Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)
Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, United States Arizona, Glendale, USA Visit web page

Biology, BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Biology, BS ASLSCBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Additional information

Program description

The BS program in biology with an emphasis in the natural sciences examines these disciplines through experiential learning. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the connectedness of the life sciences, students gain a better understanding of larger scientific concepts from multiple perspectives.

All the program's core courses include laboratories.

Students are encouraged to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or during internships. Some even publish in top journals and present their results at scientific meetings.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Biological Data Science, MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Students studying biology have a wide range of opportunities they can pursue. With more than 300 programs available, study abroad allows students to tailor their educational experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students can expand their knowledge of how science impacts society through a variety of cultures and can develop global skills and knowledge to prepare them to lead in their career.

Career opportunities

This program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers by offering course and laboratory work and quantitative research opportunities that develop fundamental problem-solving, critical thinking, writing and communication skills. Graduates may enter careers in:

  • business
  • laboratory or field research
  • medicine
  • publishing
  • scientific journalism
  • teaching

Undergraduate laboratory experience, both on and off campus, enhances employability as a laboratory technician or research associate in university and government research laboratories; in hospital and diagnostic laboratories; and in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural and food processing companies.

Students engaged in field studies are prepared for entry-level positions in private companies and state and federal agencies, such as wildlife biologist, environmental consultant or conservation officer. They are also prepared for graduate or doctoral programs in human or veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or scientific research.