Program Overview

Biological Sciences (BA)

The NC State Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences is designed for students who want to combine studies in the life sciences with studies in a secondary discipline(s) of interest (chosen from outside of the life sciences). Students in the Biological Sciences B.A. choose exactly which life science courses they want to use to fulfill the biological component of their degree. They are required to take just as much biology (through these Life Science Electives) as students in the B.S. in Biological Sciences, but requirements in the supporting sciences (chemistry, physics, and calculus) are reduced. Instead, Biological Sciences B.A. students identify coursework from fields outside the life sciences to contribute to an interdisciplinary framework for their biology study (e.g., psychology, social work, communication, international studies, political science, anthropology, gender studies, education, mathematics, statistics, and many more). These "Cross Discipline Elective" courses are designed by the student in consultation with their academic advisor. This proposed interdisciplinary course plan is sent to the program director for approval.

At the end of their undergraduate studies, students in this degree program complete a Senior Capstone Project through which they draw on both the life sciences (or a sub-discipline within the life sciences) and their chosen Cross Disciplines to identify and propose a solution to a problem or challenge based on existing research. Experiential learning (related to their academic and/or career interests) is also required of all students in this program.

Students who graduate with a B.A. in Biological Sciences will benefit from training in scientific thinking and from gaining a broader perspective through their Cross Disciplinary studies. In choosing courses, students are encouraged to consider the course pre-requisites of graduate or professional programs to which they are interested in applying. Depending on their course choices, students will be prepared for a wide range of careers or further studies. Biological Sciences B.A. graduates are employed or pursuing advanced study in bioethics, bioinformatics, law, health analytics, health care (nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy), clinical research, public health, science communication and informal education, neurobiology and psychology.

Plan Requirements

• Students should check with their adviser before electing to take any course with S/U grading if it is normally graded A-F. Up to 12 hours of Free Electives can be taken S/U.
• Students cannot use the same course both as a Cross Discipline Elective and to meet a GEP requirement (with the exception of Global Knowledge and US Diversity).
• Student are responsible for determining the pre-requisites for any course they are interested in taking.
• Students interested in graduate school or professional school should check the courses required for admission to the programs to which they plan to apply.
• The B.A. in Biological Sciences cannot be used as a second major for many students already in a degree program in the life sciences – students interested in a second major should first check with the coordinator of their desired second major.

Course List

Semester Sequence

This is a sample plan of study grid for the first year:

• Fall Semester:
  • BIO 181: Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 1 (4 hours)
  • CH 101: Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 (3 hours)
  • CH 102: General Chemistry Laboratory 1 (1 hour)
  • LSC 101: Critical and Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences 1 (2 hours)
  • Calculus (3 hours)
  • LSC 103: Exploring Opportunities in the Life Sciences 1 (1 hour)
  • Total hours: 14
• Spring Semester:
  • BIO 183: Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology 1 (4 hours)
  • Organic Chemistry and Lab (4 hours)
  • ENG 101: Academic Writing and Research 1 (4 hours)
  • GEP Requirement (3 hours)
  • GEP Health and Exercise Studies (1 hour)
  • Total hours: 16

Career Opportunities

Many students majoring in the Department of Biological Sciences take advantage of scholarship and honors programs available at NC State, including the University Honors Program and the University Scholars Program. In addition, we offer a discipline-based Undergraduate Honors Program in Biological Sciences (DBS Honors Program). The DBS Honors Program requires students to design a challenging program of advanced study, including eight credits of honors coursework in biology and at least two semesters of research or teaching scholarship. Participants write an honors thesis and are required to present their scholarly work at a local, regional, or national meeting.

Career Titles

• Agricultural Sciences Professor
• Agronomist
• Allergists and Immunologists
• Anesthesiologist (MD)
• Anesthesiologist Assistants
• Animal Breeder
• Animal Scientist
• Aquaculture Specialist
• Aquarium Curator
• Biochemist
• Biological Technician
• Biologist
• Biology Professor
• Biomedical Engineer
• Biophysicist
• Biopsychologist
• Botanist
• Cardiologist (MD)
• Clinical Dietitian
• Dentist (DDS)
• Dietitian and Nutritionist
• Environmental Disease Analyst
• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Research Analyst
• Epidemiologists
• Family Practitioner (MD)
• Fish and Game Warden
• Fish Hatchery Specialist
• Food & Drug Inspector
• Food Science Technicians
• Food Technologist
• Forensic Science Technicians
• General Internists (MD)
• Genetic Counselors
• Geneticist
• Gynecologist (MD)
• Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
• Horticulturist
• Hospitalists
• Industrial Hygienist
• Industrial Waste Inspector
• Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
• Marine and Aquatic Biologist
• Medical and Scientific Illustrator
• Medical Equipment Technician
• Medical Technologist
• Microbiologist
• Obstetrician (MD)
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
• Occupational Physician (MD)
• Oceanographer
• Optometrist
• Park Naturalist
• Pathologist (MD)
• Pediatrician (MD)
• Pharmacist
• Pharmacologist
• Phlebotomist
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Physician Assistant (PA)
• Radiologist (MD)
• Sales Representative (Chemicals & Drugs)
• Soil Conservationist
• Soil Scientist
• Sports Physician (Orthopedist)
• Surgeons (MD)
• Toxicologist
• Urologists
• Veterinarian (VMD)
• Water Pollution Control Inspector
• Wildlife Biologist
• Wildlife Control Agent
• Winemaker / Vinter
• Zoologist

Learn More About Careers

NCcareers.org: Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests. Career One Stop Videos: View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Focus 2 Career Assessment: This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results. Focus 2 Apply Assessment: A career assessment tool designed to support prospective students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path based on your unique personality, interests, skills and values. Get started with Focus 2 Apply and see how it can guide your journey at NC State. Bio Careers: American Institute of Biological Sciences, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.