Biology - Major or Minor

UW-Superior's versatile biology program provides a firm foundation in basic biological principles and enables students to pursue career goals through focuses on Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Fishery Science, Cell/Molecular Biology, Plant Sciences, Pre-professional Studies, and Secondary Education. The program also offers a "dual degree" option in forestry. Students can work closely with faculty in planning their academic programs, in pursuing classroom and lab work, and in research.

The program emphasizes fieldwork and research. The biology program provides excellent education for students seeking entry-level careers right out of college, students preparing for graduate school, and those who want to teach biology. It also provides a comprehensive background for students preparing to enter medical school or health care professional programs. Students who wish to become biology teachers benefit from the quality of the biology program as well as UW-Superior's highly regarded Teacher Education program.

Biology students benefit from the environmental resources of the Lake Superior region and the program's close working relationships with regional research laboratories. Field and laboratory research experience and internships are provided through cooperation with UW-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and faculty research grants. Other opportunities include serving as crew members aboard the university's 58-foot research boat on Lake Superior.

Degrees and Majors/Minors:

Major: Biology with focuses in:

Cell/Molecular Biology

Ecology, Aquatic Biology, and Fishery Science

Plant Sciences

Minor:

Biology

Biology - Teaching

Let's talk Biology

• Numerous opportunities to gain experience in field work and research. Our alumni often report that they arrive at their first job or at graduate school better prepared than their peers from other institutions.
• Small classes and labs provide opportunities to work one-on-one with faculty members.
• All biology majors complete a capstone experience. It can be a research project, an internship off campus, or a symposium in which the student does extensive library research and writes a paper or makes a presentation at a research seminar.
• University-managed wetland research areas for study and research.
• 58-foot research vessel available for research on Lake Superior.
• Opportunity to work at the Lake Superior Research Institute, located on campus.
• Biology majors are eligible for Swenson Scholarships that pay for up to four years of tuition and books.
• Possibility to intern at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service or Department of Natural Resources for Wisconsin or Minnesota.
• UW-Superior's location in northwestern Wisconsin gives you access to lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, and other natural resources for study and research.

 What can you do with a degree in Biology from UW-Superior?

Biologists work in a wide range of jobs in local, state and federal government, schools and universities, scientific research and testing laboratories, the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, and hospitals.

The following are examples of career options for biology majors:

• Aquatic biologist
• Ecologist
• Resource manager and educator
• Botanist
• Fisheries conservationist
• Forester
• Teacher
• Environmental health specialist
• Zoologist
• Horticulturist
• Marine biologist
• Molecular biologist
• Museum/aquarium professional

Other Options:

Pre-professional Studies Focus:

Students interested in the pre-professional areas of biology including chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary medicine will find the biology program provides a comprehensive background that enables students to apply for professional health programs as well as other programs in the medical area.