Biology – General Biology

General Biology

About the General Biology Program

The General Biology program provides a strong foundation in biological science and critical thinking while allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Explore how living organisms function and how biology helps address global challenges, from antibiotic resistance to climate change. Whether you plan to pursue graduate studies or enter a career in the biological sciences, this program offers a versatile foundation for your next step.

Is this Program Right for You?

The General Biology program is a good fit for students who want a broad foundation in biology and the flexibility to explore different scientific interests.

You may enjoy this program if you:

Are curious about living organisms and how they function.
Want to explore different areas of biological science before choosing a specialty.
Enjoy scientific investigation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Plan to pursue graduate or professional school in a biology-related field.
Want a flexible foundation for a variety of careers in the biological sciences.

What You'll Learn in the Program

The General Biology program at MSSU allows you to explore courses across multiple areas of biology, including biomedical sciences and ecology and conservation biology.

Students explore topics such as:

Human anatomy, physiology, and advanced cell biology
Genetics, immunology, and other biomedical sciences
Ecology, evolution, and biological diversity
Entomology, herpetology, and mammalogy
Epidemiology and comparative vertebrate anatomy
Research methods, statistics, and scientific investigation

General Biology Careers

A General Biology degree from Missouri Southern State University provides hands-on experience and a broad foundation for careers in the biological sciences or further study in graduate and professional programs.

Graduates have pursued opportunities in areas such as:

Biology and wildlife research
Habitat management and conservation
Federal and state agencies, including the National Park Service and Missouri Department of Conservation
Laboratory science in animal and biomedical settings
Zoos and aquariums
Private and nonprofit organizations, including the National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy

The degree can also prepare students for further study in medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, nursing, and other graduate programs.

Curriculum & Courses

The General Biology curriculum offers a broad foundation in biology, with coursework in areas such as anatomy, genetics, ecology, and microbiology. The degree requires 120 credit hours.

Catalog

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On-campus
Location: Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology, General Biology emphasis
Time to degree: Typically four years of full-time study, depending on course selection and individual progress

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