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).

Your academic advisor can help with information about prerequisites, testing information, and volunteer opportunities, as well as advising and preparation courses for the entrance exams.

Biological Sciences and Pre-Professional Tracks outlines how the Biological Sciences major requirements fit with many pre-professional tracks.

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. Contact our Graduate Advising Office for more information.

Students may participate in undergraduate research through a variety of mechanisms during their years at Mizzou. Research gives you the opportunity to see how scientists apply knowledge gained in the classroom to real world questions as well as the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who work in your field of interest. Research experience also enhances the resumes of students interested in applying to graduate or professional school. It also is essential in helping you determine if science is a good career choice for you.

Looking for a backup or parallel plan to your pre-professional goal? 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 biology majors interested in learning about personal and social determinants of career choice, constructing a career portfolio, and interacting with current professionals.

Many students enter college undecided or uncertain about a major or career path. The MU Career Center has a wide variety of self-assessment tools, publications, and information on a multitude of careers.

A career course also 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 (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. Talk your academic advisor for more information, prerequisites, and course requirements.