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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. 

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. 

Shandra Truong,
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

Bridget McGovern

Hometown: Bellevue. Nebraska
Major: Biology
Minor: Women & Gender Studies

Next Steps: Working as a research technician and applying to medical school this summer.

Shandra Truong

Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Major: Biology 

Next Steps: I hope to incorporate my passion for teaching into my career and become a clinician-educator devoted to lifelong learning and compassionate patient care.

Seo Young Kim

Hometown: South Korea
Major: Biology

Next Steps: Ph.D. program in the University of Texas Austin.