Department of Biological Sciences

Study life up close, in all its forms. From molecules and microbes to wildlife, ecosystems, and human physiology, you’ll immerse yourself in research and fieldwork that prepares you for a meaningful career in biology, health, conservation, and more.

Top #4 producer of biological and biomedical science bachelor’s degrees for Native American students

Study life in a living laboratory

Biological sciences explore life at every level. As a biological sciences major, you’ll study how organisms function, how ecosystems interact, how genetics, evolution, and physiology shape our world, and so much more. If exploring nature, asking big questions, and understanding how living systems work energizes you, a degree in biological sciences could be an inspiring career path for you! Biologists work in conservation, health, biotechnology, wildlife management, environmental agencies, research labs, education, and emerging fields like genomics and bioinformatics. 

Why study Biological Sciences at NAU

At NAU, biology comes alive through immersive labs and a community of faculty and peers who value mentorship and collaboration as much as discovery. Explore life at every scale while thinking like a scientist and building the knowledge and skills that lead to real-world impact. Here, your curiosity isn’t just welcomed, it’s the engine of discovery at NAU. With six undergraduate majors, graduate programs, and a wildlife certificate, you can tailor your studies to match exactly what excites you, from conservation and ecology to biomedical science or exercise physiology. 

Learning outcomes

As a Biological Sciences major at NAU, you will: 

  • identify, describe, and apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in biology using the fundamental principles of the natural sciences.
  • apply scientific and quantitative reasoning in data interpretation and analysis of biological data.
  • effectively communicate evidence-based findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • synthesize fundamental concepts, apply core knowledge, and conduct civil discourse in biology as it relates to organisms, habitats, ecosystems, or human health questions.

Student clubs and organizations

At NAU, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers and build professional skills through student clubs and organizations dedicated to biological sciences and wildlife studies.

Clubs
  • Biological Graduate Student Association
  • Student Subunit of The Wildlife Society
  • Beta Beta Beta: Epsilon Eta Biological Honor Society

Dedicated support

From stepping into your first lab to preparing for graduate school, NAU provides you with the mentorship and resources you need. Here, your academic, personal, and professional success is a shared priority.

Faculty mentorship

Faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences are research partners, field guides, and mentors as well as instructors. From your first year on campus, they’ll connect you with research opportunities, help you navigate funding and internships, and guide you toward academic and career pathways that match your interests. You’ll have faculty who challenge you scientifically and support you personally as you apply for professional programs, prepare for graduate research, and build lab and field skills.

Career readiness

Biology at NAU is immersive and experiential. Through practical fieldwork in diverse ecosystems, and lab-based research, you’ll build competencies in data analysis, scientific communication, and experimental design. You’ll also have the opportunity to present at conferences, contribute to publications, and complete internships, further preparing you for your career in biological sciences. Whether you’re interested in working in healthcare, conservation, biotechnology, governmental labs, wildlife preservation, or preparing for graduate school, you’ll get everything you need from NAU to prepare you for your scientific career.

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Take the next step

Ready to apply?

Apply to NAU's Department of Biological Sciences to take your next step toward understanding and improving the living world!

Invest in research that protects ecosystems and advances human health

Your support provides students with access to transformative experiences that prepare them to solve today’s most pressing biological challenges. When you give to NAU’s Department of Biological Sciences, you advance discovery and expand opportunity.

Northern Arizona University

Department of Biological Sciences

928-523-5511 admissions@nau.edu Request information

Department of Biological Sciences

715 South Beaver Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011