welcome
Mindful planning is needed to make the most out of your academic experience at the University and to graduate on time. Academic Advisors for the Biological Sciences (BSCI) major are available to support students through this process.
academic expectations
All students in the Biological Sciences program are expected to know their curricular requirements, develop a concrete graduation plan with a CMNS Peer Mentor, and meet the LEP-Benchmark requirements to continue progress in the major and earn their degree. Students are also expected to adhere to University and College academic policies.
requirements for the Bsci major
current students are encouraged to review before and during sessions with their assigned academic advisor.
What can I do with this Degree?
Biological Sciences students are broadly trained and, as a result, have diverse career paths. Our students work in an array of fields including medicine, public health, environmental science, biotechnology, law, and education.
They work in governmental and non-governmental agencies, zoos/aquaria, and private foundations. Many of our students pursue postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, allied health fields, or research (MS/Ph.D. and MD/Ph.D.).
For illustrated career paths, please review the following resources. If you have more questions about career opportunities, you may consult with your Academic Advisor or with a Career Advisor from the University Career Center.
illustrated packet
Careers by major specialization
General Biology [PDF]
Microbiology [PDF]
Ecology and Evolution [PDF]
switch to the bsci major
The Biological Sciences major is a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP), meaning there are gateway requirements that Current UMD students need to complete before they can apply and become admitted into the major.
Current UMD students
EXPLORE the major’s Curriculum and Graduation Plans
REVIEW AND COMPLETE the Gateway Course Requirements illustrated on this webpage for the Biological Sciences LEP
COMPLETE the Limited Enrollment Program (LEP) application.
Students must apply by the 5th business day of January for Spring semester admission, and the 5th business day of June for Fall semester admission.
Please note that the Biological Sciences Program does not administer the LEP application. All inquiries about the application itself and related deadlines should be emailed to lep@umd.edu.
Incoming transfer students (accepted to umd)
REVIEW and follow the recommendations above
CONSULT with an Advisor from the College of Letters and Sciences about their Interim Advising Program (IAP), pending your LEP Application to the Biological Sciences Major
Prospective transfer students (STILL applying to umd)
CONNECT with an advisor from the University’s Pre-Transfer Advising Program