Students may plan a broad-based minor, containing courses from each of the major organizational divisions of living things: cells, organisms, 
and communities. The minor may also focus on a particular aspect of biology such as botany, ecology, or physiology.
To earn a minor in biology, students must complete a minimum of 24 hours in biology, of which at least eight hours must be upper-division courses taken at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Electives should be selected in consultation with a biology faculty member. Some upper-division courses have particular prerequisites other than general biology. The faculty advisor will ensure that each student is properly prepared.
| Core Courses | Hours |
| 2 semesters of general biology with laboratory or its equivalent | 8 |
| Elective courses (at least 8 hours at UIS) | 16 |
| Total: | 24 |
