Iowa State undergraduate biology student doing research

Undergraduate Biology Program

Welcome

Studying biology gives you a flexible path to fascinating careers. Whether you’re interested in pathogens or pollinators, you’ll find your fit at Iowa State. Work with Nobel Prize-winning techniques in your first-year laboratory courses, contribute to published research, or explore science and culture abroad on faculty-led field courses.

Our graduates go on to become doctors, dentists, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, research technicians, and more.

two students studying a model in the anatomy lab

Where curiosity meets discovery

Here, you’ll be part of a major center for biological sciences research that spans two academic departments and two colleges. Learn from over 50 renowned faculty who have expertise across all areas of biology.

Explore academics

Areas of study

You have flexibility to align your coursework with your career interests and ambitions. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, our advisors will help you choose classes that fit your unique goals and fulfill your biology degree requirements.

Apart from the courses required by the major, you can tailor your curriculum to align with your specific interests. This flexibility allows students to craft a four-year plan that resonates with their academic passions and career aspirations.

Shandra, ’26 biology

Student and alumni spotlights

Gabbi Dubansky

Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
Major: Biology

Next Steps: Iowa State Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Merit Williams

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Major: Biology
Minor: Animal Ecology

Next steps: I plan to attend graduate school to research avian ecology and toxicology. Right after graduation I have a seasonal Wildlife Monitoring Technician job lined up, and plan to get field experience with birds before I apply to graduate school.