Biology B.S.

Use the latest technologies to learn about biodiversity, habitats, and ecological processes. Typical careers for students who choose this concentration include veterinarian school, lab technician, field or marine biologist, graduate school in biology, naturalist, museum curator, zoo biologist or aquarist, and environmental consultant.

At the intersection of biology, chemistry, and genetics, this concentration is for students interested in the fields of bioinformatics, genomics, and biochemistry. This concentration also provides Pre-health students with the foundation needed to attend medical, pharmacy, and dental schools, physician assistant programs, and genetic counseling programs.

Cal State Monterey Bay’s STEM teacher preparation program provides comprehensive support for future middle and high school science and mathematics educators. Through dedicated advising, mentorship, service-learning teaching experiences, financial aid, and academic support, students gain the tools and confidence to become highly qualified teachers. Collaborative learning in introductory STEM courses strengthens recruitment and retention while building a strong academic foundation.

Our program emphasizes hands-on classroom experience with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned instruction across grade levels. Future teachers engage in lesson planning, assessment, observation, and reflective practice to develop inquiry-based teaching skills. Ongoing professional development in assessment and data analysis helps educators continuously refine instruction to improve student achievement.

STEM coaching and mentorship from CSUMB faculty and STEM Leaders provide sustained, job-embedded support through co-teaching, co-planning, and modeled lessons. By integrating technology strategically and fostering innovation in the classroom, we cultivate a culture where teaching is approached as an evolving science—investing in the next generation of STEM educators.

A biology degree can take a student in many directions. Graduates become health professionals, researchers, and even lawyers who specialize in medical cases. Graduates work with wildlife, in the ocean, or on land. Many work at museums, or teach K-12, or are State Park officials. There are so many options. But why Biology at Cal State Monterey Bay?

Our state of the art program focuses on High Impact Practices, which means that we don’t just stand and lecture at you, but we include you in the teaching and learning process. We have hands on labs and projects in almost every course, and the professors perform high level research that is brought into the classroom. Every student has the ability to gain research experience through a Course Based Research Experience (CURE) which are embedded in the curriculum. The biology service learning courses take students into community classrooms and into places that they may have never experienced. But most important is our open door policy – the professors are available to students – and our small class sizes at the upper division level allow for a truly unique learning experience. Cal State Monterey Bay's Biology majors win awards, present their data at regional and National meetings, and are scattered around the world practicing in their field. The Biology program will take you where you want to go. Join it and make your future a reality.

Biology graduates build careers across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, environmental conservation, agriculture, education, research, and public health. With strong scientific training and hands-on experience, they apply their knowledge in clinical settings, laboratories, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and private industry. Whether advancing medical care, protecting natural resources, improving food systems, or contributing to scientific discovery, BIO graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact in diverse professional fields.