Undergraduate Degree Programs

The UTA Department of Biology curriculum familiarizes students with basic concepts inherent to biological science and allows them to master new, cutting edge areas of biological research. Our degree programs prepare students to enter exciting and challenging careers in the many diverse and rapidly expanding areas of biology, including environmental biology, conservation, microbiology, the health sciences, science teaching, pharmacology, biotechnology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and forensics as well as in basic biological research.

Superior teaching and faculty involvement with students is a high priority in the Department. Many of our faculty have received University-wide awards for teaching excellence. Our faculty also have internationally recognized research programs in which students are actively encouraged to participate through credit for supervised research. Thus, students can prepare for careers in specific areas of biology by being actively engaged in research related to that career area under faculty supervision.

The Department offers four programs of study leading to an undergraduate degree:

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The B.S. in Biology is recommended to those students desiring to become professional biologists, biology teachers in secondary schools, to enter certain allied-health fields, and those intending to continue their education in professional schools of medicine or dentistry, or pursue advanced graduate study and research at the master’s or doctorate level. 

This degree allows students to choose elective courses beyond the biology core that prepare them to enter a specific professional field, such as medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate school for further study and research. Students pursuing health professions careers should contact the Health Professions Advisor for assistance in selecting course electives pertinent to their specific career path. Students interested in genomics, environmental biology, or other areas of specialization should contact their Biology advisor for assistance with recommended courses.

Degree Plan Roadmap (PDF) 

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

The B.S. in Microbiology is recommended to those students desiring to become professional microbiologists, biology teachers in secondary schools, and those intending to continue their education through entrance into professional schools of medicine or dentistry, or pursue advanced graduate study and research at the master’s or doctorate level.

Degree Plan Roadmap (PDF)

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

The B.S. in Medical Technology is recommended to those students desiring to become professional medical technologists. The first three years of the program are completed through the Department of Biology and the last 16 months consists of clinical laboratory training in an accredited school of medical technology. Graduates may become certified in medical technology by passing the examination of the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Degree Plan Roadmap (PDF)

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

The B.A. in Biology is suitable for career preparation in a number of biological career fields and for students who desire teaching certification with a teaching field in biology, composite science and allied health careers. The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology is suitable for career preparation in a number of biological career fields and for students who desire teaching certification with a teaching field in biology or composite science.

Degree Plan Roadmap (PDF)

Bachelor of Arts in Biology with Secondary Life Sciences Teacher Certification (UTeach Arlington)

This program is suitable preparation for students who desire a bachelor’s degree in biology as well as secondary teacher certification in biology. Teacher certification is completed through the College of Science’s UTeach Arlington program. Interested students should meet with the UTeach Arlington academic advisor.

Bachelor of Arts in Biology with Composite Science Teacher Certification (UTeach Arlington)

This program is suitable preparation for students who desire a bachelor’s degree in biology as well as secondary teacher certification in composite science. Teacher certification is completed through the College of Science’s UTeach Arlington program. Interested students should meet with the UTeach Arlington academic advisor.

Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Biology Fast-Track Program

This fast-track program enables outstanding senior undergraduate students in biology to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Biology in five years.

Minor in Biology

A minor in biology will consist of a minimum of 18 credit hours of approved biology classes that would be applicable toward a major in biology. Non-majors’ courses will not apply toward a minor in biology. Non-lecture courses such as research, directed study, co-op, or lab TA credit may not be used toward a minor in biology.