Are you curious about how your body functions, how viruses affect us, or why some birds soar while others remain grounded? Biology, the scientific study of life, examines everything from the molecular processes within cells to the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. The Division of Mathematics and Sciences within the College of Nursing, Health, and Sciences at Delta State offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The program provides a personalized educational experience, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty who provide high-quality, hands-on instruction tailored to your interests.
The program features two concentrations: General Biology, for students who want to explore the broad scope of biological sciences, and Pre-Health Biology, designed to prepare students for medical school, healthcare professions, or advanced studies. By building a strong foundation in biological principles, students gain the skills and knowledge needed for careers in healthcare, research, and other scientific fields. Whether you’re aiming for a future in medicine, environmental conservation, or scientific innovation, Delta State’s B.S. in Biology program equips you with the tools for success.
Student-Faculty Ratio
Program-specific scholarships
Student Clubs and Organizations
Why Choose Biology at DSU?
Delta State’s bachelor’s program in biology offers a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and faculty dedicated to your success. Students gain hands-on experience using advanced resources, including 3D printers for creating biological models, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for detailed analyses, and a Mammalian Tissue Culture Facility for studying cell behavior.
Opportunities to participate in research and present at conferences are available, alongside faculty-guided support for securing internships. Whether your goal is medical school, graduate studies, or a career in research or healthcare, Delta State provides the tools and mentorship to help you succeed.
- Applications accepted year round
- Fall enrollment only
- Flexible and part-time course scheduling
- Student advisement available online
- 2 student-led clubs and organizations
- Hands-on learning
Concentrations in Biology
General Biology
The General Biology concentration equips students with a foundational understanding of the biological sciences, exploring topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and biochemistry. Through hands-on laboratory work, field studies, and data analysis, students develop practical skills in experimental design, scientific writing, and critical thinking, preparing them to apply biological principles to real-world challenges.
The flexible curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths, including allied health, laboratory work, pharmaceutical sales, technical writing, as well as interdisciplinary fields like business or psychology. With the option to pair this concentration with minors in complementary disciplines such as Management or Computer Information Systems students can tailor their degree to their interests. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees or enter professional roles in various industries.
Pre-Health
The Pre-Health concentration equips students with the foundational coursework required for admission to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, and allied health, as well as graduate studies in biomedical sciences. Students in this track automatically earn a minor in Chemistry and are supported through summer internship applications and preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or other entrance exams. Shadowing opportunities with local medical and health professionals are arranged to provide hands-on exposure. Graduates of this program have been accepted into medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and physical therapy programs across Mississippi and neighboring states.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology?
This program’s comprehensive preparation ensures that students are not only ready for the job market but also capable of excelling in advanced academic and professional settings. Graduates with a B.S. degree in Biology from Delta State University are equipped for diverse career paths and further academic pursuits. This degree lays the groundwork for successful admissions to professional programs, graduate studies, and allied health fields.
Many graduates have gone on to work at prominent organizations and institutions, including the compliance lab at Baxter Healthcare, USDA research facilities, multiple hospitals, Cives Steel Co., and as Clinical Research Coordinators at UMMC. Others have excelled as researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, dental hygienists in local offices, and in administrative roles at the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Numerous Delta State alumni also serve as medical doctors in clinics across the Delta and the state of Mississippi. Some jobs in the biology field include:
- Research associate
- Medical laboratory assistant
- Forensic scientist
- Technical writer
- Science policy advocate
- Quality control microbiologist
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
Scholarships
Delta State’s Biology program offers an affordable education complemented by a variety of scholarship opportunities. All students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission, making financial support accessible to both incoming and current students.
Biology students at Delta State have a strong track record of earning prestigious scholarships, including the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP). Since its inception in 2007, eight Delta State students have been recipients of this scholarship. MRPSP provides academic enrichment, mentoring, and substantial financial assistance to rural students committed to returning to their communities as practicing physicians.
In addition to MRPSP, general and program-specific scholarships are available, rewarding academic performance and supporting students in achieving their educational and career aspirations.
Program Goals
Students in Delta State’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program will acquire the skills to address complex biological challenges affecting living systems. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will develop a deep understanding of the interactions within and between organisms and their environments, gaining the ability to analyze biological phenomena at molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem levels.
Admission Requirements
Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s undergraduate admission requirements.
There are no additional program admission requirements.
Curriculum
The following courses are required to complete a concentration in Biology.
General Biology
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
Biology Core | ||
BIO 100 | General Biology I | 4 |
BIO 101 | General Biology II | 4 |
BIO 300 | Cell Biology | 4 |
BIO 301 | Ecology | 4 |
BIO 328 | Genetics | 4 |
BIO electives *All BIO courses, 200-level and above, are eligible except those specifically described as “not for biology major credit.” |
12-16 | |
Select approved courses at the 400-level *All 400-level courses are eligible with the exception of BIO 470. |
12-16 | |
BIO 490 Capstone (1 hour) or BIO 470 Internship (1-4 hours, upon approval of faculty advisor and division Chair). | 1-4 | |
TOTAL | 45-53 |
Pre-Health (with Chemistry minor)
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
Biology Core | ||
BIO 100 | General Biology I | 4 |
BIO 101 | General Biology II | 4 |
BIO 300 | Cell Biology | 4 |
BIO 301 | Ecology | 4 |
BIO 328 | Genetics | 4 |
BIO electives *All BIO courses, 200-level and above, are eligible except those specifically described as “not for biology major credit.” |
12-16 | |
Select approved courses at the 400-level *All 400-level courses are eligible with the exception of BIO 470. |
12-16 | |
BIO 490 | Capstone | 1 |
CHE 319/321: Organic Chemistry I; and CHE 320/322: Organic Chemistry II; and CHE 440: Biochemistry I |
12 | |
PHY 221/233: Physics for the Life Sciences I; and PHY 222/234: Physics for the Life Sciences II; OR PHY 231/235: General Physics; and PHY 232/236: General Physics II; |
8 | |
TOTAL | 65-73 |
Degree Requirements
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below.
General Education | 40-41 |
University Requirement | 1 |
Special Degree Requirements | 3-6 |
Professional Education | 27 |
Major | 45-73 |
Electives | 0-28 |
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.
Fees
Tuition at DSU covers the cost of classes. Biology lab courses require lab fees of between $40-$55 per course.
Please refer to the undergraduate academic catalog for other course-related fees.