Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS LABSCGBS : 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.

Available online

Additional information

Program description

In the BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell and developmental biology, students gain an understanding of the intricacies of life. They investigate:

  • developmental changes organisms undergo throughout life
  • DNA sequence and gene expression
  • how genes and the environment interact
  • the machinery of life enclosed within the boundaries of cells
  • the relationship between cell life and diseases

In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on experience by working with world-renowned faculty with opportunities to engage in independent research projects and internships.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

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:

  • Biology (Biology and Society), MS
  • Biology, MS
  • Computational Life Sciences, MS
  • Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM
  • Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Business), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM
  • Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Administration), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Policy), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM
  • Global Management, MGM
  • Microbiology, MS
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology, 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 

Through study abroad programs, students studying biological sciences experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students also are able to engage in community service and outreach all around the world, which can help them stand out in graduate study or a professional career.

Career opportunities

The genetics, cell and developmental biology concentration within the biological sciences major provides students with critical thinking skills and fundamental coursework that will enable them to pursue advanced research and graduate study in biological sciences, health sciences, law, and other graduate level and professional programs, including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

The Bachelor of Science degree program also prepares graduates with skills that can be applied to many scientific problems as well as to the challenges of daily life, and the strong foundation they need for direct entry into their choice of career in a variety of fields, including research, bioinformatics, medicine and healthcare, forensics and veterinary care.