EIU Department of Biological Sciences

Study Options

Choose from three different options of study …

Biology Option: Students interested in botany, zoology, ecology and systematics, and cell and molecular biology who want to pursue careers in biology, including wildlife biology, fisheries biology, endangered species biology, work in nurseries, garden centers, and zoos or become natural resources managers should pursue the biology option. Students in the biology option are encouraged to complete an undergraduate research project with a faculty mentor in the department or to apply for a research experience in biology at another university. For more information, contact Dr. Gary Bulla at 217-581-3499 or gabulla@eiu.edu.

Environmental Biology Option: Students interested in careers in environmental sciences, including environmental consulting, environmental engineering, water treatment, wastewater treatment, public health, and environmental protection should pursue the environmental biology option. Students enrolled in the environmental biology option are required to gain valuable practical experience by completing a 12-week internship. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Colombo at recolombo@eiu.edu.

Teacher Certification Option: Students interested in becoming high school science teachers, specializing in Biological Sciences, and teaching upper division high school biology courses, honors and advanced placement courses, should choose the teacher certification option. Students take courses in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and education and complete a semester-long student teaching experience. For more information, contact Katie Johnson at 217-581-7270 or kjohnson4@eiu.edu.