Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
The Department of Biology offers a program that allows the student to obtain a thorough preparation for graduate or professional school, to acquire the laboratory training necessary for entry into advanced programs in biotechnology, or to supplement other major studies with a broad background in biology. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experience, not only to acquaint the student with the working methods of science, but also to foster active learning skills. Moreover, in recognition that all biological understanding has its origin in research, and this fundamental activity is as exciting as it is enlightening, all biology majors are required to include a Research Experience in their program of study. The Research Experience can be fulfilled in several ways, including research on campus under faculty supervision (see Undergraduate Research) or off campus through our internship program. The following high school preparation is strongly recommended for students planning a major in biology at USD: elementary algebra, plane geometry, intermediate algebra, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, and biology. Students are urged to consult departmental advisors early in their college career in order to select a program of courses most suitable to their future goals. The high faculty-to-student ratio allows each student to receive individualized assistance in course selection and career planning. The flexible structure of the biology major allows each student to focus his or her studies in one or more areas of interest. To assist those students preparing for careers in the health sciences, the university offers a Pre-Health Advising office within the Dean’s office of the College of Arts & Sciences. By working together with the Pre-Health advisor and their academic advisor within the Biology Department, pre-health students can design a course of study that best prepares them for their chosen professional school. Marine Biology Emphasis Developing an emphasis in marine biology is ideal for those planning to focus on the biological dimension of life in the sea, either in preparation for graduate school or for a career in the care or study of marine life. In addition to the general program, Biostatistics (BIOL 301), Vertebrate Natural History (BIOL 346), Invertebrate Zoology (BIOL 350), and Biological Oceanography (BIOL 451W) are recommended. Students with a marine biology emphasis should also consider including courses from the Marine and Environmental Studies Program to complement their foundation in general biology. The University of San Diego also offers a major in marine science (see Marine Science Program section). A minor in marine science is recommended for those students interested in field applications in biology that include a marine element. Biology majors pursuing this emphasis can meet their Research Experience requirement by doing research in the lab of a Biology or Marine Science faculty member with a research program in this area, or in the lab of an off-campus researcher through our internship program.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Biological Sciences
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
The Department of Biology offers a program that allows the student to obtain a thorough preparation for graduate or professional school, to acquire the laboratory training necessary for entry into advanced programs in biotechnology, or to supplement other major studies with a broad background in biology. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experience, not only to acquaint the student with the working methods of science, but also to foster active learning skills. Moreover, in recognition that all biological understanding has its origin in research, and this fundamental activity is as exciting as it is enlightening, all biology majors are required to include a Research Experience in their program of study. The Research Experience can be fulfilled in several ways, including research on campus under faculty supervision (see Undergraduate Research) or off campus through our internship program. The following high school preparation is strongly recommended for students planning a major in biology at USD: elementary algebra, plane geometry, intermediate algebra, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, and biology. Students are urged to consult departmental advisors early in their college career in order to select a program of courses most suitable to their future goals. The high faculty-to-student ratio allows each student to receive individualized assistance in course selection and career planning. The flexible structure of the biology major allows each student to focus his or her studies in one or more areas of interest. To assist those students preparing for careers in the health sciences, the university offers a Pre-Health Advising office within the Dean’s office of the College of Arts & Sciences. By working together with the Pre-Health advisor and their academic advisor within the Biology Department, pre-health students can design a course of study that best prepares them for their chosen professional school. Marine Biology Emphasis Developing an emphasis in marine biology is ideal for those planning to focus on the biological dimension of life in the sea, either in preparation for graduate school or for a career in the care or study of marine life. In addition to the general program, Biostatistics (BIOL 301), Vertebrate Natural History (BIOL 346), Invertebrate Zoology (BIOL 350), and Biological Oceanography (BIOL 451W) are recommended. Students with a marine biology emphasis should also consider including courses from the Marine and Environmental Studies Program to complement their foundation in general biology. The University of San Diego also offers a major in marine science (see Marine Science Program section). A minor in marine science is recommended for those students interested in field applications in biology that include a marine element. Biology majors pursuing this emphasis can meet their Research Experience requirement by doing research in the lab of a Biology or Marine Science faculty member with a research program in this area, or in the lab of an off-campus researcher through our internship program.
Admission Requirements
6.5+
The University of San Diego recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a rigorous college preparatory program. The university will award credits to students having successfully passed the individual IB higher level examinations with scores of 5 or higher.
48 Months
Jan-2000
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
BA in Biology - Marine Biology Emphasis
48 monthsProgramme duration
Biological SciencesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Biological Sciences
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Programme overview
Main Subject
Biological Sciences
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Admission Requirements
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
More programmes from the university
Arts and Humanities (7)
BA in Architecture
BA in Architecture
BA in Art History (General)
BA in Art History (General)
BA in Art History - Global History of Modern and Contemporary Art and Architecture
BA in Art History - Global History of Modern and Contemporary Art and Architecture
BA in Art History - History and Theory of Architecture
BA in Art History - History and Theory of Architecture
BA in Art History - Museum and Curatorial Practice
BA in Art History - Museum and Curatorial Practice
BA in English
BA in English
BA in French
BA in French
BA in History
BA in History
BA in Liberal Studies - Spanish Language and Latin American Cultures Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Spanish Language and Latin American Cultures Concentration
BA in Music - Composition Emphasis
BA in Music - Composition Emphasis
BA in Music - General Music Major
BA in Music - General Music Major
BA in Music - History/Culture Emphasis
BA in Music - History/Culture Emphasis
BA in Music - Performance Emphasis
BA in Music - Performance Emphasis
BA in Music - Theory Emphasis
BA in Music - Theory Emphasis
BA in Philosophy
BA in Philosophy
BA in Spanish
BA in Spanish
BA in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies
BA in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies
BA in Theology and Religious Studies
BA in Theology and Religious Studies
BA in Visual Arts - Art and Intermedia
BA in Visual Arts - Art and Intermedia
BA in Visual Arts - Drawing
BA in Visual Arts - Drawing
BA in Visual Arts - Painting
BA in Visual Arts - Painting
BA in Visual Arts - Photography
BA in Visual Arts - Photography
BA in Visual Arts - Printmaking
BA in Visual Arts - Printmaking
BA in Visual Arts - Sculpture
BA in Visual Arts - Sculpture
BA in Visual Arts - Video
BA in Visual Arts - Video
Business and Management (7)
BA in Economics
BA in Economics
Engineering and Technology (7)
BA in Computer Science
BA in Computer Science
BS/BA in Electrical Engineering
BS/BA in Electrical Engineering
BS/BA in Industrial and Systems Engineering
BS/BA in Industrial and Systems Engineering
BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering
BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Information Systems/Technology Combination Option
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Information Systems/Technology Combination Option
Life Sciences and Medicine (7)
BA in Behavioral Neuroscience
BA in Behavioral Neuroscience
BA in Biochemistry
BA in Biochemistry
BA in Biology - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis
BA in Biology - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis
BA in Biology - Marine Biology Emphasis
BA in Biology - Marine Biology Emphasis
BA in Biology - Molecular and Cellular Biology Emphasis
BA in Biology - Molecular and Cellular Biology Emphasis
BA in Biology - Pre-Health Sciences Emphasis
BA in Biology - Pre-Health Sciences Emphasis
BA in Biophysics
BA in Biophysics
BA in Psychology
BA in Psychology
Natural Sciences (7)
BA in Chemistry
BA in Chemistry
BA in Environmental Studies
BA in Environmental Studies
BA in Liberal Studies - Mathematics Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Mathematics Concentration
BA in Marine Science - Biology Pathway
BA in Marine Science - Biology Pathway
BA in Marine Science - Earth Systems Pathway
BA in Marine Science - Earth Systems Pathway
BA in Mathematics
BA in Mathematics
BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics Emphasis
BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics Emphasis
BA in Physics
BA in Physics
Others (7)
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy Option
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy Option
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Finance/Real Estate Combination Option
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Finance/Real Estate Combination Option
Social Sciences and Management (7)
BA in Anthropology
BA in Anthropology
BA in Communication Studies
BA in Communication Studies
BA in English - Creative Writing Emphasis
BA in English - Creative Writing Emphasis
BA in Ethnic Studies
BA in Ethnic Studies
BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - Asian Studies
BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - Asian Studies
BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - European Studies
BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - European Studies
BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - Humanities
BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - Humanities
BA in International Relations
BA in International Relations
BA in Italian Studies
BA in Italian Studies
BA in Liberal Studies - Art Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Art Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - History Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - History Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Life Science Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Life Science Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Literature Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Literature Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Marine Science Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Marine Science Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Multicultural Studies Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Multicultural Studies Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Music Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Music Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Theatre Concentration
BA in Liberal Studies - Theatre Concentration
BA in Mathematics - Secondary Education Emphasis
BA in Mathematics - Secondary Education Emphasis
BA in Political Science
BA in Political Science
BA in Sociology - Law, Crime, Justice Concentration
BA in Sociology - Law, Crime, Justice Concentration
BA in Sociology - Social Justice Concentration
BA in Sociology - Social Justice Concentration
BA in Visual Arts - Visual Communications
BA in Visual Arts - Visual Communications
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Supply Chain Management Combination Option
Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Supply Chain Management Combination Option
Arts and Humanities (5)
Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology
Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology
Business and Management (5)
Business Analytics
Business Analytics
Finance
Finance
Engineering and Technology (5)
Master of Engineering, Management, and Leadership
Master of Engineering, Management, and Leadership
Master of Engineering, Management, and Leadership
Master of Engineering, Management, and Leadership
Natural Sciences (5)
Accountancy/Taxation
Accountancy/Taxation
Social Sciences and Management (5)
Master Of Science In Humanitarian Action
Master Of Science In Humanitarian Action
Master of Science in Nonprofit, Leadership, and Management
Master of Science in Nonprofit, Leadership, and Management
Master's of Art in Social Innovation
Master's of Art in Social Innovation
Master's of Education
Master's of Education
Master's of Peace and Justice
Master's of Peace and Justice
Master's of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution
Master's of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution
Real Estate
Real Estate
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management
Full-Time MBA (2)
MBA
MBA
Part-Time MBA (2)
MBA
MBA
Business and Management (3)
Juris Doctor (JD) - Business and Corporate Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Business and Corporate Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Children's Rights Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Children's Rights Concentration
Natural Sciences (3)
Juris Doctor (JD) - Environmental and Energy Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Environmental and Energy Law Concentration
Social Sciences and Management (3)
Juris Doctor (JD) - Civil Litigation Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Civil Litigation Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Criminal Litigation Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Criminal Litigation Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Employment and Labor Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Employment and Labor Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Health Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Health Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Intellectual Property (IP) Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Intellectual Property (IP) Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - International Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - International Law Concentration
Juris Doctor (JD) - Public Interest Law Concentration