COURSE CURRICULUM

Wichita State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a biological/biomedical emphasis is a 120-credit-hour undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry while offering flexibility through a liberal arts-based structure. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in biological sciences coursework, with students able to take up to 40 credit hours in the major. To graduate, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 in all biological sciences courses and complete university general education requirements along with Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences competency requirements. The core curriculum includes essential biology courses such as General Biology I and II, Evolution, Ecology, Genetics, and Molecular Cell Biology, along with a Biology Colloquium or Undergraduate Research experience that introduces students to scientific communication and research practices. Students then select 5–6 credit hours of advanced biology electives from a wide range of specialized topics, including microbiology, human genetics, physiology, immunology, developmental biology, neurobiology, virology, cancer biology, and molecular genetics, allowing them to tailor their studies based on career or graduate school goals. The program also includes required chemistry coursework, including General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in chemical principles essential for biomedical understanding. Applied learning is a key component of the degree and is fulfilled through courses such as General Ecology and Undergraduate Research, where students gain hands-on experience in scientific investigation, data analysis, and field or laboratory work. This experiential learning helps students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world scientific applications. The BA structure offers slightly more flexibility compared to the BS option, making it well-suited for students who may want to combine biology with other academic interests in the liberal arts. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, research, biotechnology, and related fields, as well as for advanced study in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and graduate biology programs.