Graduates will have a general working knowledge in biology including evolution, ecology, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology from both coursework and internships.

Why Study Biological Sciences at Montana Tech?

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 all while earning your bachelor’s degree in biology. 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 percent 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.

World-Class Research Opportunities

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 Montana Tech’s location near three national parks, wilderness areas, wildlife management areas, and world class trout streams.

Award Winning Faculty

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. Be mentored by award winning biological sciences faculty.

Early Acceptance Pathway to Rocky Vista University Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine

Students at Montana Technological University have an early acceptance pathway to medical school through an agreement with the Rocky Vista University Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVU-MCOM) in Billings.

The Early Acceptance Program will allow undergraduate Montana Tech students who have fulfilled the specified requirements to gain acceptance to RVU-MCOM without taking the MCAT. Students must maintain a science and overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 to be eligible.

To learn more, click here. 

Spectacular Location

Montana Tech’s location in Butte offers you numerous recreational opportunities, such as hiking and fishing. Butte is centrally located in Montana, giving you access to internships in Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula.

Dedicated Professors

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.

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The Problem-Solver
Meet Montana Tech Faculty Member Dr. Stella Capoccia
Bringing Research Into The Classroom
Phage Discovery by Citizen Scientists

Study Biological Sciences and Have Fun Too

Get involved in various clubs and organizations on campus. Ski at nearby resorts or in the backcountry. Enjoy southwest Montana’s hot springs. Hike the Great Divide and other trails. Fish in pristine mountain streams.

Earn a Restoration Certificate

At Montana Tech, our biology program offers the opportunity for a restoration certification. This certification program is a 15-17 credit undergraduate program providing the professional knowledge and practical expertise needed to reestablish native ecosystems on damaged landscapes. Biology 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.

Outdoor Labs in National Parks
Program Objectives

View the Catalog.

Business Insider - World Wide Waste
Montana Tech Adjunct Faculty Mark Mariano and Associate Professor Stella Capoccia work to study and protect waterfowl in Montana

What is Biological Sciences?

Biological sciences is an expansive degree field encompassing the study of living organisms. Biologists study the chemical and physical 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 and Ecological Studies 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.

What Kind of Jobs do Biological Sciences Majors Get?

Begin your career in the diverse biological fields at Montana Tech. Biological sciences graduates follow a variety of career paths, and a degree from Montana Tech provides you with the foundation you need for a career or extended professional study in a variety of fields including teaching, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary sciences, botany, horticulture, ecology, wildlife biology, restoration, or evolutionary biology.

18% Growth by 2026

In Health Care Careers

14:1 Student to Faculty Ratio

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94% Career Placement Rate

The Cellular and Molecular track in the Biological Sciences department was truly an ideal course of study for me. Through this program, I gained the skills and knowledge to succeed both in the classroom and in the research lab. The faculty was always extremely helpful and love getting to know their students; I routinely keep in contact with many of my professors! As I am now applying for competitive MD/PhD programs, while at MIT researching how cancer becomes resistant to therapy, I have never regretted my choice of attending a small school where I could get to know the professors on a personal level. Being able to take on my own novel research projects that will have a significant impact is something that most undergraduates don't get at larger universities. I strongly believe that I would not be where I am today without my Montana Tech education.

Riley Hellinger BS in Biology, Cellular and Molecular Track 2019 Laboratory Technician Koch Institute at MIT
Learn More About Biological Sciences at Montana Tech
Biology Department

Meet faculty, explore our research expertise, and more.

Careers and Placement

We have excellent placement rates into careers, medical, and professional schools.

Accreditation

Biological Sciences is nationally accredited. Find out more about what that means and why it matters.

Advisory Board

Experts in the wildlife biology, microbiology, healthcare, and research lead our board.

Plant Restoration

Work with our expert faculty to restore native landscapes.

Available Tracks

Learn the different degree tracks and minors available in Biological Sciences.

Related Programs
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Chemistry 

Acquire a comprehensive skillset and become career-ready through a bachelor's of chemistry. Options to continue on and pursue a master's of geochemistry also exist.

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Pre-Medicine

Achieve your goal of getting into medical school through the Montana Tech pre-med program. We have a 90% placement rate into medical, pre-professional health, and other graduate programs.

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Pre-Professional Health

90% of Montana Tech students who qualified and apply to medical, dental, pharmacy, or other professional schools are accepted.

Connect with us.

We can answer your questions and help you get started.

Amy Kuenzi
Department Head and Associate Professor
akuenzi@mtech.edu
406-496-4793