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Biology, BS - Area 1: General Biology
Biology Bachelor of Science
Why Choose UCM for Your Bachelor of Science in General Biology Degree?
Are you fascinated by living organisms, eager to explore plant and animal life or interested in applying scientific research to healthcare, conservation or agriculture? The General Biology Bachelor of Science program at the 91导航 lets your curiosity guide your education. Designed for future researchers, educators and field scientists, this comprehensive major covers cellular functions, genetics, ecology, parasitology and medicine. Through flexible electives, hands-on lab work and fieldwork, you will build the practical expertise needed for a successful scientific career. Take the next step toward your goals in biological science today.
Request Information About UCM's Biology BS - General Biology
UCM's Biology BS - General Biology at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg
- Taught by PhD-level faculty, not graduate assistants
- 300+ acre on-campus nature preserve featuring outdoor classrooms
- Renovated labs featuring cutting-edge tech and equipment
ContactDr. Scott Lankford |
What Will You Learn in UCM鈥檚 General Biology BS?
UCM鈥檚 General Biology BS curriculum combines coursework, laboratory experimentation and field research across major biological disciplines. You will study everything from cellular and molecular systems to broad ecological patterns, developing strong analytical and research skills.
Key areas of study and sample coursework include:
- Plant Ecology: Study organism relationships within natural ecosystems.
- Human Physiology: Explore complex bodily systems and functions.
- Parasitology: Examine parasite biology, host interactions and disease transmission.
- Animal Biology: Investigate animal structures, functions and classification systems.
Under the guidance of expert Ph.D. faculty, you will master scientific research methods, operate advanced laboratory tools and collaborate on team-based research projects.
Unique Learning Opportunities in UCM鈥檚 BS in General Biology
At UCM, active learning is central to your degree. You will gain direct experience using industry-standard equipment and conducting field research in diverse natural environments:
- Pertle Springs Nature Preserve: Conduct outdoor research across 300 acres of Missouri habitat, studying native plants, mammals, fish, snakes, birds and invertebrates.
- Advanced Research Facilities: Train in our 3,000-square-foot animal and aquatic research center, campus arboretum and specialized necropsy laboratory.
- Cutting-Edge Instrumentation: Work directly with bioreactors, PCR systems, histology equipment, an aquatic transport tank and a wildlife drone.
- Historic Specimen Collections: Access extensive biological collections, including rare entomology and historic ichthyology specimens.
- Professional Internships: Partner with regional employers such as the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, corporations and non-profits.
- Transfer Student Pathway: Seamlessly transfer existing credits to fulfill prerequisites and complete your degree faster.
Fast Facts About UCM鈥檚 General Biology BS
- 100% Ph.D. Faculty Lab Supervision: Learn directly from doctoral-level professors in all laboratory courses rather than graduate assistants.
- 300-Acre Outdoor Classroom: Experience hands-on ecological research at Pertle Springs Nature Preserve.
- 3,000-Square-Foot Research Center: Practice aquatic and animal research in dedicated on-campus facilities.
- Rare Campus Resources: Conduct research using specialized necropsy facilities and historic biological specimen collections.
- Flexible Transfer Credit: Apply previous college credit to accelerate your degree progression.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM鈥檚 BS in General Biology Students
As a UCM student, you鈥檒l have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education.
UCM is committed to low tuition rates and low student debt, offering financial assistance options such as grants, assistantships, awards, work-study and an optional payment plan. General Biology majors can apply for program-specific scholarships, including:
- Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
- Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship
- Steven H. Mills and Stephen W. Wilson Research Award
- John Hess Health Professions Scholarship
- Honors Project Research Fund
- McNair Scholars Program
Explore complete eligibility details and apply using the .
Your next steps:
鈶� Request information about Biology at 91导航.
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Career Opportunities and Outcomes for UCM鈥檚 General Biology BS Graduates
A General Biology degree from UCM prepares you for careers in research, environmental management, teaching, healthcare and government service. Graduates work with agencies such as the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as private testing labs and healthcare organizations.
Degree Stackability and Graduate Pathways: Expand your career credentials by earning certificates in Animal Identification, Plant Identification, Biological Monitoring and Assessment or Professional and Technical Writing. Graduates can also pursue advanced degrees at 91导航, including the Master of Science in Biology, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Apply to UCM's Biology BS - General Biology program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Take your degree further.
If you want to further specialize your General Biology BS, you may want to continue your studies at 91导航 in a related master鈥檚 degree program.
Make yourself more marketable.
Add an undergraduate certificate to your studies at 91导航 and make yourself more competitive for Biology bachelor鈥檚 degree jobs.
Explore programs related to biology.
If your career goals include a focus on medicine, nutrition or farming, you may also want to consider these UCM undergraduate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
In UCM鈥檚 General Biology BS program, you will gain comprehensive knowledge across cellular biology, genetics, plant ecology, human physiology, parasitology and animal biology. You will master laboratory procedures, scientific research methods and field data collection using modern laboratory instruments, unique biological specimen collections and UCM鈥檚 300-acre Pertle Springs Nature Preserve.
The General Biology major prepares you for careers in environmental conservation, healthcare, research laboratories, public education and agricultural science. Graduates work as biological technicians, wildlife specialists, natural science managers and educators for employers like the Missouri Department of Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, federal agencies, non-profits and private research firms.
Yes. Hands-on learning is a core component of the program. Every laboratory course is taught directly by Ph.D. faculty, giving you access to a 3,000-square-foot animal research center, specialized necropsy lab, bioreactors, PCR equipment and the 300-acre Pertle Springs Nature Preserve for active field study.
Yes. UCM offers several scholarships specifically for biology majors, including the Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship, Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship and John Hess Health Professions Scholarship. Students can also apply for research grants and general university financial aid through the UCM Scholarship Finder. Students may also take advantage of UCM鈥檚 optional payment plan.
Yes. The General Biology program accommodates transfer students by accepting a significant number of qualifying transfer credits. This allows you to fulfill prerequisites quickly, complete your undergraduate degree faster and focus on advanced specialized electives or undergraduate research opportunities.
