Biology Black Hills State University

Overview

Earning your degree in biology will open the door to a variety of engaging careers. A biology graduate may pursue a career as a physician, physical therapist, pharmacist, marine biologist, forensic scientist and many more.

Key Features

The Biology program from Black Hills State University provides students the opportunity to explore the diverse sub-disciplines of biology. 

Students may choose an emphasis in Environmental Biology with laboratory and field courses that focus on ecological principles, plant and animal biology, and conservation; or an emphasis in Cellular Biology and Physiology with lecture and laboratory courses ranging from Cell & Molecular biology, to Neurobiology, and Genomics. 

Through the rigorous curricula provided in both emphases, students will learn to design experiments, interpret biological data and communicate biological concepts and research findings effectively. 

Students completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from BHSU will find themselves:

• Well prepared for graduate programs in a wide variety of biological disciplines.

• Well prepared for admission to medical school or other professional programs in the biomedical sciences.

• Able to compete well for jobs, whether in the biotech industry or in positions in state or federal agencies.

Careers

Biological sciences, the study of living organisms and their relationship to the environment, provides a foundation for a variety of careers. Some scientists conduct basic research to increase the knowledge of living organisms, while those in applied research use this knowledge to develop new medicines, increase crop yields and improve the environment.

Work is generally performed in a laboratory or outdoor field setting. Other biological science graduates work in management or administration, planning programs for food and drug testing or managing a botanical garden. 

Some work as consultants to business firms, sell chemicals or laboratory instruments, or write for technical publications.  

While most graduates work in a related occupation and eventually obtain an advanced degree, others choose another direction. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, it is helpful to increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities. 

A bachelor's degree is sufficient for advanced technician jobs in the medical field, lab/research assistant positions, or testing and inspection jobs. An advanced degree is required for most other positions in the scientific field.

A Biology Major may work in several field of research, teaching, or biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, mycology, entomology, zoology, biomedical, marine/aquatic biology or systematic biology.  There are other careers also available in sales, extension services, technical writing, or as a lab worker or museum curator.

Who Employs Biology Majors?

• Secondary schools, Universities and Colleges

• Clinics and Hospitals

• Pharmaceutical, Biotech, and Chemical Companies

• Public Health Agencies

• Federal/State/Local Government Laboratories and Agencies

• Medical Research Laboratories

• Private Research Foundations

• Agricultural Industries

• Zoos, Museums, and Libraries

• Food Manufacturers

• Soap/Cosmetics Companies

• U.S. Forest Service

• Food & Drug Administration