Welcome to the Biology Undergraduate Program!

We offer three Bachelor of Science Degree Programs. Our students may major in Biological Science, Biological Science with a concentration in Botany, or Zoology. Undergraduate minors in Botany and Zoology are also offered:

Biological Science

Major in Biological Science

This curriculum provides a broad background in the basic biological sciences, and permits students to select courses in areas of particular interest. The major is especially useful in meeting the pre-professional requirements in the biosciences. Students desiring this preparation should also check the appropriate pre-professional requirements.

The major is also useful for meeting the broad teaching endorsement requirements for secondary teachers of biological science. See the Teacher Licensure section and the Teaching Endorsement Area Requirements in the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences section of the CSU General Course Catalog. Course work in this major may prepare students for graduate work in areas of basic biology or in one of several areas of applied biological sciences. In addition to basic required course work, students have the opportunity to complete a minimum of 18 credits from a broad list of upper division electives. At least 9 of these credits must be “BZ” courses.

To be qualified for graduation, students in the biological science major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in each of their biological, physical science, and mathematical courses used to meet requirements for the major. This applies to courses taken as substitutions for meeting these requirements. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for graduation is 2.00 computed only for courses attempted at Colorado State.

Biological Science with Botany Concentration

Major in Biological Science Botany Concentration

This curriculum serves both those students who are stopping with a Bachelor of Science degree and those going on to advanced studies. A general introduction to plant life is followed by an emphasis in terrestrial, vascular plant studies. Other emphases are recognized, so students are encouraged to propose course patterns different from the listed program. Students with a broad interest in biology and a liberal education should consider this major for departmental affiliation.

Students are prepared for positions with government agencies, industry, and business. Students desiring to be licensed to teach in junior and senior high schools must complete teaching endorsement requirements in biology. See the Teacher Licensure section and the Teaching Endorsement Area Requirements in the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences section of CSU General Course Catalog.

To be qualified for graduation, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00. This applies to courses taken as substitutions for meeting these requirements. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for graduation is 2.00 computed only for courses attempted at Colorado State.

Minor in Botany

The Department of Biology offers a minor in botany to provide interested students with maximum breadth and depth in botanical science utilizing a limited number of requirements. The program also serves to broaden the academic background of students seeking employment in the interdisciplinary job market associated with the plant sciences.

Botany Minor Checklist

Zoology

Major in Zoology

This curriculum provides a general education and develops competence in the biological sciences. Students prepare to work in various areas of animal biology or to begin graduate or professional studies. It is an appropriate major for students planning to attend medical or veterinary school.

The major provides a core program with general training in animal biology and the opportunity to take courses in the following areas: animal behavior, aquatic biology, ecology, genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular/molecular biology and physiology, systematics and morphology, or vertebrate organisms. Students desiring to be licensed to teach in junior and senior high schools must complete teaching endorsement requirements in biology. See the Teacher Licensure section and the Teaching Endorsement Area Requirements in the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences section of the CSU General Course Catalog. To be qualified for graduation, students in the zoology major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in each of their biological, physical science, and mathematical courses used to meet requirements for the major. This applies to courses taken as substitutions for meeting these requirements. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for graduation is 2.00 computed only for courses attempted at Colorado State.

Minor in Zoology

The minor in zoology is a useful complement to a major in animal science, botany, fishery biology, geology, natural resource recreation and tourism, or wildlife biology.

Minors

Minor in Botany

The Department of Biology offers a minor in botany to provide interested students with maximum breadth and depth in botanical science utilizing a limited number of requirements. The program also serves to broaden the academic background of students seeking employment in the interdisciplinary job market associated with the plant sciences.

Minor in Zoology

The minor in zoology is a useful complement to a major in animal science, botany, fishery biology, geology, natural resource recreation and tourism, or wildlife biology.

Interested in adding a Botany or Zoology Minor?

Fill out this form!

Biology Courses

Spring 2027

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Featured Courses

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems

This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ220 – Introduction to Evolution

Students will explore fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology, including mechanisms of evolution, patterns of speciation, and biodiversity. The course provides a strong foundation for advanced studies in biology or ecology.

Summer 2027

Featured Courses

Coming Soon!

Fall 2027

Featured Courses

Coming Soon!

Education Abroad

Our Education Abroad programs are as diverse as they are enticing! Check out our programs and learn more about these incredible opportunities at CSU | Education Abroad | Recommended CNS Programs Abroad

Learn more about CSU’s Education Abroad Programs at CSU | Education Abroad

Speak with an advisor to see if these programs are right for you! CSU | Biology | Advising

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Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Biology Majors

Application Deadlines

First Year Seminar Abroad: Biology in Australia: August

Apply to Study Abroad in Australia
  • Priority Deadline: April 1st
  • Final Deadline: This program is no longer accepting applications as of the priority deadline.

Marine Biology in Mexico: Fall Break 2027

Apply to Study Abroad in Mexico

Offered every other semester.

  • Priority Deadline: April 1st
  • Final Deadline: July 1st

Dolphin Behavior & Physiology in Honduras: Winter & Summer Break

Apply to Study Abroad in Honduras
  • Winter
    • Priority Deadline: May 1st
    • Final Deadline: September 22nd
    • Scholarship Deadline: September 15th
  • Summer
    • Priority Deadline: December 1st
    • Final Deadline: February 1st

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