Biology Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Begin your journey in the study of life itself in our biology bachelor’s degree program.

To anyone eager to learn about the natural world around them, Frostburg State University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program offers a world of unique learning experiences and opportunities to find a home.

The four-year biology major includes courses spread over a broad range of topics, from ecology/evolution to molecular and cellular biology. Students can also explore a collection of concentrations, options, minors and related programs that prepare them for their career or a graduate program, wherever their interests lie.

Three Concentration Options to Craft Your Biology Major

Design a degree that fits you. Beyond a general biology bachelor’s degree, FSU offers three concentrations that allow you to dive deeper into your interests and hone your skills in preparation for your career. Concentrations are available in:

• Molecular biology
• Environmental science
• Pre-health professions

There is also an option to double-major for future high school teachers.

Biology Degree Highlights

  •  A range of courses
    Microbiology, economic botany, comparative anatomy, molecular biology — while in the B.S. in biology program, you’ll take courses in these subjects and more. Engage in fields that support biological studies, such as chemistry, physics and math to develop a strong knowledge base.

  •  Lab experiences
    As a biology major, you’ll practice what you learn in facilities designed for your niche. FSU’s educational resources include specialized labs for animal physiology, biotechnology, genetics, cell biology, forestry, stream ecology…the list goes on. In addition, Western Maryland itself is full of unique environments for hands-on, out-of-the-classroom learning.

  •  Faculty and research
    FSU offers ample opportunities for biology majors to conduct research with professors who embrace the hands-on nature of biology through in-depth labs and field trips around the region. Students may work with faculty as part of an ongoing project or for their own original studies.

  •  Clubs and community
    Hang out and explore biology with your peers in student-run clubs, like the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, the Wildlife Society, Quality Deer Management, or the Sierra Student Coalition. While in the biology bachelor’s degree program, you’ll also gain opportunities to travel to a variety of conferences and attend events with major organizations right on campus.

What can I do with a biology degree?

$72,740

Median pay for life, physical and social science occupations (BLS 2021)


Related Occupations

Aquatic Biologist

Zoologist

Soil and Plant Scientist

Geneticist

There are boundless career opportunities with a biology degree. Depending on the concentration you pursue or whether or not you plan to teach, you can choose between careers in the medical, technology, research or education fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the life, physical and social sciences are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2021-2031.

What You'll Learn

The broad basics included in a biology bachelor’s degree mean you’ll be equipped to explore a variety of natural science fields such as agriculture, microbiology, geoscience, epidemiology, biochemistry, environmental science and more. You will study the origins of economically important plants, delve into the structural relationships among fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals and hone your understanding of molecular concepts like protein synthesis, restriction enzyme analysis, DNA sequencing and DNA fingerprinting.

Building on the bachelor’s degree in biology, many of our graduates continue to pursue advanced studies in medical school or a master’s program in a specialized field.

As a biology major at Frostburg State, you’ll learn to:

  • Identify and explain the life processes, including their development and the relationship among organisms. You’ll also study the biology of plants and animals and the evolution of plant and animal diversity.
  • Work and research in a lab setting, including in labs that tackle techniques for managing molecular and chromosomal data. You’ll also gain experience with organic chemistry in the laboratory setting.

See the program course descriptions to find out more about what you’ll learn.

I've cultivated great relationships with professors that I've had. They're the people I look up to most. They're my role models. I also think of them as friends. I've been able to have relationships with my professors and make new friends that I feel that I wouldn't have been able to do elsewhere.

Joshua Clem, Biology Major

Our Alumni

Given our broad course offerings and hands-on lab experiences, Frostburg State biology majors are well-equipped to succeed in graduate school or career fields, from technology to healthcare to education.

Job Titles

  • Natural Science Manager
  • General Biologist
  • Biological Technician
  • Life Scientist
  • Clinical Researcher

Employers

  • National Institutes of Health
  • Fort Detrick's Frederick Cancer Research Facility
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Frostburg students take their coursework beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors.

FSU plant taxonomy students travel each year to Savage River State Forest's Bear Pen Wildlands to pull invasive plants, helping to protect the endangered West Virginia White butterfly.

Don't just learn about biology; experience it for yourself at Frostburg State University.

Our Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program offers a hands-on learning experience that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle real-world challenges. With a strong focus on laboratory work, you'll have the opportunity to apply what you learn in class to practical experiments and gain valuable experience that will set you apart.

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