Biology, BS
Program Quick Facts
Credits
120
Start Terms
Fall
|Spring
Available
On Campus
Tuition
$8,956.50
estimated cost per semester
A Bachelor of Science in Biology at Dakota State University offers a strong foundation in the life sciences with two distinct paths—biology education and integrative biology—designed to align with your interests and career goals. The biology education track prepares students to teach and inspire future generations of learners, while the integrative biology track is ideal for those pursuing careers in healthcare. Graduates are well prepared for advanced study in fields such as medicine, physician assistant, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and more. Whether your interests lie in the classroom or in the sciences that support healthcare and research, this program provides the preparation needed to move forward with confidence.
"I enjoy the one-on-one attention you get. With smaller class sizes, you’re able to take full advantage of resources that students at other universities often don’t have. Faculty know your name, who you are, what your major is, and what you want to do someday."
- Student, Braxton Lacher '24
Choose your area of study
Those drawn to teaching can choose the biology education specialization, where biology and pedagogy merge to prepare future educators to inspire the next generation of scientists. Through deep study of biological principles, advanced laboratory work, immersive classroom experiences, and embedded educational technology training, this path equips you to confidently lead students in exploring genetics, plant and animal life, laboratory safety, and scientific inquiry.
Students pursuing the integrative biology specialization explore a broad range of scientific disciplines—microbiology, ecology, genetics, chemistry, bioinformatics, and more—gaining the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for careers in research labs, wildlife studies, biotechnology, or medical fields.
Curriculum and experience highlights
Pursue your passions with a double major
Students can double major in biology and exercise science. Expand your opportunities, prepare for medical school or accelerated nursing programs, and explore multiple interests. Graduates are well-prepared for the next step in becoming physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and more.
Hands-on lab work
Students use a variety of technology from autoclaves to laminar flow hoods, centrifuges, a microplate reader, gel electrophoresis equipment, and a qPCR machine that measures and amplifies DNA samples to study gene expression, genetic variation, genotyping, biomarker discovery, and detecting bacteria and viruses.
Pathways to health professions
DSU’s biology curriculum prepares students for pre-professional and professional health programs through a strong foundation in the life sciences, hands-on laboratory experience, and personalized faculty advising. Explore DSU’s pre-professional pathways to see how your coursework can be aligned with your long-term career goals.
Notable courses
This course explores historical and current environmental issues, with an emphasis on human impacts and strategies to reduce them. Topics include air and water pollution, climate change, population growth, biodiversity conservation, energy resources, and waste management. The course is paired with a required laboratory component that complements BIOL 211 and provides hands-on experience with environmental concepts and analysis.
This course introduces the basic principles of biotechnology, with a focus on DNA and RNA technologies and how biomolecules work. Students learn how these tools are used in medicine, agriculture, forensics, and environmental science. The course also covers scientific methods, laboratory best practices (cGLP and SOPs), regulations, and ethical issues in the biotechnology field. The course is paired with a required laboratory that provides hands-on experience to reinforce key concepts and techniques from BIOL 235.
This course provides an in-depth study of immunology and immunochemistry, including the mechanisms of immune responses and immunologic injury and their relevance to clinical immunobiology. Students learn serological techniques used to detect and measure antigens and antibodies, as well as methods for producing immune serum. A required laboratory component offers hands-on experience with key immunological methods and applications.
This course integrates foundational biological sciences—including physiology, genetics, taxonomy, biogeography, and ecology—with applied disciplines such as wildlife management, forestry, landscape ecology, and restoration ecology. Students examine the patterns and processes that shape biological diversity and explore how scientific principles inform conservation and ecosystem management practices.
This course explores advanced and specialized topics in biology with a focus on human gross anatomy. Students examine the structure of the human body through in-depth study of specific systems or regions, going beyond the standard biology curriculum. The course may include instruction from guest experts and is typically offered in a small, discussion-based format to encourage close faculty mentorship and deeper exploration of anatomical concepts.
Biology news at DSU
DSU students attend annual SD Biotech meeting
Several Dakota State University students joined Dr. Andrew Sathoff in attending the SD Biotech Summit annual meeting recently in Sioux Falls.
Dececchi to lead biology outreach events
Dakota State University Professor Alex Dececchi led two science outreach sessions at Madison Public Library and Severance Brewing.
DSU student studied microplastics in Utah
DSU student Basbo Ayelazono spent the summer researching microplastics at the University of Utah in the mechanical engineering research lab.
Why choose DSU for biology?
Opportunities outside of the classroom
At DSU, you can participate and become a member of organizations like TriBeta, the National Biological Honor Society. This chapter is one of the few active TriBeta groups in South Dakota, offering a unique chance to connect with others who share your passion for biology.
Student research opportunities
Along with the equipment, students receive personalized attention from faculty, with opportunities for one-on-one mentored research. DSU undergraduate biology students frequently conduct graduate-level research, presenting their findings at professional conferences and publishing their work in journals.
Personalized academic advising
One-on-one advising is a key benefit of DSU’s small class sizes. Students receive individualized guidance as they prepare for medical school or other health professions, with faculty who understand their goals and help keep them on the right path. From the first day on campus, professors provide clear, practical advising to support students through the complexities of a healthcare-focused academic journey.
Faculty
Exploring careers with a biology degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology opens up a wide range of career paths. Whether your interests lie in medicine, research, or education, you'll likely find a direction that truly inspires you. Additionally, pursuing advanced education can pave the way for a rewarding career in the medical field. Graduates from DSU have successfully landed positions as park naturalists with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, nursing and medical schools, as well as biotechnologists at national monuments.
