Outcomes

Graduates can pursue careers as biological researchers, conducting research in areas like genetics and ecology, or as biotechnologists, developing products in pharmaceuticals or agriculture. They can also work as environmental scientists, addressing issues such as pollution. 

Other options include roles in healthcare, pharmaceutical sales, science communication, biomedical technology, forensic science, quality control and education, where they can teach biology at various levels.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $65,909
  • Job Postings: 6,695

Average salary is based on a 2024 NACE Salary Survey. Job posting data is for environmental scientists and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.

Courses

Required Major Core

Complete the following courses. Can select CHE111 or CHE121, CHE112 or CHE 122, PHY101 or PHY 201, and PHY102 or PHY202.

BIO100

General Biology

(4.0 s.h)

BIO203

General Botany

(4.0 s.h)

CHE111

General Chemistry I

(4.0 s.h)

CHE112

General Chemistry II

(4.0 s.h)

BIO204

General Zoology

(4.0 s.h)

BIO222

Genetics

(4.0 s.h)
Loading

Colloquium

Complete four semesters of Colloquium during the junior and senior years; one presentation each year.

NSC300

Science Colloquium

(0.0 s.h)

Elective(s) in Major

Complete 16 s.h. of Biology electives (300 level or higher).

BIO490

Advanced Topics/Biology - Neuroanatomy

(4.0 s.h)

BIO302

Biology of Microorganisms

(4.0 s.h)

BIO309

Cell Biology

(4.0 s.h)

BIO402

Developmental Biology

(4.0 s.h)

BIO385

Histology

(4.0 s.h)

BIO314

Human Anatomy

(4.0 s.h)
Loading

Complete one elective course from either Mathematics or Computer Science beyond the Liberal Arts Core requirements.

MAT305

Abstract Algebra

(3.0 s.h)

COM340

Algorithms

(3.0 s.h)

MAT201

Calculus for Applications

(3.0 s.h)

MAT204

Calculus I

(4.0 s.h)

MAT205

Calculus II

(4.0 s.h)

MAT310

Calculus III

(4.0 s.h)
Loading

Visit Campus

The best way to get to know USF is through a visit! Take a virtual tour or sign up for an in-person visit to understand what it's like to be a University of Sioux Falls student.

Visit Options
A group of six young adults, dressed casually, walks outside on a sunny day. They laugh and chat amongst themselves. Trees with sparse autumn leaves and campus buildings are visible in the background.