Tarleton State University

What you'll study

The B.S. in Biology provides a foundation in cellular and organismal biology while emphasising laboratory skills, critical thinking and scientific communication. Students take core courses in subjects such as cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. The curriculum typically includes significant laboratory components, field courses, and training in quantitative skills including biostatistics and experimental design.

Students choose from elective tracks or concentrations that focus study for particular career goals — common options include pre‑professional health sciences (pre‑medical, pre‑dental, pre‑pharmacy), molecular and cellular biology, ecology and conservation biology, and secondary science education. Programme structure often comprises lower‑division foundational coursework, intermediate courses in organismal and molecular biology, and upper‑division specialised electives. Many students complete a senior capstone, independent research project or internship to gain practical experience.

• Typical core modules: General Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Ecology, Evolution, Cell Biology, Animal and Plant Physiology
• Skill development: laboratory techniques, field methods, data analysis, scientific writing and presentation
• Experience options: faculty‑mentored research, field trips and practicum, clinical or industry internships, undergraduate seminar and capstone projects

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Biology follows the university's undergraduate admission policies. Applicants should present a strong secondary‑school record with preparation in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Recommended subjects include college‑preparatory biology, chemistry, algebra/trigonometry (or higher), and English.

Typical academic expectations include a competitive high school GPA and completion of core college‑preparatory courses. Transfer applicants are considered with transferable college credits and an academic record showing success in relevant STEM coursework. Some specialised tracks or progression to certain upper‑division courses require successful completion of prerequisite science and math courses with satisfactory grades.

Students aiming for healthcare professional programmes should consult pre‑health advising early to ensure required prerequisite courses and clinical experiences are completed in time for professional school applications.

Career prospects

Graduates with a B.S. in Biology from Tarleton are prepared for a range of career paths. Common immediate destinations include laboratory technician roles, environmental and conservation positions, quality control and compliance in industry, and educational roles at the secondary level (with appropriate certification). Many graduates proceed to graduate or professional schools in fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant programmes, public health, ecology and molecular biology.

Specific employment areas include:

• Healthcare and clinical laboratory settings
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
• Environmental consulting, natural resource management and conservation agencies
• Government laboratories and regulatory agencies
• Secondary science teaching (with certification) and informal science education
• Research roles in academic or private sector laboratories

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton offers a hands‑on, student‑centred approach to biology with access to laboratory facilities, field sites and faculty whose research spans molecular to ecosystem levels. As part of a larger state university system, students benefit from structured advising, pre‑professional support services and partnerships that facilitate internships and clinical placements in the region.

The department emphasises undergraduate research and experiential learning; students can work directly with faculty on projects, gain field experience in nearby ecosystems, or complete internships with local hospitals, industry partners and conservation organisations. Smaller class sizes in upper‑division courses and dedicated advising support help students plan their academic pathway, whether aiming for immediate employment or further study.