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Biological Sciences

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Biological Sciences

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Discover the Living World Around You

Prepare for a career in the diverse field of biological sciences

The department of biological sciences offers a selection of versatile degree options that build a strong foundation in natural sciences and prepare students to for entry level science careers, professional health programs, and graduate study. EKU strives to provide a balance of in-class instruction and field training as well as research opportunities. Students benefit from hands-on training at top-tier local facilities, including ecological research stations, environmental educational laboratories, and an on-site greenhouse featuring the latest in climate control and automation. Whether you are interested in conserving nature, working in a laboratory, or discovering a new species, EKU can prepare you for an exciting career in biological sciences.

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Why Study Biology at EKU?

The EKU Department of Biological Sciences offers a range of degrees and concentrations as broad as the field itself, including Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Wildlife Management. Students benefit from faculty expertise spanning all levels of biological organization, from molecular and cellular biology to ecosystem services. Our faculty members teach in the classrooms and labs daily and guide both graduate and undergraduate students in independent research projects, many funded by outside agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institutes of Health, Earthwatch and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Pre-Professional Study Tracks

Students planning to pursue a career as a physician, dentist, physician’s assistant, veterinarian, pharmacist, physical therapist or optometrist are encouraged to select EKU’s biomedical sciences major. This major offers pre-professional concentrations for each of the fields listed above that will prepare students for application to professional schools.

Experienced advisors in both the department of biological sciences and the College of STEM help guide students in course selection, choice of summer programs to attend, placement in shadowing experiences and choice of extra-curricular activities that will provide them with a resume needed for professional schools. Our advisors also assist students with the application and admission process into the professional school of their choice.

When declaring their major, students need to choose biomedical sciences and specify the concentration that best fits their career goals. Students are assigned a departmental advisor who will assist and guide them along the appropriate curriculum needed for their program.

In order to declare a major in biomedical sciences, incoming students must have a minimum Math ACT of 23 and English ACT of 20; once in the program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Existing students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to declare, and they must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher throughout their academic career.

Undergraduate Research

Involving yourself in research will engage you in the process of science in a way that is rarely possible in the classroom. Research opportunities vary and can include something as simple as “shadowing” someone in the lab or the field for a day to working closely with a faculty member to develop, implement and publish your own independent research. Through research participation, you will also get to know and be known by a faculty mentor. Impress them and you can get a glowing reference letter at the very least. If you aspire to graduate school, research participation is critical for signaling to future mentors that you know how the process of science works and that you will follow through on your commitments. Your application will be greatly bolstered if you are able to publish or present the results of your work. You may also learn a lot about what inspires you, information that can direct you to a career you love.

Academic Collections & Facilities


The EKU Department of Biological Sciences is home to two curated academic collections.

The EKU Herbarium is the largest and most active collection in Kentucky, and the third largest in the Kentucky-Tennessee region. Nearly all our specimens are of vascular plants (ferns, gymnosperms, wildflowers, vines, shrubs, and trees); as well as a few collections of algae and bryophytes.

Person looking into a microscope observing a preserved dried plant on paper.

In order to declare a major in biomedical sciences, incoming students must have a minimum Math ACT of 23 and English ACT of 20; once in the program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Existing students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to declare, and they must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher throughout their academic career.

The Branley Branson Museum of Zoology located on the first and fourth floors of the EKU Science Building contains the largest zoological research collection of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, freshwater fishes, crayfish, gastropods, and unionid bivalves in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Department of Biological Sciences Greenhouse at EKU is located directly behind the Science Building. This 3,600 square foot greenhouse features the latest in climate control and automation.

drone image of EKU's greenhouse facility

The greenhouse is divided into four rooms, each of which can simulate different terrestrial environments. There are five zones in the greenhouse which include a tropical room, a ferns and orchids room, a cacti and succulents room, a research room, and the main hallway.

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News & Updates

Students Take Their Research to Harvard, Representing EKU at the National Level

In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors. “Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of […]

EKU College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Congratulates Fall 2024 Graduates

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduates of Eastern Kentucky University! EKU proudly celebrated over 1,300 students during the commencement ceremonies held on December 5 and 6, 2024, at the EKU Center for the Arts. This milestone honors the hard work and accomplishments of the remarkable graduates from all of EKU’s academic colleges. Family, friends, faculty, staff, […]

EKU Herbarium, Largest Collection in Kentucky, Highlights the Region’s Biodiversity

Fall Foliage Week begins at the end of September, kicking off the start of “leaf-peeping” season, meaning many people will be driving to see fall foliage. The show of fall colors highlights the beautiful landscape of Kentucky, while also bringing focus to the biodiversity of plant species in the region.  Nestled within Eastern Kentucky University’s […]

Contact Information

Department of Biological Sciences

Science Building
Room 3238
533 John Hanlon Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1531
biology@eku.edu