Biology

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Major in Biology

Biology is the study of life, from molecules and microbes to ecosystems and evolution. Students who study biology gain skills to observe, analyze, solve problems, and apply knowledge. Biology is vital to understanding the natural world, advancing technology, and tackling challenges in medicine, health, conversation, food systems, and quality of life.

Why Study Biology at MSU Texas?

The Biology program at Midwestern State University emphasizes personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and faculty-mentored research. Students receive direct attention from expert faculty in small classes, laboratories, and seminar groups and are encouraged to engage in research opportunities early in their studies. Field and laboratory experiences (including work at the Dalquest Desert Research Station) prepare students for graduate study, professional schools, and STEM careers.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Program and Requirements

Each year when the Academic Catalog is published, we release an updated degree plan. You will use this plan to chart your academic course toward earning your degree. You will keep and follow this plan throughout your tenure at MSU Texas. We offer six options for students wishing to major in Biology, listed below.

Biology in the MSU Texas Catalog

Option A

For students preparing for graduate-level research in Cell, Developmental, Molecular, Genetics, or Biomedical Science areas.

Option B

For students preparing for graduate-level research in organismal biology (e.g., wildlife management, herpetology, mammalogy, entomology, and those seeking secondary education certification.

Option C

For students continuing to medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy programs.

Option D

For students preparing for post-graduate degrees in physical therapy.

Options E1 and E2

For students pursuing careers in the clinical laboratory sciences.

What can I do with a degree in Biology?

  • Medical Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Veterinarian (livestock, small, and large animal)
  • Microbiologist
  • Wildlife & Vegetation Management
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • R&D Supervisor
  • Biomedical Researcher
  • Marine Biologist
  • Ecologist
  • Consultant
  • Pharmacologist
  • Game Warden
  • Health Educator
  • Biology Teacher
  • Biology Professor

Academic Advising for Biology Majors

Learn how to navigate the tools you need for academic planning—the catalog, your biology degree plan, and course rotations—with a McCoy College academic counselor. We'll help you understand your plan, suggest which courses to take and when, and connect you with additional campus resources.

Learn more about the McCoy College Academic Counselors

Three students work together as the professor oversees their work in Bolin.
Two students work together in the lab in Bolin Science Hall.

Peer-Led Support & Tutoring

TASP's Learning Center (TLC): Located on the first floor of Moffett Library, TLC offers drop-in and group tutoring across general subject areas (Writing, Math, Science, Psychology, History, Foreign Languages, and more).

Biology Departmental Tutoring: The department also provides additional tutoring opportunities. See the Tutoring @ MSU tab in the Portal for details.

Departmental Tutoring

A student wearing safety goggles does work in the lab inside Bolin Science Hall.

Undergraduate Research

Biology students can conduct research in collaboration with faculty through programs such as UGROW and EURECA, along with field studies at the Dalquest Desert Research Station (DDRS): a pristine site in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert managed by MSU Texas as a year-round research station.

Research interests among faculty include (but are not limited to): molecular biology; taxonomy and ecological associations (insects, mammals, Chihuahuan Desert flora); cell surface glycoproteins and pathogenesis of Candida albicans; microsatellites for population genetics; lipid and fatty acid composition in arthropod tissues; molecular systematics; behavioral ecology; and quantitative biology.

Student Organizations - Get Involved!

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Honor Society

The TriBeta MIssion is to improve the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extend the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. The Delta Mu chapter promotes the biological sciences thorugh outreach, speakers, and its annual plant sales. New members are typically inducted in the spring via faculty nominations.
Beta Beta Beta (Tri Beta) honor society logo.
Two Respiratory students work together with an infant mannequin in Centennial Hall.

Pre-Professional Club

The Pre-Professional Club is a student community for those pursuing health-related professions (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and allied health). Activities may include guest speakers, peer networking, and application preparation support.

Community & Field Engagement

Biology faculty, staff, and students contribute to community learning and field science through campus tours, K-12 outreach, and experiential courses. Signature opportunities include Summer Field Courses such as Tropical Rainforest Ecology (classroom study plus research-station experience in Panama, even-numbered summers; contact Dr. Jon Scales) and Ecology & Field Biology in the Chihuahuan Desert at DDRS (contact Dr. Timothy Pegg or Dr. Joel Brant).
Midwestern State University truck with a sunset in the background at Dalquest Desert Research Station in Terlingua, Texas.

Internships

To build professional experience, the Biology Department helps connect students with regional partners as laboratories, environmental agencies, conservation groups, and public-health organizations.
A student holds up a gold tassel outside of D.L. Ligon Coliseum, to represent commencement.

Our Alumni

Many Biology graduates work in healthcare, environmental and ecological fields, laboratories, education, and industry—some immediately after the bachelor's and others after graduate or professional study. Alumni highlights include:

  • Hunter Adams, MS — Water Source & Purification Superintendent, City of Wichita Falls; adjunct faculty; recipient of national awards and major research funding; active in environmental research and community partnerships.
  • Amber J. Heck, PhD — Associate Professor of Biomedical Science; award-winning biomedical science educator; leadership roles and publications in medical science education.
  • Estafani Vasquez — PharmD student, UT College of Pharmacy; former vice president of GSE and senator for TriBeta; scholarship recipient and campus leader.
  • Will Krogman, PhD — Research and Teaching Associate; published work spanning physiology, ecology, and cellular imaging.
  • Sarah (McBride) Krogman, MS — Program Coordinator, University of Kansas School of Medicine—Wichita; published research in plant genomics; active in multiple honor societies.
McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

We are located in Bolin Hall
(Building 5 on the Campus Map)
Campus Map

Have Questions?

Kathy Everett Secretary
Biology (940) 397-4163 (940) 397-4831