Biology is the study of life itself. It explains how life forms and living things function and how they relate to each other as well as their environments. Ball State’s major in biology will deepen your understanding of this ever-growing field of science. We offer eight tracks in our program.

Biology is the study of life itself, and biologists are the scientists who research the history, evolution, growth and function of living organisms. Biology is a diverse field, and many biologists go on to specialize in one subfield—like botany, genetics, or zoology.

A major in biology at Ball State will provide you with the foundational knowledge needed whether you want to start your career in biology after graduation, study biology at the graduate level, or go to school to become a medical doctor, dentist, veterinarian, or another health-related profession.

As a general biology student, you will complete the same core courses as students pursuing a concentration, but you will also have the flexibility of customizing the remainder of your major with the help of your biology advisor. And if you wish to declare a concentration later on, your advisor will be happy to help you make the switch.

With the aquatic biology and fisheries option, you will promote the protection and restoration of water quality, the management of freshwater environments, and the recreational and sport-fishing use of lakes and streams. You will also discover the importance of cooperation among industry, agriculture, and the public, which is necessary to achieve individual and mutual goals.

As a field botany student, you will study plants as well as fungi and algae to gain a strong understanding of the field. In addition to traditional classroom experiences, you will also find many opportunities for practical experiences through participation in faculty-directed research, internships, or career-related summer employment. Your degree will open the door to a number of careers.

The cellular and molecular biology concentration allows you to explore basic molecular interactions that both drive and regulate cellular processes by studying model systems in animal, plant, fungal, and bacterial cells. It also prepares you for advanced graduate studies, attaining professional degrees, or working in the industry.

With the genetics concentration in biology, you will develop a broad understanding of the field by taking courses in human genetics, molecular biology and biometry, preparing you for a career after graduation or for continued studied in graduate school or in professional programs in the health sciences.

As a microbiology student at Ball State, you will study bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, algae, and other microbes in classroom and laboratory settings. You will also learn about microorganisms in a medical context by studying topics like pathology, immunology, and medical mycology.

The wildlife biology and conservation concentration place an emphasis on wild animals, plant and tree life, and the management of the habitats in which they live. Through courses in subjects like forestry, plant classification, wildlife biology, ecology, and mammology, you will be prepared to pursue a career in wildlife conservation with governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations or private consulting firms. The concentration also serves as an excellent prerequisite to study any of these subjects at a deeper level in graduate school.

Zoology, or the branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom, is a broad and exciting field, and our concentration offers you the flexibility to tailor your degree to match your interests.

• Aquatic Biology and Fisheries