Biological sciences is an expansive degree field encompassing the study of living organisms. Biologists study the chemical and phyfsical principles of all living things, and the field of biology focuses on topics such as cellular processes, immunology, genetics, physiology, biodiversity, zoology, botany, microbiology, wildlife, evolution, and ecology. At Montana Tech, you can choose between two educational tracks: Organismal Biology and Cellular/Molecular Biology.
The Department of Biological Sciences at Montana Tech provides hands-on research, small classes, one-on-one interactions with faculty, support for independent student research and internships, counseling on professional development, and access to professional networking: tools that give our students a competitive edge. Other program advantages include small classes, a senior thesis requirement, outstanding modern laboratory facilities, and our location near game management, wilderness areas, and national parks that act as outdoor laboratories for classes and research. This combination provides a unique setting for students to not only learn biology, but to engage in the field and do actual science.
The department’s hands-on approach to education is what makes Montana Tech unique and why, for over a decade, our biology alumni continue to enjoy over 90% placement into master’s programs, medical schools, dental schools and veterinary medicine programs.
Biology at Montana Tech is a gateway to expansive possibilities in medicine, veterinary medicine, ecological restoration, wildlife biology or graduate school.
Engaged Faculty with Experience & Expertise
Outdoor Labs in Wilderness Areas & National Parks
World-Class Research Opportunities
Modern Lab Facilities
What Types of Skills Do You Need?
Strong aptitude for math and science
Problem solving and critical thinking
Insatiable curiosity
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Strong writing ability
What Can You Do With Your Degree?
Begin your career in the diverse biological fields. A Montana Tech biology degree provides you with the foundation for a career and extended professional study in a variety of fields including teaching, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary sciences, botany, horticulture, ecology, wildlife biology, restoration, and evolutionary biology.
A 15-17 credit undergraduate program providing the professional knowledge and practical expertise needed to reestablish native ecosystems on damaged landscapes. Students learn how to plan industrial activities to avoid long-term ecosystem damage. They engage in restoring damaged landscapes, and learn about permitting, site engineering, and how to reestablish, monitor, and maintain native vegetation.
Tech Biology Professors featured on "Virus Hunters with David Quammen"
Montana Tech Biology Professors Amy Kuenzi and Emeritus Professor Rick Douglass were featured on "Virus Hunters with David Quammen" for their groundbreaking research on hantavirus.
A restoration plan to develop sustainable plant communities on the caps of the Butte Hill. Inspiration for the project came out of federal and state regulations to restore disturbed landscapes with native plants.
The Biological Sciences faculty are actively involved in a wide range of research projects, providing unique opportunities for undergraduate students to participate by conducting independent investigations or by assisting faculty members. Professor Amy Kuenzi is nationally respected for her research on deer mice ecology and hantavirus transmission, and Dr. Marisa Pedulla is well known for her phagedigging program that involves middle school, high school, and undergraduate students in scientific inquiry regarding bacteriophages. Dr. Robert Pal has international research collaborations in Europe, China, and India on studying biological invasions. Learn more about our world-class faculty.
World-Class Research
Montana Tech biology students are directly involved in research activities through independent projects or by assisting faculty in important research projects. Students learn biological sciences in an environment that encourages close student-faculty interaction and take advantage of research and education opportunities provided by Tech’s location near national parks, wilderness areas, wildlife management areas and world class trout streams.
