This program is designed as an option within the biology major. It includes the course work for that major plus additional course work in chemistry, the earth sciences, mathematics and physics. Core courses total 33 semester credits, and 13 or more elective credits within the major, plus general education electives, allowing the student to design a program best fitting his/her interests and career objectives. Electives in areas such as political science, resource economics and sociology are recommended. To complete this degree in four years requires that students have an adequate science and mathematics background, begin working on sequential courses during the freshman year, and carry 15 or more appropriate course credits each semester.

Careers in the biological sciences are available in industry, government organizations, research groups, medical areas, environmental organizations and education. In addition to jobs in traditional areas such as medicine, teaching and research, newer areas of employment such as resource management and development, conservation, molecular biology and biotechnology also continue to develop. Future employment possibilities can be enhanced by careful selection of the elective courses, minors or even double majors. Beneficial areas to combine with biological sciences include business management, computer science, art or graphic design, communication and a variety of agriculture disciplines. Graduates with a biological sciences emphasis are needed to work in biological supply facilities, are hired for pharmaceutical development or sales, act as science editors and writers, and do computer modeling and simulation.