Biology
Explore health care, disease, climate, and food security through a flexible degree that adapts to your interests and career goals.
Social:
Biology is at the heart of today’s most urgent global challenges, from health care access to climate change and food insecurity. A Bachelor of Science in Biology at UM-Flint empowers you to explore these vital issues through a flexible degree that opens doors to a range of careers and advanced educational paths.
- Seven concentrations to match your career interest, from pre-medicine to wildlife biology
- Hands-on research experience through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program
- One of the few primarily undergraduate institutions in Michigan with a fully functional cadaver lab
Student Clubs
Find a vibrant community through clubs aligned with your career goals, including the Pre-Med Club, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Pre-Dental Club, Molecular Biology Club, Wildlife Biology Club, and the MCAT Preparedness Club.
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Why earn this degree here?
Cadaver Lab Access
UM-Flint is one of the few primarily undergraduate institutions in Michigan with a fully functional cadaver lab, an essential resource for students pursuing careers in health care.
Seven Career Pathways
Choose a concentration that fits your goals, whether that’s pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, or one of several allied health pathways.
Undergraduate Research
Collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects at all levels, paid or volunteer, through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.
Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!
UM-Flint students are automatically considered, upon admission, for the Go Blue Guarantee, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.
Curriculum Overview
All students in the BS in Biology program fulfill general education requirements and take seven biology courses, four chemistry courses, one mathematics course, and two physics courses. Then they follow one of seven concentrations:
General, Pre-Dental & Pre-Medicine
A broad foundation, or a track aligned with dental or medical school admission requirements.
Pre-Occupational & Pre-Physical Therapy
Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, including dual-degree options.
Pre-Physician Assistant & Pre-Veterinary
Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Master of Science Physician Assistant program or veterinary school admission.
Two minors are also available: the Biology Minor and the Field Biology Minor. Students who wish to continue their studies can pursue UM-Flint’s Biology BS/MS or Master of Science in Biology program.
Career Outlook
With so many diverse careers available to biology graduates, job prospects vary depending on which path you choose. Consider these examples from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Biological Technicians
7%
Job growth through 2030
11,800
Job openings annually through 2030
$48,140
Median annual salary
Physician Assistants
31%
Job growth through 2030
12,200
Job openings annually through 2030
$115,390
Median annual salary
More information about careers for biology majors is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission Requirements
Biology majors follow UM-Flint’s standard first-year or transfer admission requirements. If you plan to major in biology, you must consult with the program’s academic advisor before registering for your first-semester classes.
Academic Advisor
Scholarships
Besides being eligible for financial assistance through our Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for UM-Flint scholarships specifically for biology students, including:
- Fleming A. and Marian E. Barbour Scholarship Fund
- Emmalyn Ellis Freeman Master of Science in Biology Scholarship
- Zelpha E. McKinnon Science Scholarship
- Gary Pace Biology/Ecology Field Study Scholarship
- Holly Sucic Endowed Memorial Scholarship
- John Terrill and Lora Dorland Biological Sciences Scholarship Fund