Undergraduate biology students

The undergraduate biology curriculum is designed to provide students with up-to-date training in the biological sciences, including fields of concentration in ecology and evolution as well as molecular and cellular biology. Undergraduates may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology or a biology undergraduate minor.

All biology majors complete a core of required biology and related courses and select a group of elective courses to comprise a field of specialization. The department offers two areas of emphasis within the major: cell and molecular biology and ecology and evolutionary biology. You will find the most current list of course requirements for the Biology B.S. and Biology Minor in the University Course Catalog.

Contact your College of Science advisor with any questions about the Department of Biology undergraduate programs.

Combined interdisciplinary degree programs

The College of Science in partnership with the School of Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of Business offers motivated students accelerated and/or direct paths towards careers in medicine, dentistry or business through the BS-MD, BS-DMD and BS-MBA programs.

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Start on your path towards medical school as a freshman

The BS-MD program gives students pursuing a career in medicine a direct path into the Medical School at the University of Nevada, Reno.

BS-MD program requirements & details

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Earn your Doctor of Dental Medicine in 7 years

Students admitted into the BS-DMD program must complete the first three years of required undergraduate curriculum at the University of Nevada, Reno followed by the required four years of dental school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Students are awarded their B.S. degree after completing the first year of graduate school curriculum.

In recognition of the unanticipated challenges resulting from COVID-19, the UNLV School of Dental Medicine is waiving the minimum score requirement for the ACT/SAT. For the 2021 application year, all candidates with an ACT or SAT will be given full consideration for the BS-DMD program. The GPA requirement has not changed.

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  • BS-DMD eligibility criteria

    In recognition of the unanticipated challenges resulting from COVID-19, the UNLV School of Dental Medicine is waiving the minimum score requirement for the ACT/SAT. For the 2021 application year, all candidates with an ACT or SAT will be given full consideration for the BS-DMD program. The GPA requirement has not changed.

    Students must meet the following criteria:
    • Applicants must be a first-time freshman at the University of Nevada, Reno
    • Minimum combined Math/Verbal score of 1270 or greater and a minimum Critical Reading score of 600 on the SAT OR combined ACT score of 29 or greater and a minimum English score of 26
    • Un-weighted cumulative GPA of 3.7 or placement in the top 10% of the graduating high school class
    • US Citizenship or permanent resident of the United State of America AND Nevada residency
    • Non-US citizens must have a permanent resident visa AND Nevada residency
    • Graduate from a Nevada high school
    • Applied for admission to the University of Nevada, Reno as a freshman with a declared major in Biology by February 1st
    Additional criteria to be considered:
    • Extracurricular Activities
    • Leadership Experience
    • Healthcare or Clinical Experience
    • Work Experience

    A BS-DMD Admissions Committee, comprised of faculty and administrators from the University of Nevada, Reno College of Science and UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine, will select qualified applicants for interviews and for admission into the program.

    Undergraduate requirements:

    Students must maintain the following requirement to progress:

    • 3.5 overall cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA
    • Successfully complete the DAT with a score of 19 or better with no subset scores lower than 15.
  • How to apply to the BS-DMD program

    All application materials must be received no later than April 15. Students need to submit the following items in addition to a general application to the University of Nevada, Reno:

    • BS-DMD Supplemental Application
    • Three Letters of Evaluation (at least one must be from a science teacher) submitted via the BS-MD Evaluator fForm
    • Personal Statement
    • Wallet size color photo

    BS-DMD Supplemental Application

    BS-DMD Evaluator Form

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Earn your B.S. and M.B.A. degrees in five years

Complete the required undergraduate curriculum for their declared major in the College of Science along with some business courses in 3.5 years to earn the B.S. degree, followed by 18 months of required courses to complete the M.B.A. For more information, contact academic advisor Gina Sella.

Gina Sella
(775) 682-8733 | gsella@unr.edu

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NevadaTeach

Earn your dual degree in secondary education and one of many STEM majors. Graduating from NevadaTeach at the University of Nevada, Reno provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level, while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline. Open the door to a world of career options while helping to improve education in Nevada.

Learn more about Nevada Teach

Additional College of Science student resources

From academic advising to financial support and research experience, get the help you need to succeed in the Department of Biology

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