Division of Biological Sciences

A degree from the Division of Biological Sciences opens the door to many career options. The strength of our degree program is the flexibility of class selections and the ability to tailor your biology experience. We offer a wide-range of courses including animal, plants, and human foci. From Animal Communication to Invertebrate Zoology we have courses for every career.

Pre-Professional

The vast majority of our majors plan to attend a professional program, such as medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, podiatry, or pharmacy, once they have earned their undergraduate degree. While biology is not a required degree for these professional programs, it is the most popular choice for undergraduates because of the rigorous courses and flexibility our degree offers. Our majors do quite well on the pre-professional entrance exams (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, PCAT).

If you have any questions about any of these disciplines, please contact the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Advising Office for additional information. They can help with information about prerequisites, testing information, and volunteer opportunities, as well as advising and preparation courses for the entrance exams.

Graduate School

Many of our majors go on to graduate schools across the country. The Division of Biological Sciences actively recruits outstanding graduate students from both national and international pools. Selected candidates are interviewed, and the best are admitted to the Division for its graduate studies program.

Peterson’s is an excellent resource to obtain information regarding graduate programs, test preparation, and financial aid. You also can also check out the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) website for test information.

Undergraduate Research

Students may participate in undergraduate research through a variety of mechanisms during their years at Mizzou. Undergraduate research allows students the opportunity to explore the unknown through hands-on work carried out under the supervision of a life sciences faculty member. Undergraduate researchers can develop hypotheses, devise methods for addressing their hypotheses, and interpret the data that result from their own studies. Although most research projects take place in the laboratory, some also may involve field study, library research, and computational modeling approaches to address fundamental biological questions. These experiences prepare students for graduate study as well as careers that place a high value on critical thinking and problem solving skills. The Office of Undergraduate Research serves as a central resource for research opportunities on campus.

Career Planning

Not interested in medical school but unsure what you want to do with your biology degree? The Division of Biological Sciences offers a 1-credit hour course, Biological Career Explorations, for sophomore and junior biology majors interested in learning about personal and social determinants of career choice, constructing a career portfolio, and interacting with current professionals.

The MU Career Center also has a wide variety of self-assessment tools, publications, and information on a multitude of careers. Many students enter college undecided or uncertain about a major or career path. A career course is an excellent way in which students may explore career possibilities and reflect on their values and interests. Career Explorations is an undergraduate course offering from the MU Career Center that combines objective assessments and subjective self-reflection to help students develop the skills to make informed and satisfying career decisions that align with their personality and goals.

Internships in Biological Sciences

Internships in Biological Sciences (BIO_SC 2940) is a course designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain practical experience that extends what they learn from their formal coursework. Students also gain first-hand experience of doing research or other work in a company or another non-academic setting. Students are responsible for arranging the details of their internship experience, including finding a company at which to do an internship and an individual at that company/institution who will serve as a mentor. Students may earn up to 3 credit hours. Contact the Biological Sciences Academic Advising Office for more information, prerequisites, and course requirements.

Student Employment

The University of Missouri employs students through regular part-time jobs and through the Federal Work Study Program.

Campus job openings for students not receiving Federal Work Study are available through MU Career Center and Campus Dining Services.