Biological Sciences Major

About our program

Use the latest technology to explore molecular medicine, ecology and the environment, genetic regulation of plant and animal development, microbial physiology, and cell dynamics and motility. It's fascinating stuff — and you'll study it in the lab in at least three courses with a dedicated professor (not a teaching assistant) — an opportunity only a few national research universities give their undergraduate biology majors. 

This major is a flexible one. You'll be able to tailor it to your own interests through the courses you take and the multiple opportunities you'll have to do research.  

And at Marquette, we look at everything through the lens of serving others, which means you'll graduate with an understanding of how your expertise can be used to advance the greater good.  

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in biological sciences from Marquette?

More than half of our biological sciences graduates go on to graduate and professional schools. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.  

  • Brown University 
  • Ferris State University 
  • Loyola University Chicago 
  • Marquette University 
  • Medical College of Wisconsin 
  • Northern Illinois University 
  • Ohio State College of Optometry 
  • Purdue University 
  • University of Indiana 
  • University of Massachusetts–Amherst 
  • University of Wisconsin 

collage of a building and faculty member talking to students

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.   

 

Professional experience

As a biological sciences major, you'll have lots of career options. Help decide the direction you'll take — and get valuable professional experience — with an internship. Internships can include working in a variety of professional settings, such as biotech/pharma companies, environmental and conservation nonprofit organizations, education, government and nonprofit scientific policy and advocacy organizations. Our internship program is here to help you find the best option for you. 

Here are a few intern positions our students recently held: 

  • Immunology research intern and lab intern at the Blood Research Institute 
  • Project manager– patent marketing with The Commons 
  • Research intern at the Milwaukee Public Museum 
  • Junior adviser at Global Health Coalition 
  • Animal care and training intern at Oceans of Fun 
  • Toxicology intern at Milwaukee Crime Laboratory 
  • Research intern at Blood Center of Wisconsin 
  • Genetic counselor intern at Medical College of Wisconsin PURE 

Explore our biological sciences internship opportunities. 

Undergraduate research

Here, you'll have the opportunity to work in a research lab — on your own projects — under the guidance of your faculty mentor. And you can present your findings at regional or national conferences. During the summer, participate in our 10-week program where you’ll work in a real biology lab and get paid for it. 

Here are some of the areas our undergraduates are researching: 

  • Microbiology 
  • Developmental biology 
  • Cell biology 
  • Molecular biology 
  • Plant biology 
  • Neurobiology  
  • Vertebrate physiology 

Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities.

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the drivers of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program. 

Study Abroad

Expand your biological sciences education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for biological sciences students through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.