Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Biosciences and a Major Concentration in Integrative Biology

BA Degree with a Major in Biosciences and a Major Concentration in Integrative Biology

Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Biosciences and a major concentration in Integrative Biology, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of core concepts in biology.
2. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of at least two of the following: biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, ecology and evolutionary biology.
3. Demonstrate the ability to access scientific literature in the biological sciences and to use critical thinking skills to evaluate primary and secondary sources of biological research.
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply the process of science, including designing experiments and/or building mathematical models, and collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
5. Demonstrate effective oral, written, and visual communication skills, including communicating science to diverse audiences.

BA Degree with a Major in Biosciences and a Major Concentration in Integrative Biology

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing BA degree with a major in Biosciences and a major concentration in Integrative Biology must complete: 

• A minimum of 65 credit hours to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 520 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 23 credit hours taken at 300-level or above.
• Core courses common to all major concentrations.
• major concentration in Integrative Biology. When students declare major in Biosciences, students must additionally identify and declare one of four major concentrations, either in:
  • Biochemistry, or
  • Cell Biology and Genetics, or
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or
  • Integrative Biology.

Because of common core requirements, it is possible for students to change their major concentration at any time, even after initially declaring major. To do so, please contact Office of Registrar.

BA degree emphasizes broad foundational knowledge of biology with in depth exposure to subfield of integrative biology. Biosciences majors are strongly encouraged to pursue their research interests through independent research experiences. BA degree program offers greater flexibility than BS due to fewer required independent research courses as detailed below.

courses listed below satisfy this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of major’s academic advisor, or where applicable, department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum prior to submitting an application.

2. Submitting one of the following official test scores.

• The Coalition Application or the Common Application and Rice writing supplement
• $75 nonrefundable application fee (must be paid online)
• Official high school transcript in English (or a certified English translation)
• Recommendation Letters
  • School Counselor
  • Teacher 5
  • Teacher 2
• Demonstration of English proficiency
• International Student Financial Statement
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)