Biology  
Printable version of this fact sheet

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, Preprofessional 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. The program 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.

Students benefit from the environmental resources of the Lake Superior region and the biology 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. Students can also gain experience in marine biology by participating in the program's Caribbean Coral Reef Studies program. Other opportunities include serving as crew members aboard the university's 62-foot research boat on Lake Superior.

Students graduating from UW-Superior's biology program have done well in pursuing science careers with private employers and government agencies. They also have an excellent record in gaining acceptance into prestigious graduate programs as well as medical schools, veterinary schools and other professional programs.

Major:

Biology, with focuses in:

• Cell/Molecular Biology

• Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Fishery Science

• Plant Sciences

Minor:

• Biology

• Biology - Teaching

Other Options:

Preprofessional Studies Focus -- Students interested in the preprofessional 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.

Dual Degree Program in Forestry -- A student attends UW-Superior for three years and then attends Michigan Technological University in Houghton for up to two years. Upon completing the program, he or she receives a bachelor's degree with a major in biology from UW-Superior and a bachelor's degree with a major in forestry from MTU. 

More details from our catalog

Course descriptions

Program features:

• Numerous opportunities to gain experience in field work and research. Students graduating from our program 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.” That 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.

• Two university-managed wetland research areas for study and research.

• Sixty-two-foot research vessel available for student jobs and research on Lake Superior and adjoining waters.

• Opportunity to join a class or research group in the Caribbean Coral Reef Studies program to travel to Belize each year to study coral reefs.

• 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. Other scholarships also are available.

• 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, forests, and other natural resources for study and research.

Career Outlook:
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. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth is expected to as fast as average through 2012.

The following are examples of career options for biology majors:

• Aquatic biologist

• Ecologist

• Resource manager

• Botanist

• Fisheries conservationist

• Forester

• Teacher

• Environmental health specialist

• Zoologist

• Marine biologist

• Molecular biologist

• Museum/aquarium administrator

• Microbiologist

We invite you to visit:
A campus visit offers an opportunity to tour our campus and meet with an Admissions counselor. We can arrange for you to meet a professor and visit a class in any area you choose.

To get more information
Call: 715-394-8230

E-mail: admissions@uwsuper.edu