Biological Sciences Minor — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Biological Sciences Minor

Student collecting water sample out of Big Chico Creek
  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Minor

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

From the smallest cells to the biggest ecosystems, a minor in biological sciences gives you a broad understanding of living organisms, their structure, function, evolution, and interactions. With emphasis on real-world research and access to cutting-edge technology, our department provides a welcoming, accessible environment.

Whether you’re looking to enhance a major in chemistry, environmental science, or health sciences, or simply broaden your career opportunities in research, education, or healthcare, you’ll reward your curiosity with a deep exploration of the topics that fascinate you most.

Students in a lab wearing protective gear and using a bunsen burner.

Follow Your Curiosity

As a student in the minor, you’ll complete foundational coursework in ecological, evolutionary, and organismal biology before shifting your focus to electives ranging from genetics and disease to hematology and ethics.

student working on research into how the effects of emotion regulation strategies influence maladaptive behaviors

Science Isn’t a Spectator Sport

Whether you’re working in labs stocked with $1 million in industry-standard equipment like scanning electron, confocal, and fluorescence microscopes, or exploring collections of insects and animal specimens assembled over decades, you’ll gather skills that apply to any field or career.

Some important skills you’ll gain include:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Fieldwork and data collection
  • Research and analysis

An Interdisciplinary Advantage

A minor in biological sciences can enhance your understanding of disciplines like pharmacology, environmental sciences, and beyond, preparing you to be more competitive on the job market or for graduate school. 

Majors that pair well with this minor include:

Liam Corrigan and crews at Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

See conservation in action at this 7,835-acre reserve, which includes 4.5 miles of Big Chico Creek and hundreds of animal and plant species. Research opportunities are as vast as your imagination.

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