The minor in Biology is designed for students who wish to increase their knowledge of biology, acquire a foundation in biological sciences and develop critical thinking skills. 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 molecular biology.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $8,028*
Credit Hours
24

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $8,028*

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record

Median Annual Wage $57,510
Wage Range $40,330 – $84,940
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Bright Outlook

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage $84,620
Wage Range $52,150 – $169,900
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training, Master’s degree

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Median Annual Wage $98,920
Wage Range $60,430 – $168,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Median Annual Wage $98,920
Wage Range $60,430 – $168,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-doctoral training

Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Median Annual Wage $98,920
Wage Range $60,430 – $168,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Active Learning
Typical Education: Post-doctoral training, Master’s degree, Doctoral degree

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage $103,170
Wage Range $59,700 – $203,190
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training
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2026-08-24