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Biological Sciences, B.S.

College of Arts and Sciences

Whether you're interested in medicine, biologically relevant research, management of natural resources or teaching, a biological sciences degree provides a solid foundation for your future.

Gain a broad education in the sciences by studying the wonder and complexity of life on Earth to better understand the world we live in. You'll become empowered to confront issues of the ever-increasing complexity of medical care, environmental deterioration, bioethics, agricultural economics, public health or biotechnology.

Program Highlights

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    In-Demand Skills

    Learn valuable research skills as an undergraduate with opportunities to participate and explore your interests.

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    Hands-on Learning

    Get laboratory and practical experiences in the areas that will assist you in your career goals.

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    Exploratory Approach

    Gain exposure to different areas through our diversity of coursework within the field of biology.

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    Supportive Environment

    Enjoy peer-led team learning experiences in one of the university's most challenging, yet rewarding, majors.

What You’ll Study

Expand upon your knowledge of biological principles with foundations in biology and chemistry, ecology and evolution, cellular and molecular biology, and fundamental genetics. Tailor your course of study to suit your career goals, whether that is medicine, teaching, biotechnology or environmental and conservation fields.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

    Problem Solving

    Identifying, analyzing and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

  • Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

    Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Veterinarian
  • Educator
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Medical Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Registered Nurse
  • Teacher
  • Research Assistant

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $63,425

Workplace Settings

  • Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Biotechnology
  • Conservation
  • Agriculture

Employers of Alumni

  • University of South Carolina
  • S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control
  • Greenville Health System
  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • Lexington Medical Center
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific

The lab opportunities I’ve had at USC meant the world to me. I’m a very hands-on learner, so being able to see what I'm doing and learn the techniques helped immensely. It’s helped me figure out what I want to do in my career, and I would not have been able to do that without working in the lab.

Heather Bruck
Portrait of Heather Bruck

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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