Our biology major is carefully designed to provide students with biological knowledge and to help them develop their scientific skills. Our students learn to conduct and interpret scientific research and to successfully communicate scientific information.

The major includes a rigorous, balanced core curriculum and a diverse array of elective coursework, both of which include active lab and field experiences.

Outcomes

The biology major prepares students for graduate or professional programs and for careers such as secondary biology education, government service, or private sector employment.

The medical school acceptance rate for UMM graduates is extremely high.  UMM graduates score 39 points better than the national average on the Biology GRE subject test. Alumni surveys reveal that 62% of Biology graduates continue on to graduate and professional school. UMM biology alumni have completed graduate degrees at many of the most prestigious universities in the United States.  Seventy-three percent of UMM Biology alumni are employed in a biology-related field. 

Research Opportunities

Independent research projects are incorporated into many of our courses.  Additionally, over 50% of our majors conduct more substantial paid undergraduate research projects, mentored by our faculty or through REU programs at other institutions.

UMM is uniquely positioned to offer great undergraduate research experiences: we are a small, undergraduate-only campus, but our faculty and students tap into the potent resources of the University of Minnesota system. Sources of funding for undergraduate research projects include the system-wide UROP program, the UMM specific MAP and MMP programs, and external grants .