Students who want to obtain broad training and knowledge in the life sciences can major in biological sciences or biological sciences education. These degrees differ primarily in that the latter includes the education sequence needed for teacher certification in both North Dakota and Minnesota. (It is advised that students who intend to teach in Minnesota meet with the science education advisor early to discuss additional requirements for teacher certification in that state.) A comprehensive science education major also is available (see separate fact sheet).

Career Opportunities

Careers in the biological sciences are available in industry, government organizations, research groups, medical areas, environmental organizations and education. In addition to jobs in traditional areas such as medicine, teaching and research, newer areas of employment such as resource management and development, conservation, molecular biology and biotechnology also continue to develop. Future employment possibilities can be enhanced by careful selection of the elective courses, minors or even double majors. Beneficial areas to combine with biological sciences include business management, computer science, art or graphic design, communication and a variety of agriculture disciplines. Graduates with a biological sciences emphasis are needed to work in biological supply facilities, are hired for pharmaceutical development or sales, act as science editors and writers, and do computer modeling and simulation.