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Department of Biological Sciences

About Us

The Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University offers a comprehensive education that spans the contemporary biological sciences. With more than 800 students pursuing degrees in biology, faculty and students work in close collaboration in the classroom, in the field, and in research laboratories.

Upper-division classes are small, and many biology courses have hands-on laboratory sections that provide inquiry-based learning and educational experiences that benefit students professionally.

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology

A bachelor’s degree in biology provides students with the intellectual and technical skills to succeed in a multitude of careers (e.g., medicine, forensics, genetics, laboratory sciences, natural resources management, animal biology, plant biology, etc.). Students gain an understanding of living organisms, of how organisms interact with their environment, and of the process of biological investigation. The curriculum provides students with a knowledge base in molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology, as well as allowing emphasis in the cellular, molecular and biomedical area, the ecology, evolution, and behavior area, and the secondary education field.

Master's Degrees and Ph.D. Programs

Boise State offers master’s degrees (MA, MS) in Biology, and is the home to the only MS Raptor Biology graduate program in the country. We are also proud to offer interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in Biomolecular Sciences, and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. Which brings faculty from across multiple academic departments, research centers, and agencies to provide students with a unique and rewarding graduate program experience.

The Boise Area Environment from a Biologist’s Perspective

Five out of eight ecoregions in Idaho are within a day’s drive of Boise! Learn more about these geographically distinct areas that share similar environmental conditions, plants, animals, and ecosystems. Visit Boise State to see if it’s a good fit for you.

Career Ideas for a Biology Major

A biology degree offers a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career path. Biologists explore the intricacies of life, from how organisms function to their interactions and evolution. This knowledge can lead to diverse careers in fields like research, healthcare, policymaking, forensic science, agriculture, microbiology, parks and recreation management, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Explore more with What Can You Do with a Biology Major?

Support and Opportunities

Gain Practical Experience

Biology Internships offer students a valuable bridge between their academic studies and professional careers. By immersing themselves in real-world work environments, students can apply their theoretical knowledge, develop practical skills, and build lasing professional connections that will benefit them throughout their chosen field.

Student Resources

The Biology Learning Center (BLC) is a place where all students taking undergraduate biology courses at Boise State can receive guidance and tutoring on their biology lectures and laboratory assignments.

Academic Advising

Scholarships and Admission

Biology Scholarships

Boise State Financial Aid and Scholarships

Apply for Admission

Department Events

Department News

College Updates

Cultures, values and the environment: Alvarez champions community-led conservation
Research in flight: Heath talks raptor study and conservation
How a project management class helped a Boise State athlete step into leadership – and give back to the community 
Pierce contributes to land surface hazards research
Meierotto, Som Castellano, Hyland publish research on seasonal farmworkers in Idaho

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