Department of Biology

Two biology students pose together outside of Temple Hall. One student is holding a snake, and the other student is wearing a lab coat and stethoscope.

Explore life at all levels

Biology is the study of living things, from cells and animals to entire ecosystems.

At Missouri State, we'll help you grow, evolve and thrive in your field.

Undergraduate programs

Biology is far-reaching, and we have all the options you need to meet your career goals.

Three biology students in white lab coats and BearWear pose together outside of Blunt Hall.
Major
Biology (BA/BS, Non-Comprehensive)
This customizable degree leads you to a biology or health-related career. Pair your degree with a second major or minor.
A small statue of a Bear with its intestines and bones exposed
Major
Biology (BS, Comprehensive)
Want a deeper focus in biology? Try this tailored degree and find the best fit for you.

Option areas

Angelina Call, a biology Missouri State alum, teaches her class at Marshfield High School.
Pathway
Biology education
Become a certified biology teacher (grades 6-12).
A student holds out a lizard on a herpetology field trip.
Major
Wildlife conservation and management
Part biology, part agriculture. One goal: Protect and preserve natural resources and wildlife.

Add a certificate or minor to your degree

Looking to enhance your education? A certificate or minor is a great add-on to any major.

The certificates are offered jointly with other MSU departments.

Donate now: Help upgrade Garry the Gar's home

Garry is a longnose gar fish, 25-year resident and ambassador animal in the MSU biology department.

His current aquarium is too small for his current dimensions.

The desired 700 gallon aquarium is costly, so we're reaching out to you to help us upgrade Garry's home.

Donations are accepted starting on Feb. 2 and ending at 8 a.m. on March 2.

Thank you for supporting Garry, the aquatic community and MSU biological research!

Send your support

 

See our event flyer. You may need Adobe Reader to access this .pdf document.

An image of Garry the Gar with text that says "Home upgrade for Gary the Gar" and "Support a better environment for Garry!"

Graduate programs

A master's degree can further your career or prepare you for advanced study.

Lyndsey Rightnowar, a biology graduate student, handles plants in a greenhouse.
Master's
Biology (MS)
Fuel scientific discovery in a program built for your interests. Conduct original and meaningful research.
Christian Madsen, a science teacher at Greenwood Laboratory School, poses in his classroom with students in the background.
Master's
Biology education (MSEd)
Elevate your teaching credentials and know-how.
Rubina Sherchan, a biology graduate student, wearing a plastic face shield takes a close look at a substance in a container.
Master's
MNAS biology emphasis
Like biology and another science field? Combine both into a unique degree.
Dr. Lazslo Kovacs and a student study grapes on a vine in a vineyard.
Master's
Plant science
Spread your roots and cover all aspects of plants in this interdisciplinary program.
Research

Take part in hands-on research

Research is a fundamental aspect of biology, and you can join the action. You could be published in professional journals and even travel the country or abroad to present your work.
A student looks closely at a tube sample during a lab class

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Helping you succeed

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