BA/BS Biological Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Programme overview

The School of Biological Sciences offers educational opportunities in various areas of biology leading toward either the bachelor of science or the bachelor of arts degree. Our research and teaching cover all levels of biological organization—from molecules to ecosystems—with a focus on integrating across levels.

Faculty: Arts & Sciences | Duration: 120 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring and Summer start (first-year application deadlines: Summer/Fall May 1, Spring December 1) | Location: Lincoln, NE, United States

What you will study

Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science; 120 credit hours required. All students complete a core set of requirements and can determine, in consultation with faculty and their academic advisor, which specific option to follow. The option will be documented on the final transcript.

Career pathways

Study in the biological sciences prepares students for a variety of careers, including medicine, allied health, government, industry, education, and research. Students may choose to focus their advanced coursework in ways that meet their specific interests and career goals.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level (not programme-specific): admission is guaranteed to first-year applicants who complete the 16 core course units (English 4, mathematics 4, natural sciences 3, social sciences 3, world language 2) and meet one performance requirement: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, or ACT 20+, or SAT 1040+, or rank in the top half of the graduating class. ACT/SAT scores are not required. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are reviewed by the admissions committee. Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0 for graduation.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Summer/Fall (August start) and Spring (January start). The first-year, transfer and international pages list fall 2027 and spring 2027 terms; spring 2027 classes begin January 11.

Fall 2027 application for admission opens August 1, 2026.

First-year and transfer applications: Summer/Fall deadline May 1; Spring deadline December 1. Applications received after the deadline may be placed on a waitlist. Fall 2027 priority deadline for scholarship notification is November 1 (admission application).

International applicants: Fall 2027 priority deadline November 1, final deadline May 1; Spring 2027 final deadline December 1. English proficiency scores due July 15 (fall), December 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).

The application fee is $45, payable by credit card or check (international applicants pay online by credit card). First-year applicants apply through the Common Application or Nebraska's own application. ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission and are encouraged for full scholarship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.unl.edu/apply/

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