Biology, BS - Area 1: General Biology

What you will study

UCM’s Bachelor of Science degree program curriculum in General Biology offers a breadth of coursework, labs and research projects in a variety of scientific fields. 

The full array of elective courses in specialty areas offers opportunities to study everything from cellular and molecular functions to big picture topics such as environmental studies and ecology. Learning multiple areas of biological studies will prepare you for a strong entry into the job market.

Lab work is key to your General Biology bachelor’s degree

Conduct research and use the latest scientific tools in lab-based classes taught by Ph.D.-level faculty who are experts in their respective fields. 

You’ll also learn to use scientific research methods with your peers in labs and teamwork-centered projects at our renovated Warrensburg facilities. This allows you to hone in on the structures, functions and classification systems for the organisms that interest you most.

Some courses you may take in UCM’s General Biology bachelor’s degree program include:

• Dendrology (woody plants)
• Human Physiology
• Parasitology
• Animal Biology

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in general biology

At the University of Central Missouri, lab-based classes and fieldwork are the centerpiece of the General Biology Bachelor of Science program. You’ll focus on developing the skills and hands-on experience needed to be a strong candidate for Biology BS jobs.

• Internships and research projects: UCM Biology program faculty have long-standing relationships with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Department of Natural Resources, corporations and nonprofits, among others. Internships and research projects with these potential employers can help you build professional relationships that may lead to Biology bachelor’s degree jobs after graduation.
• Belize Barrier Reef project: UCM’s collaborative projects with a marine lab in Belize allow undergraduate students working toward their General Biology Bachelor of Science degree to develop and implement an independent research proposal. Following two weeks of study in Belize at the Tropical Research and Education Center supervised by UCM program faculty, your final project summary can form the basis for further research or lead to advanced studies and a career in marine biology. 
• Fieldwork and research facilities: Our on-campus facilities include a 300-acre outdoor classroom (Pertle Springs Nature Preserve); 3,000-sq-ft animal and aquatic research center and state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for active learning. You’ll study plants, animals, fish, snakes, birds and invertebrates native to Missouri in their natural habitats.
• Innovative Resources: At UCM undergraduate and graduate students alike get hands-on access to our most innovative resources. Train on our bioreactor, PCR systems, fully equipped histology set and other lab equipment typically reserved for grad research at larger universities. We are also one of the few non-veterinary schools in the nation to have a necropsy lab for animal study and research. Students at all levels also have access to our sizable collections of biological specimens, including our rare entomology and historic ichthyology collections. Plus, study using our campus arboretum, aquatic transport tank, wildlife drone and the 300-acre Pertle Springs Nature Preserve. 

   

 

What can you do with a General Biology Bachelor of Science degree from UCM?

General Biology majors from the University of Central Missouri are well-prepared for a wide variety of Biology bachelor’s degree jobs. 

UCM Biology students enter careers that run the gamut, from counteracting climate change and conducting research studies to taking on important roles in health care, teaching and conservation. 

Biology bachelor’s degree jobs are varied and exciting

This undergraduate degree path offers the potential to work at a regional, state or federal agency such as the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other employers with a scientific focus.

With the hands-on experience, research skills and knowledge you’ll gain from completing UCM’s General Biology BS, you could be a trainer at a government agency, work in a research lab or become a public educator working for a nonprofit or health care organization. 

Many graduates with a General Biology bachelor’s degree choose to continue their studies at UCM to earn a master’s degree or certification to teach biology at the K–12 level.

Explore the interactive tool below to learn more about Biology bachelor’s degree jobs and potential salaries after graduating from the University of Central Missouri.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Biology BS degree

The University of Central Missouri offers several ways to finance your education,  including general university awards, scholarships and other financial aid. 

Beyond these resources, numerous scholarships are available specifically for Biology BS students, including those enrolled in the General Biology degree program. You may be eligible for opportunities such as these: 

• 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

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.