Bachelor of Science in Biology - STEM Designated

Biology is a wide-ranging discipline focusing on the study of living organisms and ecosystems. Develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind biological processes by employing modern methods in biology.

At Illinois Tech the biology major provides a solid foundation for pursuing careers in the health professions (medicine, optometry, dentistry), biological research, or in education.

Through a well-balanced curriculum of theoretical and practical courses, you will acquire the critical skills for positions in industrial, medical, and other research laboratories. You'll also gain the academic background to succeed in graduate programs in biotechnology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

Our biology major offers strong training in the areas of modern cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and physiology, and provides a strong background in mathematics and physical sciences. Further tackle real-world problems through interdisciplinary teamwork and research.

Program Overview

Acquire critical skills for positions in industrial, medical, or other research laboratories, and the academic background to succeed in biotechnology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology graduate programs. Obtain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, independent studies, and/or research.

The undergraduate biology degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology provides excellent preparation for the health professions, including medicine, osteopathic medicine, and dentistry. In addition, the rigorous program prepares graduates for careers in biotechnology, biochemistry, patent law, and environmental science. Graduates are also prepared for immediate entry into positions in industrial, medical, and other research laboratories and for graduate programs in biotechnology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

The objectives of the university’s biology major are to give students strong training in the areas of modern cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and physiology, supported by a solid foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences. In addition, the biology major is designed to give students broad opportunities to study advanced topics in biology, both in the classroom and by participating in undergraduate research projects.

Why Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the country

As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).

We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.

Want some more great reasons?

• On top of our institutional scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
• We’re the #44 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
• 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
• The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $63,938

Located in the great global city of Chicago, Illinois Tech is a top-tier, nationally ranked, private research university with programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, design, science, business, human sciences, and law. As Chicago’s only comprehensive tech-focused university, Illinois Tech offers a bachelor of science, master of science, professional master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as certificates, in in-demand STEM fields and other areas of innovation. Options include in-person, hybrid, and online courses. Undergraduate students can take part in dual-degree and pre-med/pre-health programs, as well as Illinois Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program, which allows them to receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as few as five years.

Illinois Tech is the only university to offer all students the Elevate program. Elevate guarantees that students participate in hands-on experiences—internships, research, competitions, study away, career-focused short courses, and more—that empower them with the twenty-first-century skills that employers seek. Elevate also ensures students receive personalized academic and career mentorship from a team of advisers and are uniquely career-ready upon graduation.

Illinois Tech is ranked #1 in Illinois among private colleges for return on investment (after aid, PayScale) and is the #44 ranked best value school in the United States (U.S. News & World Report). Illinois Tech graduates achieve a 92.8% employment rate within six months of graduation (2021 class). Its alumni include the inventor of the cell phone, the pioneer of barcode technology, and the head scientist for Amazon Alexa, among other leaders.

Students enjoy studying and living on a historic campus just minutes from downtown Chicago, which offers networking, internship, and career opportunities. Less than a mile from Lake Michigan’s stunning beaches, Illinois Tech’s campus has been acclaimed as “one of America’s most beautiful college campuses.” Illinois Tech students come from more than 106 countries and all 50 states.