54,685 average.
Significantly, San Jose, CA has a very active Bachelors Biology job market as there are several companies currently hiring for this type of role.
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a Bachelors Biology appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies very little at 7% between San Jose, CA and Seaside, CA, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Bachelors Biology role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $67,543 | $5,629 | $1,299 | $32.47 |
| Oakland, CA | $66,765 | $5,564 | $1,284 | $32.10 |
| Tanaina, AK | $66,463 | $5,539 | $1,278 | $31.95 |
| Wasilla, AK | $66,462 | $5,538 | $1,278 | $31.95 |
| Hayward, CA | $65,367 | $5,447 | $1,257 | $31.43 |
| Seattle, WA | $64,926 | $5,410 | $1,249 | $31.21 |
| Concord, CA | $64,763 | $5,397 | $1,245 | $31.14 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $64,394 | $5,366 | $1,238 | $30.96 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $63,648 | $5,304 | $1,224 | $30.60 |
| Seaside, CA | $62,806 | $5,234 | $1,208 | $30.20 |
What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Bachelors Biology Jobs in the U.S.
We found at least five jobs related to the Bachelors Biology job category that pay more per year than a typical Bachelors Biology salary. Top examples of these roles include: VP Molecular Biology, Staff Scientist Molecular Biology, and Director Molecular Biology.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $22,931 (41.9%) and $54,050 (98.8%) more than the average Bachelors Biology salary of $54,685. If you’re qualified, getting hired for one of these related Bachelors Biology jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Bachelors Biology position.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VP Molecular Biology | $108,735 | $9,061 | $2,091 | $52.28 |
| Staff Scientist Molecular Biology | $88,164 | $7,347 | $1,695 | $42.39 |
| Director Molecular Biology | $85,866 | $7,156 | $1,651 | $41.28 |
| Senior Research Biologist | $80,330 | $6,694 | $1,545 | $38.62 |
| Biology Engineering | $77,616 | $6,468 | $1,493 | $37.32 |
Biology is the study of living organisms. It is a natural science that involves the use of biological concepts, laws, and methods to solve problems. Biology is divided into many sub-disciplines including anatomy, biochemistry, ecology, ethology, evolution, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology and physiology.
Biology degree programs can be found at colleges and universities across the country with many offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students who are interested in pursuing a career as a veterinarian should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis on animal science or zoology.
Students who want to become a doctor or dentist will likely need to earn at least an undergraduate degree in biology before applying to medical school or dental school. Medical schools generally require applicants to have earned between 90 and 120 semester hours of postsecondary education while dental schools typically require between 90 and 120 quarter hours of postsecondary education.
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