Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology), BS


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences

Required Courses (Major Map)

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Are you concerned about environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat destruction? Are you curious about how organisms interact with one another and their physical surroundings? Dive in and apply a biological approach combined with human perspective to develop a deep understanding of the complex problems threatening our world.

Program Description

In the BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in conservation biology and ecology, students will discover how to conserve biological diversity and restore degraded ecosystems and will examine the way organisms interact with each other and their physical environment.

Arizona State University is committed to a more sustainable world and sharing knowledge of conservation biology and ecology. Students gain hands-on experience with world-renowned conservation biologists to investigate the impact of humans on Earth's biodiversity, prevent the extinction of species, promote the sustainable use of biological resources and reestablish desired conditions in a variety of ecosystems.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Biology

Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology

When you become an expert in microbes, you will be able to contribute to the greater good. Join us to learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Computational Life Sciences

Join in the transformation that new types and amounts of data are bringing to the life sciences. You can learn computational methods that complement traditional bench-based approaches, allowing you to arrive at novel insights, and you'll gain the knowledge and skills you'll need when applying computational techniques in life sciences research.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Global Management

Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Biology (Biology and Society)

Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you want to take your training into society and bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop knowledge and skills for tangible action and prepare for employment, a PhD or other professional studies.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? Choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities, gain skills in contemporary techniques and enjoy the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

The conservation biology and ecology concentration within the biological sciences major provides students with an individualized and skill-based foundation that will enable them to pursue advanced research and graduate study in biological sciences, environmental law and economics, physiology, ecology and conservation.

The Bachelor of Science degree program also prepares students with training in specific skills they need for direct entry into their choice of career in a wide variety of fields and positions, including education, environmental resources, animal and plant physiology and identification, behavior ecology, population biology, conservation of endangered species and restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 8.6%
  • Median Salary*: 81650
  Bright Outlook

Climate Change Policy Analysts


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Conservation Scientists


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64460

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 76480
  Bright Outlook

Fish and Game Wardens


  • Growth: -6.3%
  • Median Salary*: 59500

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists


  • Growth: 3%
  • Median Salary*: 67430

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 98740
  Bright Outlook

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Water Resource Specialists


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
  Bright Outlook

Park Naturalists


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64460

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Through study abroad programs, students studying biological sciences are able to experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of conservation biology practices worldwide. They are exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students also are able to engage in community service and outreach, which can help them stand out in graduate study or a professional career.

With more than 300 programs available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in conservation biology and ecology.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.