About Us
The Biological Sciences are at the center of several important societal challenges, including ecological and environmental challenges, advancing our understanding of human health, and developing biotechnology. Our students learn directly from world-class faculty who bring their expertise into the classroom and invite students into active research programs. Through these experiences, students gain valuable skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication, along with a deepened appreciation for the living world and the scientific process that provides this understanding. A degree in Biological Sciences will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the workforce and as engaged citizens.
Biology Front 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.
Scholarships and Admission
Fall ’25 EEB Seminar
The theme for the fall semester EEB seminar series is “Local Talent and Opportunities”. The goal is to use the seminar to learn about new and existing research, training, and educational advances and opportunities. Speakers and discussions will serve to identify new reciprocal collaborations across campus and with external government and private partners. Speakers are chosen to provide our community with creative ways to continue to celebrate local talent and support research and workforce development through local partnerships.
Audience: Broad group of foundational and translational scientists and educators with interests in genomics, organismal biology, physiology, behavior, evolution, ecology, human decisions, social science, anthropology, environmental change, geoscience, and policy working across diverse taxa.
All seminars will be held in BGYM 219 unless otherwise noted.
Seminar Schedule
| Date | Speaker & Affiliation | Seminar Title | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 28 | Jen Forbey: Orientation to EEB seminar series (ecology, evolution, and behavior) – what, why and who (30 min); for students – review syllabus, expectations, assignments, assessment | Course Mastery | Jen Forbey |
| Sept. 4 | Dr. Javier Ochoa-Reparaz: Tenure Talk | Unraveling the Microbial Mystery of Multiple Sclerosis | Eric Hayden |
| Sept. 11 | Zena Creek Ranch field course – Instructors, students, hosts | Public-Private Partnerships for Student-Centered Translation of Biology, Engineering, and Policy Knowledge into Action: Lessons from Zena Creek Ranch | Jen Forbey |
| Sept. 18 | Dr. Jen Cruz: Tenure Talk | Altered Predator-Prey Interactions in a Changing World | Eric Hayden |
| Sept. 25 | Dr. Kevin Feris – Director School of the Environment | Boise State’s School of the Environment | Eric Hayden |
| Oct. 2 | Steve Alsup, Birds of Prey NCA Partnership | — | Jen Forbey |
| Oct. 9 | Dr. Kelly Arispe – Director of School of Digital Futures, BSU | — | Jen Forbey |
| Oct. 16 | Tate Mason, The Peregrine Fund | Local Restoration to Support Global Conservation | Jen Forbey |
| Oct. 23 | Drs. Sven Buerki and Ian Robertson, BSU | Tenative: TRANSFORM project: Seed to Seed | TBA |
| Oct. 30 | Emma Stammer (Treasure Valley Canopy Network), Daniel Roop (City of Boise), and Mari Rice (BSU) | Tree-a-palooza: Opportunities for Socio-Ecological Research on Urban Trees | Trevor Caughlin |
| Nov. 6 | Dr. Simona Picardi | Fitness consequences of movement behavior in wildlife populations | Rebecca Thomas-Kuzilik |
| Nov. 13 | NREL’s Lead Energy-Water-Land Analyst | — | Jen Forbey & Stephanie Lenhart |
| Nov. 20 | TBA | EEB program past, present, future using parellel thinking | Trevor Caughlin |
| Nov. 27 | Thanksgiving, No Seminar | Thanksgiving, No Seminar | Thanksgiving, No Seminar |
| Dec. 4 | Professional Development: Michelle Grek CRCA | TBA | Jen Forbey |
| Dec. 11 | Not open to public: EEB student-centered discussion on EEB Program | — | Trevor Caughlin and EEB Committee |
Department News
-
Friday Nov 14th, 2025
Raptor Research Center announces fellowship recipient
The Raptor Research Center generates knowledge and appreciation of birds of prey and their environments,… -
Friday Nov 14th, 2025
Hayden contributes to international team studying origins of life
Biological Sciences Professor and Chair Eric Hayden participated on an international research team that recently… -
Thursday Nov 13th, 2025
Boise State scientists lead landmark study to protect golden eagles
A new research partnership led by Boise State University is taking flight to solve one… -
Tuesday Nov 11th, 2025
Biology grad student appears on ‘On the Wing’ podcast
Catherine Isaak, a Boise State student pursuing a Master of Science in Biology under Professor… -
Monday Oct 27th, 2025
National Science Foundation award helps build global gyrfalcon research capacity and collaboration
Gyrfalcons are the largest species of falcon, and live in one of the most extreme…