Overview

Students who pursue a B.S. in Biological Sciences choose one of three options. The Cellular and Molecular Biology Option prepares students for professional programs, graduate studies in cellular and molecular biology, or entry level positions into the biotechnology industry. The Ecological, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology Option prepares students for positions within environmental and resource management or graduate studies in ecology and evolutionary biology. The Plant Biology Option prepares students for positions in habitat restoration, field botany, forestry or range management, agricultural biotechnology or graduate studies in plant biology.

The B.A. in Biological Sciences: General at California State University Chico is designed for students who plan to use biology as a foundation for a career in pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, biomedical product management, regulatory positions, and especially in secondary school science teaching. For students who intend to become secondary school teachers, this degree offers the necessary preparation for earning a single subject credential.

Microbiology majors choose either the Option in General Microbiology or Clinical Laboratory Science. The General Microbiology Option is designed to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, environmental or industrial microbiology, pharmaceutical and biomedical research, or graduate studies. The Clinical Laboratory Science Option prepares students for an internship to become a clinical laboratory scientist or public health microbiologist.

Career Outlook

The organizational, data-gathering, and written communication skills acquired by biology majors prepare students for a wide variety of careers. Students may prepare themselves for employment in laboratories, business, or teaching. Laboratory positions are available in university and governmental research centers, pharmaceutical and biological product manufacturers, biotechnology firms, and agricultural and food processing companies. The teacher shortage in the United States is critical, so a teaching career, especially in the sciences, has a bright outlook.