1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Programs & Degrees
  4. Biology

Biology, B.S.

Empowering tomorrow’s problem-solvers to impact our world through scientific discoveries and solutions that improve lives.

The Biology program’s rigorous exploration of botany, conservation, ecology, evolution, genetics, marine biology, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, and physiology will prepare you to advance fields like medicine, ecology, and marine life, among many others.

Opening Worlds of Professional Opportunities

The program will prepare you for exciting, impactful career opportunities across the broad spectrum of business and industry where advances in biology and related scientific fields bring positive change to the world.

Graduates of the program are achieving amazing things and ascending to positions of leadership in the sciences at a wide range of professional organizations, some of which include:

  • Accutest Laboratories
  • Accutest Laboratories
  • Biometrix
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
  • Burleson Consulting, Inc.
  • Clorox Company
  • Genalyte
  • Merieux Nutrisciences
  • Monterey Bay Analytical Services
  • Nippon Shokken
  • San Francisco Zoo
  • The Ocean Institute
  • The Peace Corps

The program’s depth, breadth, and focus on experiential learning delivers powerful preparation and will fuel your potential to thrive no matter what your unique career goals may be. Graduates of the program work in such roles as:

  • Aquarist
  • Clinical Lab Scientist
  • Dentist
  • Marine biologist
  • Medical doctor
  • Naturopath
  • Pharmacist
  • Professor
  • Research Associate
  • Teacher
  • Veterinarian

Your degree in Biology will command respect and serve as a powerful credential in the eyes of the world’s top graduate programs. Our alumni have been accepted into graduate programs at elite institutions, including:

  • Cornell University
  • San Diego State University
  • San Jose State University
  • Scripps Research Institute
  • Stanford University
  • UC Berkeley
  • UC Davis
  • UC San Diego
  • UCLA
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Southern California
Aerial Image of Campus

Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

Biology, B.S.

The Biology program delivers distinctive learning opportunities that will take your experience to the next level, from authentic research initiatives, to a heightened focus on strong communication skills, to instilling empathy toward global issues.

Educational Objectives

Our unique program structure offers the perfect sequence of learning and preparation, from a lower division of core courses to an upper division split into three areas of concentration: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Molecular Biology; and Biology Teacher Preparation.

Our Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) program is recognized for excellence by the CSUBIOTECH affinity group, and you’ll have research opportunities including the NIH-GREAT and Genentech GAIN program.

Our uncommon emphasis on communication will distinguish you in the eyes of employers and graduate schools, as you develop exceptional skills in oral and written communication and serve as a leader in communicating “how things work” biologically.

Our 4+1 credentialing option is ideal for students who want to launch directly into a career teaching biology, and our biology minor for students in other majors helps expand career opportunities with preparation in areas like marine science, marine biology, mathematics, and bioinformatics.

Complete all of the following courses:

Complete all of the following courses:

Our distinctive coastal environment creates truly powerful scientific learning opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. From hands-on learning of organismal biology, to research labs using marine organisms as model systems for study, to fields trips along California’s vibrant central coast, you’ll learn the biological underpinnings of our natural world and distinguish yourself through research of directly related to marine biology and ocean science.

You’ll engage in meaningful, authentic experiences in which you’ll connect with the local community and give back. Some of these include activities at local schools, working with homeless populations, and volunteering at nurseries, farms, and the county public health offices.

News

Read about our student success and faculty innovation in CSUMB News

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Biology program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Study Biology in an inspiring coastal environment where we are truly committed to mentorship and an engaging student experience.