Biology Major, B.S.

About This Program

With a Biology degree from MSU Denver, exciting advances in the world’s knowledge and understanding of life – from microorganisms, to animals, to humankind – could be in your future. Biological sciences has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years and now comprises numerous sub fields including cell biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology. MSU Denver’s Biology program offers courses in the entire spectrum ranging from microbiology, genetics, anatomy and physiology to botany, ecology, and zoology.

Possibilities for amazing internships or research projects for MSU Denver Biology majors abound. For instance, during a summer research program you could study HIV pathogenesis or how gene activity can change even without altering the genetic code or you could help develop latex boots to protect the infected feet of rhinos during an internship at the Denver Zoo. You can even spend an intensive two weeks studying the flora and fauna of Costa Rica, “Walk in Darwin’s Footsteps” during 13 days in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, or study Paleobotany while exploring the Eocene world of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

Choose the MSU Denver bachelor of science degree in Biology if you are interested in a science career or postgraduate study.

Facilities and Resources

Housed in the state-of-the-art Science Building on the Auraria Campus adjacent to downtown Denver, MSU Denver’s Biology Department has 14 teaching labs and five research labs with optimal instrumentation, including:

• Genetic Analyzer/DNA Sequencer
• Scanning Electron Microscope
• UV-Vis spectrophotometers
• Quantitative PCR Systems
• PCR thermal cyclers, gel boxes and gel imaging systems
• Herbarium
• Bright-field, Phase-contrast, and Indirect Immunofluorescence Microscopes
• Biological safety cabinets and growth chambers
• Dedicated cold room

Career Opportunities

The career path for entry-level careers if you hold a B.S. in Biology includes research scientist (life sciences and medical), microbiologist, pharmacologist, physician assistant, nature conservationist and education among many others. If you pursue a postgraduate degree, your career options are nearly endless in the fields of medicine, education, research, botany and zoology.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, here are examples of the annual salary you can expect as a graduate of MSU Denver’s B.S. Biology program:

• Biological technicians, $41,650
• Zoologists and wildlife biologists, $59,680
• Microbiologists, $67,550
• Environmental scientists, $67,460