Majors & Minors
Whether you're preparing for a career in healthcare, biotechnology, research, conservation, or graduate study, the TCU Department of Biology offers degree programs designed to help you achieve your goals. Our majors provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences while allowing students to tailor their education through specialized coursework that fits their interests and career aspirations.
Recent Updates to the Biology Degree Programs
Beginning with the 2026–2027 Undergraduate Catalog, the TCU Department of Biology introduced new and revised degree programs. As a result, degree requirements differ depending on your catalog year. Students are expected to complete the requirements associated with the catalog year under which they entered the university (or the catalog they have officially adopted).
Biology Degree Programs
Each of our degree programs shares a rigorous foundation in the biological sciences while providing unique opportunities to pursue your individual interests and career aspirations. Explore the degree options below to determine which best suits your career pathways and academic goals.
Our undergraduate programs for students with catalog years of 2025-2026 or earlier include:
Biology BS
Archived undergraduate Catalogs with biology BS degree requirements
BIOLOGY BS advising guide (catalog year 2025-2026 or earlier)
Biology BA
Archived undergraduate Catalogs with biology BA degree requirements
BIOLOGY Ba advising guide (catalog year 2025-2026 or earlier)
Biology Minor
Archived undergraduate Catalogs with biology BA degree requirements
BIOLOGY MINOR advising guide (catalog year 2025-2026 or earlier)
Our undergraduate programs for students with catalog years of 2026-2027 or later include:
Biomedical Sciences BS
Designed specifically for students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, other health professions, and biomedical research. The course curriculum aligns with professional school prerequisites, providing students with a highly efficient path for achieving their goals.
Biomedical Sciences bs Courses & requirements
Biomedical Sciences bs advising guide
Biology BS - Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, & Biotechnology (MCB) Emphasis
Developed for students seeking a flexible degree plan that focuses on molecular biology, cell biology, and related biomedical sciences. The course curriculum prepares students for careers in biotechnology, graduate study in MCB-related disciplines, and aligns with Physician Associate (PA) program pre-requisites.
BioLOGY bs (MCB) Courses & requirements
BioLOGY bs (MCB) advising guide
Biology BS - Ecology, Evolution, & Environmental Biology (EEEB) Emphasis
Intended for students seeking a flexible degree plan that focuses on ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and organismal biology. The course curriculum prepares students graduate study in EEEB-related fields and careers in conservation and environmental biology.
BioLOGY bs (EEEB) Courses & requirements
BioLOGY bs (EEEB) advising guide
Biology BA
Provides flexibility for students pursuing interdisciplinary interests or careers where a broad biological background is advantageous.
BioLOGY bA Courses & requirements
Biology BS/MS Accelerated Program
Enables highly motivated students with interests in biological research to complete a BS and MS is just 5 years by beginning graduate coursework and conducting biology research while completing their bachelor's degree.
BioLOGY bS/MS Courses & requirements
Biology Minor
BioLOGY minor Courses & requirements
What Makes a TCU Biology Degree Different?
Regardless of which degree program you choose, every TCU Biology student benefits from:
Expert Faculty
Our faculty are dedicated educators who embrace TCU's teacher-scholar model. We consider teaching and scholarship to be synergistic activities that make us better scholars and better teachers, and hire faculty who are highly trained in their area of teaching specialty.
Personalized Faculty Mentorship
Accessible and dedicated faculty create opportunities for meaningful mentoring, career guidance, research collaboration, and individualized advising.
Hands-On and Experiential Learning
Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses, literature-intensive courses, field experiences, and authentic scientific research that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Each year, more than 70 undergraduate researchers work alongside faculty in their laboratories to conduct timely research that advances scientific knowledge in a variety of biological subdisciplines including from microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, neurobiology, toxicology, ecology, conservation, environmental biology, biogeochemistry, and more.
Career and Professional Development
Our BS degree programs include specialized coursework focused on helping students build professional skills that will give them a competitive edge when applying to graduate school, professional school, or career opportunities.
Outstanding Preparation for Future Careers
Our graduates pursue successful careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental consulting, government, industry, and academic research.
A Community of Scientists
TCU Biology is a collaborative community where students develop lasting relationships with faculty and peers while learning to think and communicate like scientists.
John V. Roach Honors College
Exceed your own expectations. Incoming and current undergraduate students of every major may apply. Unique classes are offered in the John V. Roach Honors College, which connects students with a varied curriculum that is cross-disciplinary.