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Biological Sciences

Also offered as: Graduate , Minor

Study life at every level, from cells and genes to organisms and ecosystems. At EIU, you’ll learn in small classes, work directly with research-active faculty and gain hands-on experience in labs, the field and undergraduate research.

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Biological Sciences

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 77 in Major
Careers
Managers, Coordinators, Specialists
Biological Sciences students at EIU

Why Study Biological Sciences at EIU?

  • Learn in smaller classes: Introductory courses for majors typically have 32 or fewer students, with advanced courses often enrolling fewer than 24.
  • Learn directly from research-active faculty: Your biology courses and labs are taught by faculty who are actively engaged in their fields.
  • Explore biology from cells to ecosystems: Study areas such as genetics, microbiology, physiology, ecology, wildlife biology, botany, neuroscience and more.
  • Prepare for a wide range of paths: Build a strong foundation for careers in the sciences, graduate school or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health fields.
  • Find a community with similar interests: Connect with faculty, student organizations and classmates who share your interests in science, health and the environment.
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"The small class sizes, hands-on lab experiences, and engaged instructors who consistently delivered detailed feedback on my scientific writing and career advice provided me with the best possible groundwork to be a successful neuroscientist."
Apryl Pooley
Biological Sciences | Class of 2008 | Class of 2011 | Director of Training & Technical Assistance, Michigan Victim Advocacy Network
Apryl Pooley, Biological Sciences at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Conduct undergraduate research: Work one-on-one with a faculty mentor on original research and gain experience with experimental design, data collection and analysis.
  • Use advanced scientific equipment: Gain experience with tools such as DNA sequencing and electrophoresis equipment, gas chromatography and biotechnology resources.
  • Take investigation-based lab courses: Many biology courses include laboratory experiences that put scientific concepts into practice.
  • Learn in the field: Build experience studying organisms, populations and ecosystems beyond the classroom through field-based coursework and research.
  • Pursue internships and professional experience: Apply what you learn through opportunities in health care, environmental work, research, natural resources and other biological fields.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Biological Sciences students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The B.S. in Biological Sciences focuses on how living systems function, change and interact, from molecules and cells to organisms, populations and ecosystems. It is a fit if you are curious about the natural world, enjoy science and are ready to learn how scientists ask questions and test answers.

Program 4-Year Sequence
View in Catalog
$53,725
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Water Resource Specialists
  • Bioinformatics Scientists
  • Molecular & Cellular Biologists
  • Geneticists
  • Biologists
  • Agricultural Technicians

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)Job Zone 5: Extensive preparationMost of these careers require graduate school, and many also call for more than five years of experience.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit InvestigativeInvestigative interest typeYou like digging into how things work. This type of work involves researching and analyzing natural phenomena, living things, health problems or human behavior.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Elliott Zieman
Chair and Associate Professor
eazieman@eiu.edu
2070 Life Science
217-581-1976
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Britto Nathan
Assistant Chair and Professor, Coordinator of Graduate Programs
bpnathan@eiu.edu
2154 Life Science
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Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
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