Black serif text reads "Major Specializations."

IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BSCI)

—Students can choose to pursue the program’s General Biology (GENB) track or specialize in a different area. All Biological Sciences majors, regardless of specialization, must fulfill the same General Education (GenEd), basic program, and supporting course requirements.

The difference between the specializations are the courses that become required for the major’s Advanced Program. All students—regardless of specialization—will earn a Maryland degree that reads Biological Sciences upon completing all of the necessary degree requirements.

  • Current Students who would like to switch their specialization can initiate this change with a Change of Major Request through TerpEngage at go.umd.edu/majorchange.  The request will be reviewed and become effective in the subsequent academic semester. A major change is not complete until the CMNS Dean's Office has approved it.

    Future students or those enrolled in the College of Letters & Sciences who are interested in becoming a BSCI Terp: go to bsci.umd.edu/switch for next steps.

» DEGREE SHEETS

—illustrate the courses that students need to complete to earn the BS in Biological Sciences

» MODEL GRAD PLANS (MGP)

—illustrate coursework semester-by-semester, and are a model for responsible graduation planning. Students who have earned prior learning credit in STEM (AP/IB exam or transfer credit) will receive further instruction on how to build a responsible grad plan during mandatory advising.

For the Biological Sciences Program’s Expectations for responsible grad planning GO-TO: bsci.umd.edu/gradplan

Bold white text that reads "GENB" on a blue background.

General Biology (GENB)

GENB provides a strong but flexible curriculum for students with either broader or more specific interests. The structure of GENB will require that students take courses across the biological levels of organization, but within those constraints they may choose to study one taxon or area in more depth. This specialization will prepare students for graduate study in a broad range of biological fields, secondary school teaching, science writing, professional schools, biology – business related careers, and basic or applied research.

  • The sample job titles below exemplify positions Biological Sciences majors are qualified for upon graduation. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploration.

    See the full GENB Career Guide for more information.

    • Research Associate/Assistant

    • Project Manager

    • Medical Scribe

    • Medical/Dental Assistant

    • Physical Therapy Aide

    • Science Health Policy Analyst

    • Lab Technician/Manager

    • Bioinformatics Analyst

    • Clinical Assistant

    • Analyst

    • Clinical Data Specialist

    • Genetic Counseling Assistant

    • Science Teacher

    • Care Coordinator‍

Bold white text that reads "CEBG" on a dark background illustrating a DNA double helix.

Cell Biology and Genetics (CEBG)

CEBG allows students to focus their studies on the molecular and cellular processes that support all life. This specialization will prepare students for graduate study in a wide variety of modern fields, as well as for further study and careers in medicine, dentistry, forensic science, genetic counseling, or work in the biotechnology industry.

  • The sample job titles below exemplify positions Cell Biology and Genetics majors are qualified for upon graduation. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploration.

    See the full CEBG Career Guide for more information.

    • Scribe

    • Implementation Consultant

    • Research Assistant/Technician

    • Post-baccalaureate Researcher

    • Laboratory Assistant/Technician

    • Care Coordinator

    • Genetic Counseling Assistant

    • Repository Technician

    • Associate

    • Manufacturing Associate

    • Bioinformatics Analyst

    • Science Health Policy Analyst

    • Client Navigator

    • Clinical Allergy Specialist

Bold white text that reads "ECEV" agains a background of fish in the ocean.

Ecology and Evolution (ECEV)

ECEV brings students to the study of organisms interacting with their environment in more complex biological systems. This specialization will prepare students for graduate study, basic and applied research, and as basic preparation for careers in areas such as conservation, environmental biology, veterinary medicine, employment in zoos, or work in science policy.

  • The sample job titles below exemplify positions Ecology and Evolution majors are qualified for upon graduation. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploration.

    See the full ECEV Career Guide for more information.

    • Research Associate

    • Lab Technician

    • Logistics Administrator

    • Lab Manager

    • Science Teacher

    • Sea Turtle Technician

    • Scientist

    • Ecologist

    • Environmentalist

    • Physician Assistant

    • Field Educator/Outdoor Educator

    • Veterinary Hospital and Conservation Programs Coordinator

    • Science Policy Fellow

Bold white text that reads "MICB" on a dark orange background.

Microbiology (MICB)

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including their distribution and role in the environment, their relationship to other living organisms in health and disease, and their use in biotechnology. An understanding of the basic nature and molecular structure of microbes has contributed to the advancement of modern molecular biology. This specialization prepares students for graduate study; entry into professional schools (Medicine, Dental, and Law); careers in public health, forensic science, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry; as well as jobs in research labs and employment in government agencies developing public policy and/or overseeing/enforcing government regulations relative to food, drugs, and infectious disease of animals, plants and humans.

  • The sample job titles below exemplify positions Microbiology majors are qualified for upon graduation. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploration.

    See the full MICB Career Guide for more information.

    • Laboratory Assistant/Technician

    • Laboratory Manager

    • Clinical Procedure Assistant

    • ORISE Fellow

    • Research Associate/Technician

    • Peer Educator

    • Project Manager

    • Clinical Research Trial Recruiter

    • Biologist

    • Research Lab Assistant

    • Biological Laboratory Technician

    • Scientist

    • Pediatric Therapy Aide

Bold white text that reads "PHNB" against an image of neurons.

Physiology and Neurobiology (PHNB)

PHNB provides a foundation in the molecular and cellular processes of life, but allows students to study how these processes are organized into systems in whole organisms. This specialization will prepare students for graduate study, medicine, dentistry, allied health fields, and basic or applied research.

  • The sample job titles below exemplify positions Physiology and Neurobiology majors are qualified for upon graduation. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point for exploration.

    See the full PHNB Career Guide for more information.

    • Research Associate/Assistant

    • Project Manager

    • Medical Scribe

    • Medical/Dental Assistant

    • Physical Therapy Aide

    • Research Fellow

    • Lab Technician/Manager

    • Technology Recruiter

    • Clinical Assistant

    • Business Technology Analyst

    • Clinical Data Specialist

    • Genomic Analyst

    • Management Consulting Analyst

    • Pathology Lab Technician

Bold white text that reads "BIVS" against a dark blue and red background.

Individualized Studies (BIVS)

BIVS is a unique specialization area. It allows students to combine the rigors of a Life Sciences degree with interdisciplinary studies. BIVS students can integrate studies in biology with fields such as mathematics, physics, linguistics, or psychology. BIVS is reserved for students with truly interdisciplinary interests, and requires a written plan of study approved by the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs.

—Email DR. SARA LOMBARDI at saral@umd.edu to learn more.