Tailor Your Education to Your Interests
Biology is at the heart of today’s most urgent global challenges from health care access and COVID-19 to addiction, climate change and food insecurity. It also holds the key to our greatest hopes, including breakthroughs in treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
A Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Michigan-Flint empowers you to explore these vital issues. This flexible degree opens doors to various careers and advanced educational paths, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and goals.
As a biology major, you can gain valuable research experience through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where students at all levels collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects, either paid or volunteer.
Outside the classroom, you’ll find a vibrant community through student clubs aligned with your career goals. Options include 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.
UM-Flint is also proud to be 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.
Whether you plan to pursue graduate or professional school, or step directly into a career in health care, research, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector, a UM-Flint biology degree will give you the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed.
How the Program Works
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 based on their career interest:
- General concentration
- Pre-Dental
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Occupational Therapy: Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and the dual Doctor of Occupational Therapy/Master of Business Administration program.
- Pre-Physical Therapy: This program is designed to prepare students for UM-Flint’s physical therapy doctoral programs: the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the dual Doctor of Physical Therapy/Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy program, and the dual Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Business Administration program.
- Pre-Physician Assistant: Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Master of Science Physician Assistant program and the dual Master of Science Physician Assistant/Master of Business Administration program.
- Pre-Veterinary
Biology Curriculum at UM-Flint
Most biology students at UM-Flint choose the Bachelor of Science in Biology program curriculum. However, the Natural Sciences Department also offers other biology programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology
Two minors also are available:
All undergraduate biology students are encouraged to consider adding a minor or a second major in another discipline. You can’t major in more than one biology program, nor can you both major and minor in biology.
Students who wish to continue their studies can pursue UM-Flint’s Biology BS/MS or Master of Science in Biology program.
Scholarships for Biology Majors
Besides being eligible for financial assistance through our Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for UM-Flint scholarships that are specifically for biology students. They include:
- 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
Academic Advising for Biology Majors
As a biology major, you have so many options and opportunities that it’s essential for you to develop a strong relationship with our academic advisors. They can answer your questions about program requirements, assist you in choosing courses, and help you succeed. The dedicated academic advisor for the Biology program is Lyxander Denoyer. You can contact them at denoyer@umich.edu or schedule an appointment.
If you plan to major in biology, you must consult with the Biology program’s academic advisor before registering for your first-semester classes.
Career Opportunities in Biology
With so many diverse careers available to biology graduates, job prospects vary depending on which path you choose. Consider these examples:
- Biological technicians: The number of jobs for biological technicians, who help biological and medical scientists conduct lab tests and experiments, should grow 7 percent through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 11,800 jobs should become available annually through 2030, and the latest median salary is $48,140 annually.
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists: Using their knowledge of the natural sciences, environmental scientists and specialists protect the environment and human health. The BLS projects job growth of 8 percent through 2030, the same as the average rate for all jobs. There should be about 9,400 job openings annually through 2030, and the latest median salary is $76,530.
- Physician assistants: Job growth for physician assistants, who practice medicine as part of health care teams, should be 31 percent through 2030, the BLS says. That translates into about 12,200 job openings annually through 2030. The latest median pay for PAs is $115,390 annually.
- Physical therapists: Jobs for physical therapists should grow by 21 percent through 2030, the BLS projects, almost three times the rate for all jobs. Physical therapists earn a median salary of $91,010 annually, and there should be about 15,600 job openings each year through 2030.
More information about careers for biology majors is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Get Started on Your Biology Career Today
If you want great preparation for pursuing graduate studies or for landing a solid entry-level job in a wide range of professions, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Biology program today. If you have questions, you can contact the Biology program’s dedicated academic advisor, Lyxander Denoyer at denoyer@umich.edu or schedule an appointment.