B.S. in Biological Sciences

Shaping and Reframing the World

Dedicated to studying life sciences? Ready for competitive admission? Reward yourself with rigorous coursework, challenging labs and hands-on applications.

Program Information

The University of Maryland College of Life Sciences now offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree program in biological sciences at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Admission is competitive and limited to students who have completed the prerequisite course work. All classes are held at the Universities at Shady Grove in Montgomery County, Maryland. Course offerings include general physics, cell biology and physiology, technical writing, biochemistry and a variety of upper level biological sciences courses.

What's New in Life Sciences?

More than ever, the biological sciences are interdisciplinary. Biotechnologies develop new methods for producing new drugs, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, while genetic counselors work with families suffering from genetic disorders or birth defects. Bioinformatics uses information science to develop and analyze generic and proteomic databases. Global environmental change research provides a scientific understanding of the earth to ensure that resources are available to support human well-being in the future, allowing for informed decision-making on environmental issues.

Internship Opportunities

As a University of Maryland student, you will benefit from our contacts with local biotechnology firms. You will have the opportunity to engage in internships for credit at sites ranging from the National Institutes of Health,
Naval Research Laboratory and the National Zoological Park to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Walter Reed Institute for Pathology and the Institute for Genomic Research.

  • All needs met onsite, including advising, registration and financial aid
  • Full-time life sciences program director/advisor

Admission Requirements

Admission to the biological sciences program is competitive and limited to the most qualified students who meet the requirements for admission by the application deadline of July 1. Applications and further information may be obtained by calling 301-738-6023.

  1. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better for all college level work.
  2. Junior standing (60 credits) at the time of enrollment.
  3. A grade of C or better in the following laboratory courses: General Chemistry I and II, General Biology I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II and Microbiology.
  4. A grade of C or better in Calculus I and II, General Genetics, English Composition.
  5. Completion of an Associate of Science degree or the University of Maryland CORE requirements (details).

The Benefits of Studying at USG

  • Earn your Biological Sciences Bachelor of Science degree in four semesters (if you have received an Associate of Science degree or the equivalent)
  • Degree awarded by the University of Maryland
  • Small classes and fully equipped laboratory facilities
  • Classes taught by dedicated tenure-track faculty
  • Access to University of Maryland libraries

Biological Sciences Curriculum

Students will take advanced science courses in a variety of areas, with an emphasis in general biology. Course offerings include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biometrics
  • Cell Biology and Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Immunology
  • Mammalian Physiology
  • Physics
  • Technical Writing

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates for programs offered at USG are those of the degree-granting institution. Financial aid is awarded by the institution offering the degree program and facilitated by the USG Office of Student Services.

Contact Information

Student development and academic support services are provided by USG, in cooperation with the USM institution offering the program.
For more information concerning admission or financial aid, please contact the USG Office of Student Services at 301-738-6023 or shadygrove@umd.edu.

For information about the bachelor of science in biology program offered by the University of Maryland, please contact Dr. John Kapp, program director, at 301-738-6008, or jkapp@umd.edu, or Dr.Tom Stanton
at 301-738-6007, or stanton3@umd.edu.