Department of Biological Sciences
College of Science and Technology
The overall educational objective of the biological sciences undergraduate program is to provide students with a conceptual foundation in biology and a skills base necessary to build successful careers in industry or business or to succeed in graduate school or professional school.
Other program objectives include:
Total semester hours required: 122-123
The Department of Biological Sciences continues be a leader on campus in its academic programs, scholarship and outreach activities, and the department’s faculty continue to be campus leaders in classroom innovation, research, and service to the University and community. The department has been cited by an external review team as among the top such departments in Louisiana. Among its nationally recognized faculty are National Institutes of Health Research Fellows, a Fulbright Research Fellow, editors of national and international science journals, recipients of national and university research awards, recipients of top teaching awards, and a recipient of a career research grant from the National Science Foundation. In addition, the department offers excellent instruction as evidenced by the fact that the departmental Student Opinion of Teaching average is consistently above the University average.
Additional strengths include:
Students hoping to pursue a career in biology or a profession such as medicine should:
A major in biological sciences prepares students for work in the following type organizations:
In 2003, general biological scientists in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions with the federal government earned an average salary of $66,262; microbiologists, $73,513; ecologists, $65,207; physiologists, $85,181; geneticists, $78,652; zoologists, $90,178; and botanists, $55,727.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2003 averaged $29,456 a year for bachelor’s degree recipients in biological and life sciences; $33,600 for master’s degree recipients; and $42,244 for doctoral degree recipients.
In 2003, the average earnings of physicians was $175,000; dentists $123,000; optometrists $86,090; veterinarians $63,090; chiropractors $65,330; physical therapists $57,330; occupational therapists $51,990; and pharmacists $77,050.
Delta Omega Alpha (pre-professional society) is an organization of students who are interested in professional careers in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, etc. They take tours of professional schools, have invited speakers such as the Deans of Admission, current medical and dental students, professionals working in the field, etc. Contact Information:
Beta Beta Beta is the National Biology Honors Society. Students are invited to join if they are a Biology major who have reached sophomore status with a GPA of 3.3 or better. The society schedules activities such as visits to area research centers. Contact Information: [email protected]
A degree in biological sciences opens the door of many professional and graduate schools. Some of the related occupations you may consider:
Some of these occupations may require additional schooling at Graduate or Professional schools. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific occupations you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the university.
Helpful qualities for biology majors include:
Numerous Southeastern biology graduates are college professors in universities and colleges, work for state and federal agencies, or work in industry and business. Many others are successful physicians, dentists, physical therapists, pharmacists, or have other health care careers.
