Three BA programs are available: One without a concentration (general) and two with concentrations (Biochemistry or Forensic Chemistry). The common requirements of the three programs are shown below under "Core Requirements."

The concentration in Microbiology is designed to prepare students for entry level technical positions in the industry and graduate programs in Microbiology leading to careers in research and teaching. This curriculum meets the educational requirements for various entry level career positions for biotechnology, environmental, pharmaceutical, wastewater treatment, and agricultural areas of microbiology. Concentration includes a minor in Chemistry.

The general biology concentration is intended to give students a broad training in the Biological Sciences and an opportunity to explore a wide range of elective courses. It also provides necessary preparation for most graduate programs and selected entry level technical positions in industry and government. The BS in Biological Sciences meets the Subject Matter Competency requirement to enter a Biology Single Subject Teaching Credential Program (the Biology Subject Matter Waiver Program requires three additional geoscience and environmental studies courses) and also satisfies requirements for admission to health professional schools (with additional coursework in Math and Chemistry). 

The concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation is designed for students interested in wildlife management, conservation biology, or pursuing graduate study in ecological and evolutionary approaches in the Biological Sciences. By choosing the concentration, students get necessary training for a career working with local, state, or federal agencies as a biologist or environmental scientist. It will also prepare students for graduate study in the Biological Sciences.

The curriculum in Clinical Laboratory Sciences meets the undergraduate coursework requirements of the State of California for eligibility to take a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CSL) licensure examination. Eligibility to take a licensure examination also requires a one year (CLS) internship training program at a state approved clinical laboratory. Completion of BS degree requirements in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences concentration does not guarantee admission to a CLS internship training program. Information on admission criteria and application procedures for the various CLS internship training programs throughout the state is available through the California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology (CAMLT) at their website. Information about state and out-of-state programs can be found at NAACLS.org. 

The concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology is designed for students interested in advanced studies at the Masters or Ph.D. level, students pursuing career working in biotechnology, or pre-health professions majors pursuing a fundamental understanding of the bimolecular basis of disease. Students completing the degree requirements for the Cell and Molecular Biology concentration also fulfills the requirements for a minor in Chemistry.

The concentration in Biomedical Sciences is designed to prepare students for graduate study in the anatomical and physiological sciences or for health professional training (Medical, Veterinary, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Pharmacy, or other health professions).

Note:

• CHEM 24 and CHEM 124 are required instead of CHEM 20 for the Biomedical Sciences Concentration.
• Additional units may be required to meet the Sacramento State foreign language requirement.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. At the undergraduate level, students are able to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, or a Minor in Biological Sciences.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is a 48-unit program that prepares students for beginning, generalist Social Work practice. All lower division general education courses must be completed prior to beginning the Social Work major. The curriculum consists of 42 units in professional foundation/beginning generalist requirement, 6 units of Social Work electives. Grades of "C" or better are required in all 48 units of the major. The student must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers and engage in ethical practice in conformity with the Professional Code of Ethics.

Upon successful graduation with the BASW, graduated students will be able to, among other knowledge and skills, effectively demonstrate, apply, engage with, and evaluate the nine social work competencies that are mandated for accredited social work programs per the Council on Social Work Education. This will be demonstrated at the generalist level. The nine mandated competencies are: 1) Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; 2) Engage diversity and difference in practice; 3) Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice; 4) Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; 5) Engage in policy practice; 6) Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; 7) Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; 8) Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and, 9) Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The BS in Recreation Therapy focuses on recreation services for individuals who are ill, disabled, elderly, or incarcerated. It can be applied in clinical, transitional, and community based settings. Emphasis is on therapeutic recreation as it applies to children and adults who are physically, mentally, socially, and/or emotionally challenged.

Note:

✔ Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Therapy will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
✔ No more than 6 units of RPTA 198 and RPTA 199 in combination may be used to meet program requirements. No more than 3 units of RPTA 198 may be used to meet major requirements.
✔ RPTA 21, RPTA 100 and RPTA 122 may not be used to meet program requirements.

Minimum Grade Requirement
Grade of "C-" or better is required in all courses applied to the major.