Biology
Earn a biology degree at MTSU to explore life's complexities. Gain insights, choose from concentrations, and pursue diverse career paths.
Biology, B.S.
Biology is the study of all aspects of living organisms and ranges from the study of molecular processes of the cell to the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. The name itself means the "study of life" and a formal study of this discipline, such as a biology degree, allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexity of life and important concepts with the guidance of experts in multiple fields.
Biology helps us better understand the characteristics and the impact of external influences, both short-term and long-term, upon the continuing processes of life in our world. It helps us contribute to human health advancements as well as gain a more in-depth understanding and awareness of the world around us. It opens the door and builds a foundation for students to grow into many useful and interesting career paths including becoming a research scientist, pharmacologist, nature conservation officer, forensic scientist, science writer, ecologist, biomedical engineer, or any number of similar occupations. The world needs biologists more than ever as we face new and increasingly important challenges. Biologists are required to help solve problems such as increasing population pressures, environmental concerns, food shortages, emerging diseases, and other issues. Biology degree seekers may choose from five concentrations:
News Briefs
MTSU faculty, students on national forefront of facilitating better science communication
Middle Tennessee State University associate biology professor Liz Barnes knows good science is inseparable from good communication. Neither students nor the public can deeply engage with critical yet contentious science issues like climate change or vaccine safety if having to first overcome an insensitive or even condescending delivery. [ Read More ]
18 Noteworthy Degree Programs at MTSU
One observer's list of MTSU majors that deserve more attention—and set graduates up for great careers[ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU faculty, students on national forefront of facilitating better science communication
Middle Tennessee State University associate biology professor Liz Barnes knows good science is inseparable from good communication. Neither students nor the public can deeply engage with critical yet contentious science issues like climate change or vaccine safety if having to first overcome an insensitive or even condescending delivery. [ Read More ]
18 Noteworthy Degree Programs at MTSU
One observer's list of MTSU majors that deserve more attention—and set graduates up for great careers[ Read More ]
Biology, B.S.
A biology degree is a "foundation degree" — a direct door-opener for a large number of careers, as well as a crucial first undergraduate step on the path toward those careers that require additional graduate training.
Examples include
- Agricultural scientist
- Animal behaviorist
- Bio-engineer
- Desert ecologist
- Medical laboratory tech
- Medical librarian
- Microbiologist
- Molecular endocrinologist
- Park ranger
- Safety manager
- Science teacher
- State park resource ecologist
- Toxicologist
- Virologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Zoo biologist
Employers of MTSU biology degree alumni include
- Aegis Sciences Corporation
- American Red Cross
- Area High Schools
- Arnold Air Force Base
- Austin Peay State University
- Biomimetic Therapeutics
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Covance
- Cytometry Associates
- Environmental Science Corp.
- Erlanger Medical Center
- GenHunter Corporation
- ICON Clinical Research
- Jack Daniels Distillery
- Local Community Colleges
- Merck and Co.
- Monsanto
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Pathgroup Laboratories
- Pfizer Inc.
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- USDA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vi-jon
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
MTSU discloses that the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology, Teacher Licensure is a teacher licensure preparation program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Admission to an undergraduate teacher licensure preparation program does not guarantee that students will obtain a teacher license. Successful completion of the meets the educational requirements to apply for a practitioner teacher licensure in Tennessee.
The BS Biology, Teacher Licensure disclosure provided on MTSU’s professional licensure disclosure website indicates the states and territories where MTSU has determined, through reasonable and good faith effort, that the program does or does not meet the educational requirements for other US states and territories. Licensing authorities for each state set and enforce their own requirements and standards, which are subject to change. Current and prospective students not located in Tennessee or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee should contact the appropriate state licensing agency or board and discuss their plans with an advisor and the MTSU Office of Teacher Licensure before enrolling in the program to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding licensure requirements.
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