Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Biological Science

McNeese's biological sciences bachelor's degree program combines in-depth, interactive and experiential learning and offers concentrations in pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, molecular biology and biology education.

Program Highlights

Biological Science Degree Program Highlights

The bachelor’s degree in biological science at McNeese combines interdisciplinary study, scientific research, community service and professional activities to teach students the structure, functions and development of living organisms. With a wide range of research opportunities, the biological science degree program prepares students with the skills required to enter the professional workforce in a variety of careers, or to pursue advanced study in graduate or professional schools.

Five areas of concentration

As a biological science major, you’ll explore topics in microbiology, human anatomy, organic chemistry, physics and ecology, plus specialized classes if you select one of the six concentrations the program offers – general biology, biology education grades 6-12, molecular biology, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy or pre-medicine.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

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Program overview

Explore More for Biological Science Majors

With hands-on learning opportunities, personalized advising and small class sizes, the biological science degree program at McNeese offers an educational experience tailored to fit your needs. Highlights of this program include:

Faculty-Student Partnerships:

Faculty mentors seek to empower students with the background and knowledge necessary for success and work closely with students in their research. This includes partnering with students to conduct investigations for publication and/or presentation at professional science conferences and offering opportunities for independent student research with a dedicated faculty member.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities:

As biological science majors, students have an excellent opportunity to study, learn and engage in programs related to health science. In addition to undergraduate research experiences, students have the opportunity to participate in field studies in local habitats, interactive learning in on campus laboratories, medical science internships, “shadowing” programs in dentistry and medicine, health volunteer programs and health missions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Over 15 scholarships are available to biological science majors, from freshmen to graduating seniors who plan on continuing their education. Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid.

Student Organizations

Biological science majors have opportunities to connect with their peers outside of the classroom through a number of program-related student organizations on campus, including the Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental and Pre-Pharmacy Societies.

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Biological Science Degree Concentrations

General Biology

This concentration combines interdisciplinary study, scientific research and professional activities to teach students about all aspects of biology - the study of living organisms.

General Biology Curriculum

Biology Education Grades 6-12

As a Biology Education Grades 6-12 major, you will learn how to successfully teach the basics of biology to the next generation and will graduate ready to step into your career with initial teacher certification.

Biology Education Curriculum

Molecular Biology

The concentration in molecular biology is perfect for students who are looking to pursue careers in research and development in the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture or ecology.

Molecular Biology Curriculum

Pre-Dentistry

McNeese's pre-dentistry concentration prepares students with the strong foundation in science needed to pass the DAT (Dental Admission Test) and pursue professional study in the field of dentistry. For the past five years, 75% of McNeese grads who applied to dental school were admitted, surpassing the national dental school acceptance rate of 54.5%.

Pre-Dentistry Curriculum

Pre-Medicine

Gaining admittance into medical school is extremely difficult, but over 70% of McNeese biological sciences students who graduate with a 3.6 GPA or above succeed. A combination of rigorous coursework, guidance from our knowledgeable premedical advisors, and specially tailored programs prepares students for the MCAT and medical school.

Pre-Medicine Curriculum

Pre-Pharmacy

Students in pre-pharmacy develop a strong foundation in the biological and natural sciences. McNeese's program allows students to complete the pre-pharmacy curriculum through their junior year and, after successfully completing the first year of work in an accredited school of pharmacy, students are awarded their Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese.

Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum

Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity

Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity Curriculum

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Biological Science Degree?

There are a variety of careers that biological science majors can pursue immediately after graduation. Many students also choose to continue their studies at medical, dental or pharmacy schools.

Graduate Schools or Programs

Master of Science in Biological Science
Master of Science in Molecular Biology
Medical School
Dental School
Pharmacy School

Job Titles or Employers

Biologist
Biology Teacher
Environmental Scientist
Ecologist
Forensic Scientist
Laboratory Technologist
Marine Biologist
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Research Assistant
Technical Writer

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Student Experiences

“After graduation, I was accepted to the graduate school of biomedical sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where I am pursuing a PhD in neuroscience. I can fully attribute my success in this career path to my experience at McNeese, and especially to the faculty of the biology department. My biology professors at McNeese exposed me to what research is all about, encouraged me to ask questions and present my findings at conferences, and then gave me the opportunity to participate in a summer internship in a microbiology lab in Maryland. These opportunities helped to shape me into the young scientist that I have become and paved the way for me to be successful in graduate school here at UAB.”

- Allison Manuel, 2014 graduate

“Attending McNeese for four years has opened many doors for me and has been an important step on my journey to discover the world. The sciences, particularly the biology department, opened my eyes to the world of microbiology and all the learning/career opportunities in Lake Charles, Washington D.C., and even in other countries. During my time at McNeese I was encouraged to pursue knowledge. In my case, that was spending a summer in Washington D.C, attending a global health conference, and eventually going to medical school at LSU New Orleans. From there I matched to University of Alabama Internal Medicine program .I am considering general medicine practice with the long term goal of working with underserved here in the US and/or internationally.”

- Kathryn Sinquefield, MD, 2014 graduate