Biology
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • Varies by program Credits
Biology is the study of living things and their interactions with each other and the environment.
Overview
At Grand Valley, students can customize their biology degree by specializing in genetics, ecology and evolutionary biology, general studies for preprofessional programs, or teacher certification. Throughout the program, students will work closely with faculty to gain a broader insight into the field.
Your degree in biology includes coursework in animal and plant biology, cell and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and genetics, along with lab and field experiences. You will receive hands-on, student-focused, and project-based learning from expert faculty in state-of-the-art labs and field facilities.
Alongside coursework, you can take advantage of internships, international and domestic field studies, and mentor-guided research. Networking opportunities with faculty, peers, alumni, professional organizations, and industry stakeholders help you build valuable connections within the field. The program offers many research opportunities, allowing you to engage in real-world applications through meaningful projects. Graduates go on to successful careers in conservation, ecology, zoology, and teaching, and many pursue graduate studies in veterinary and human medicine.
Biology Department
gvsu.edu/biology
3300a
Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-2470
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 51,309.94 | 10% |
| $ 59,020.92 | 25% |
| $ 77,997.08 | 50% |
| $ 95,431.89 | 75% |
| $108,298.26 | 90% |
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,037.57 | 10% |
| $ 63,155.33 | 25% |
| $ 80,378.85 | 50% |
| $111,834.86 | 75% |
| $134,401.88 | 90% |
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 48,037.57 | 10% |
| $ 63,155.33 | 25% |
| $ 80,378.85 | 50% |
| $111,834.86 | 75% |
| $134,401.88 | 90% |
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 40,618.08 | 10% |
| $ 45,134.79 | 25% |
| $ 51,082.69 | 50% |
| $ 65,657.19 | 75% |
| $ 88,783.25 | 90% |
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Top skills- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Science
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 63,129.84 | 10% |
| $ 77,444.50 | 25% |
| $ 95,870.10 | 50% |
| $122,236.83 | 75% |
| $149,593.67 | 90% |
4,963
Students Participated in Experiential Learning
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Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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