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, BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Biology, BA ASLSCBA : 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 BA program in biology with an emphasis in the natural sciences examines the interdisciplinary nature of the life and physical sciences, focusing on the ways in which these disciplines intersect. The program's organization and flexibility allows students to simultaneously study another subject outside their major. Students are encouraged to add a minor or concurrent degree in another subject area.

Students gain hands-on experience as they work both in small groups and one-on-one with individual faculty members. Students may participate in pioneering scientific research by assisting in faculty research laboratories and even publish in top journals and present their results at regional and national 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
  • Communication Studies, MA
  • Social Data Science, MA
  • Social Justice and Human Rights, MA

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 

In a competitive field, distinct experiences and community engagement help students stand out. With opportunities to intern, research and learn internationally, study abroad provides cultural immersion that can challenge students and enable them to improve their language skills.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their educational experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.

Career opportunities
Graduates are prepared for entry-level jobs in research, nonprofit, education and outreach organizations and for other roles in the life sciences.

Graduates have a wide variety of options, including pursuing graduate studies or seeking careers in areas that include:

  • environmental management and conservation
  • health professions
  • laboratory research
  • primary and secondary school teaching
  • science advisement to businesses and government
  • science writing
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