Program Overview

Biological Sciences

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a comprehensive program in Biological Sciences, providing students with a broad foundation in the scientific study of life, living organisms, interactions among living organisms, and interactions between living organisms and their environment.

Why Study Biology?

Biology is a diverse field with numerous applications and potential job opportunities, including medicine, wildlife management, biotechnology, genetics, behavior, conservation, paleontology, and population dynamics. Students in this program have the flexibility to focus on specific areas of biology, such as microbiology, biomedical sciences, environmental biology, or biology teaching.

What Will I Learn?

The Biology curriculum builds a foundation in organismal biology, genetics and cellular biology, physiology, and ecology, as well as chemistry, physics, and statistics. Students can choose specific courses tailored to their career goals, and laboratories, field studies, and internships provide practical skills, writing and speaking abilities, and critical thinking to prepare them for the job market or professional school.

Internships

The College offers the Stephen Hatten Pre-Medical Externship for pre-medical students and a comparable Pre-Dental Externship for pre-dental students. Advisors can also help students find other internship opportunities.

Research Opportunities

Research opportunities are available in almost every area of biology for both Honors and non-Honors undergraduates. The Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) and USM's Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research fund various research projects and summer activities.

Scholarships

The School has numerous scholarships for students in biology, some specifically tailored for different emphases, hometowns, or year of study.

Study Abroad

• Tropical Ecology in Belize: a 2-week program during the January intersession, where students study tropical flora and fauna in various ecosystems.
• British Studies Program: a 4-week summer program where students earn 6 hours of credit while exploring the city of London and its environmental evolution.
• International Internship Program: a 7-week summer program where students gain professional experience and earn 6 credits by interning in Dublin.

Biology Faculty

The biology faculty teach and conduct research using a wide variety of organisms, scales, and techniques, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Biological Science (Licensure) B.S. program is designed to meet the licensure standards set by the Mississippi Department of Education. Students seeking licensure in another state should contact the appropriate licensing board to determine specific requirements.

Availability

The following degree plans are available:

• Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) BS: Hattiesburg
• Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology) BS: Hattiesburg
• Biological Sciences (Biology Education) BS: Gulf Park, Hattiesburg
• Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BS: Hattiesburg
• Biological Sciences BS: Gulf Park, Hattiesburg
• Biological Sciences Minor:
• Coastal Plain Plant Identification Undergraduate Badge:

Career Options

• Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Research
• High School and College Teaching
• Conservation and Ecology
• Biotechnology and Laboratory Management
• Food or Environmental Biology
• Wetland Delineation and Restoration

Recent Program Alumni

Notable alumni include:

• Dr. Kacy Redd, Assistant Vice President of STEM Education Policy, Association of Public & Land Grant Universities
• Dr. Joshua R. Ennen, Aquatic Conservation Biologist, Tennessee Aquarium
• Dr. Aimée K. Thomas, Assistant Professor of Biology and Assistant Director of the Office of Teacher Certification, Loyola University
• Matthew Reudelhuber, Environmental Protection Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard
• Dr. Amanda Perkins, Veterinarian, Cat Hospital of Metairie
• Dr. Emily L. Burke, Otolaryngologist, Greater New Orleans Ear Nose Throat Doctors