Department of Biology and Microbiology

anner with blue letters reading “Biology is Alive.”

Welcome to the Department of Biology and Microbiology

Discover a dynamic and inspiring environment where future health care professionals, biotechnologists and scientists are shaped through innovative research, exceptional teaching and hands-on learning.

At the heart of our programs is a commitment to real-world impact from cutting-edge labs and augmented reality/virtual reality experiences to big data (omics) analysis and community engagement. Our students don’t just learn science — they live it.

Explore fields and opportunities in areas like:

Whether you're passionate about health care, the bioeconomy or scientific discovery, our interdisciplinary programs prepare you to lead and make a difference right here in South Dakota and beyond.

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate Degrees Graduate Degrees Minors

Human Biology

This program is designed for students planning to apply to health-related professional programs (e.g., chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant.)

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Two women work in a lab, one with a microscope

Biology

Students select from microbiology, botany and animal-based classes to prepare them for entry into occupations related to life science in industry and government.

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Biology – Secondary Education Specialization

This program is designed to provide students with the background needed for a successful career teaching biology in middle and high schools.

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Biotechnology

This interdisciplinary program helps prepare students in fundamental sciences so that they may successfully compete for career opportunities in the growing life sciences industries.

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Microbiology

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and some types of parasites.

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Pre-Health Professional Programs

Flexibility in the coursework allows you to combine these majors with choices in preprofessional programs or with a second major or even multiple minors.

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Athletic Training

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dental

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Biological Sciences (M.S.)

�ձ�av��Ƶ offers a biological sciences master's degree and two specializations:

Learn About the Master's Degree

Biological Sciences (Ph.D.)

�ձ�av��Ƶ offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences and three specializations.

Learn About the Doctorate

Human Biology (M.S.)

The program is designed to provide graduate-level preparation for students who desire admission to professional schools in human health care.

Learn About the Master's Degree

The courses offered at �ձ�av��Ƶ are so specific to whatever you want to do that if you want to be a well-rounded scientist, you can take just a little piece of all of these different departments.

Ashton Merrill , biology student from Armstrong, Iowa

Research

Research and Labs

The Department of Biology and Microbiology provides an intellectually vibrant collegial and interdisciplinary research environment. Here students and faculty seek to further our understanding of biological systems and processes and contribute to solutions for the challenges facing humankind.

Research is focused in seven areas, and faculty work on a range of life forms including mammals, plants, fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Explore our Research