Admission Requirements
Biology and Public Health majors:
New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the Biology and Public Health majors. Transfer students from other institutions need a 2.25 transfer GPA; students transferring from other USU majors need to be in good standing with a 2.25 cumulative GPA for admission to the Biology and Public Health majors. Admission requirements differ for the Composite Teaching-Biological Science Major, as explained below.
Composite Teaching-Biological Science Major:
New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major. To qualify for admission to the Secondary Teacher Professional Education Framework, new freshmen must acquire a cumulative 2.75 GPA and 60 credits of coursework. Transfer students from other institutions or other USU majors need a cumulative 2.75 GPA and 60 credits of coursework to be admitted to the major and to the Secondary Teacher Professional Education Framework. For information on additional admission criteria, students should contact the Department of Secondary Education.
Advice to New Students
New students should become thoroughly familiar with the requirements for their degrees. These are given in the Utah State University General Catalog, the Major Requirement Sheets can be accessed via the links below.
Biology Major/Prehealth Professions Requirements
Composite Teaching-Biological Sciences Major Requirements
Public Health Major Requirements
Transfer students should contact the College of Science Advisor, Janalee Johnson (ESLC 245, (435) 797-2481, janalee.johnson@usu.edu), to have their transfer work evaluated in regards to completion of the University Studies requirements. For information about the University Studies requirements click here.
Study Plans
To assist students in planning their undergraduate course of study we have prepared several four year Study Plans:
Biology with the Biology Emphasis
Biology Emphasis Composite Teaching-Biological Science
Biology with the Cellular/Molecular Emphasis
Biology with the Ecology/Biodiversity Emphasis
Biology with the Environmental Biology Emphasis
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Department of Biology has numerous scholarships available for biology, public health, and composite teaching-biological science majors. Applications are accepted electronically. Links to instructions and online application forms are below. The following scholarships are available to biology undergraduates at the main campus and regional campuses:
Thomas L. Bahler Endowed Scholarship. Established in recognition of Thomas Bahler's long-time dedication and support to students in the Department of Biology, with special emphasis for students preparing for the health professions. This award is generally made to a prehealth student with a biology major.
Gordon J. Christensen Scholarship. Established to assist deserving undergaduate students pursuing research opportunities in the Department of Biology. The award is based on scholarship, character, and professional promise. This scholarship is made possible by the generous donation of Dr. Gordon J. Christensen and is administered by the Department of Biology.
Christenson Memorial Scholarship Endowment. Established to assist deserving undergraduate students pursuing a degree in the Department of Biology. The award is based on scholarship, character, and professional promise. Contributed by the family and friends of L. Dean Christenson, the fund is administered by the Department of Biology.
David B. Drown Scholarship for Public Health. Established in honor of emeriti faculty member, Dr. David B. Drown by family, students, and colleagues. Awarded to students majoring in Public Health based on scholarship, character, need, and professional promise.
Eldon J. Gardner Endowed Research Award. Awarded to undergraduate biology students to assist in genetic research.
Richard J. and Marion A. Shaw Endowed Scholarship. Established as an endowment fund for the benefit of students who demonstrate high academic achievement, superior potential, and personal integrity. Awarded to students majoring in biology with an interest in plant biology.
John R. Simmons Endowed Scholarship. Established to recognize the service given by John R. Simmons, former department head and faculty member in the Department of Biology. Available to junior or senior students majoring in biology and showing scholastic achievement, personal integrity, and financial need.
Sedley and Pearl Stanford Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Established to honor the memory of Sedley and Pearl Stanford to assist undergraduate students seeking a degree in biology, preferably with the intention of a career in ornithology or entomology.
R. Pepper Murray Scholars Award. Awarded annually to induce pre-professional undergraduate students (pre-medical or pre-dental) to obtain training and education in the business realm to assist them in their professional careers as they ultimately participate in their own businesses (practices). Please see below for Application information and Form for the Pepper Murray Scholars Award.