$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Understand Life in the Real World
Life doesn’t happen in a laboratory alone.
Plants, animals, microorganisms, and other living organisms interact constantly with one another and with the environments around them. The Bachelor of Science in Biology Ecology & Organismal Option at Athens State University explores those relationships—from the biology of individual organisms to the complex ecosystems they inhabit. You’ll build a strong foundation in biological science while developing the field, laboratory, analytical, and research skills needed to understand living systems in their natural environments.
Whether you’re interested in wildlife, conservation, environmental science, ecology, research, education, or graduate study, this option gives you a pathway to explore the living world at every level.
Program Overview
The Ecology & Organismal Option provides a focused pathway within the Biology degree for students interested in organisms, biodiversity, ecosystems, and the relationships that connect living things to their environments. You’ll study how organisms function, adapt, reproduce, and interact with other organisms and their surroundings. You’ll also explore how environmental changes can affect populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Your coursework combines foundational biology with focused study in areas such as ecology, evolution, organismal biology, biodiversity, and environmental science. Through laboratory and field-based experiences, you’ll learn to observe biological systems, collect scientific data, analyze ecological patterns, and apply evidence-based approaches to environmental questions.
Explore Life Beyond the Classroom
Ecology and organismal biology are inherently hands-on sciences. Understanding an ecosystem requires more than reading about it. It requires observing organisms, collecting data, identifying patterns, and seeing biological relationships in context.
Through laboratory and field experiences, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Observe organisms and their behaviors.
- Identify and classify biological specimens.
- Collect ecological and environmental data.
- Study populations and biological communities.
- Investigate relationships between organisms and their environments.
- Analyze biodiversity and ecological patterns.
- Apply scientific methods to field-based questions.
- Use quantitative methods to interpret biological data.
- Communicate scientific findings.
These experiences help you develop practical skills that can translate directly to environmental, conservation, research, and laboratory settings.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Understanding organisms and ecosystems is increasingly important as communities, governments, businesses, and organizations address issues involving environmental change, conservation, natural resources, and sustainability.
Explore your career pathways with the Bachelor of Science in Biology – Ecology & Organismal Option, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$91k
Natural Sciences Manager Estimated Entry Salary
$134k
Natural Sciences Manager Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Athens State is committed to making a high-quality bachelor’s degree accessible and affordable.
As a degree-completion, transfer-only university designed with working adults in mind, Athens State provides flexible pathways for students completing a bachelor’s degree while balancing work and other responsibilities.
Explore admission requirements, transfer pathways, tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid to discover how you can complete your degree at Athens State.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Biology bachelor’s degree is offered through flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your bachelor’s degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.