College of Agriculture, Life, & Physical Sciences | College of Humanities & Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES | DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Biology

Our Biology program emphasizes an organismal and ecological approach to the life sciences, with unique field-based opportunities in the Chihuahuan Desert region. Students explore plant and animal interrelationships through ecological, evolutionary, and co-evolutionary studies, gaining broad preparation for careers in biology, wildlife, healthcare, and education.

Bachelor of Science in Biology
This flexible degree can be tailored for:

  • Field biologists and wildlife professionals

  • Lab-focused and microbiological careers

  • Pre-health pathways including pre-med, pre-dental, and allied health fields

Students may also pursue teacher certification in life or composite sciences, or wildlife biologist certification through The Wildlife Society.

Facilities & Resources
Our department houses one of Texas’ largest herbaria, renowned vertebrate and insect collections, modern greenhouses, and laboratories for microbiology and molecular biology.

Biology at Sul Ross State University International
The SRSU International Biology program shares the same ecological and organismal focus, preparing students for advanced study or careers in wildlife, environmental science, healthcare, education, and more. The curriculum integrates strong scientific training with a liberal arts foundation, fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking.


Master of Science in Biology
Graduate students may choose from three flexible degree paths:

  • Plan I: 30 hours + thesis

  • Plan II: 36 hours + “mini thesis”

  • Plan III: 36 hours + comprehensive exams (oral and written)

Students may also count up to 6 credit hours from a related department with committee approval. Plans I and II require a thesis defense and oral exam.

Biology Minor
Ideal for students in related majors, the Biology minor provides foundational knowledge in:

  • General biology

  • Genetics and cell biology

  • An upper-level biology elective tailored to your interests (e.g., botany, microbiology, zoology)

This minor complements majors such as Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, Chemistry, Natural Resource Management, and Animal Science.

Wildlife Biology Minor
Available exclusively to Criminal Justice majors, this minor prepares students for careers as game wardens or park rangers with emphasis on field identification and conservation of protected species.

Catalog Links:

Careers in Biology

  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Forensic Biologist
  • Ecologist
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Medical Laboratory Technologist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Biology Teacher or Professor
  • Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian

Dental Early Admission Program

Through a cooperative agreement between The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Sul Ross State University, individuals interested in dentistry may obtain both a bachelor’s of science degree and a doctorate in dental science degree in seven years. Dual degree students will complete three years of their undergraduate degree at Sul Ross State University, and after completion of the first year of dental courses, complete their fourth year while attending dental school. Sul Ross will apply those credits towards completing the bachelor’s degree requirements.

Students Accepted to DEAP Receive

  • Mentoring and personal assistance to prepare for dental school while attending SRSU.
  • Admission to UTHSC-SA Dental School if all program requirements are met.
  • Undertake a Dental Immersion Experience- get to meet and shadow individuals already at dental school and meet your future professors.
  • Complete fourth year of B.S. in Biology while taking dental courses at UTHSC-SA.
  • 3 + 4 = 2 (Three years college, four years dental school, two degrees)
  • Receive access to study materials for DAT preparation.

Applying for DEAP

Students should apply for the DEAP Program after completing 12 semester hours, but before they have completed 32 semester hours. The student will have a pre-entry interview with UTHSC-SA and must have Texas residence status or receive a waiver from UTHSC-SA. Applications are available at the Biology Office.

For more information, contact

Dr. Christopher Ritzi
Sul Ross State University
Box C-64 Alpine, TX 79832
432.837.8420
critzi@sulross.edu

Joint Admission Medical Program

The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a program created by Senate Bill 940 of the 77th Texas Legislature to:

  • Provide services to support and encourage economically disadvantaged students (Estimated Family Contribution- EFC-of up to $8,000 to be eligible for consideration) pursuing a medical education (Includes students that are Pell Grant eligible);
  • Award undergraduate and medical school scholarships; and
  • Provide for the admission of those students who satisfy both academic and non-academic requirements to at least one participating medical school.

JAMP is supported by continuing appropriations from the Texas Legislature. Students receive

  • A scholarship each semester beginning in the spring semester of student’s sophomore year of college.
  • A stipend to attend summer internships following the student’s sophomore and junior years of college at SRSU.
  • Mentoring and personal assistance to prepare for medical school while attending SRSU.
  • Interviews to Texas medical schools if all program requirements are met
  • A scholarship to attend one of the participating medical schools in Texas.

How to become a part of JAMP

First, it is preferred that students who graduate from high school or a home-school program enroll at SRSU in the fall semester immediately following graduation, although early transfer and military are encouraged to apply as well. As a senior in high school, the student must

  • Be an American citizen or permanent U.S. resident.
  • Be a Texas resident in terms of college tuition.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry into the program.
  • Apply for admission to SRSU.
  • Take the SAT or ACT and earn a score not less than the mean for the state of Texas and provide the scores to SRSU.
  • No more than 3 courses can be used toward JAMP from Advanced Placement hours earned in high school.
  • Complete and submit the FAFSA and be eligible to receive a Pell Grant in the student’s freshman year of college.
  • Must be able to participate in 2 summer internships with JAMP.

As a freshman, or a transfer student, the student must

  • Complete 27 hours of undergraduate credit during the freshman year with a 3.25 overall GPA or higher and a 3.25 GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, and math (no more than 3 hours of AP credit can be counted toward this requirement).
  • Have completed both semesters of General Chemistry with a C or better.
  • Be able to participate in 2 summer internships with JAMP.
  • Be capable of performing medical school essential functions and tasks required to complete medical school curriculum.
  • Meet requirements to be employed as a medical resident, including but not limited to passing criminal history checks and complying with immunization requirements.
  • Applicants will need to provide an EFC score for their freshman year and sophomore year. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their EFC.

 

Applying to JAMP

The student may begin the online application on May 1st and submit the completed application no later than October 1st. For details about the pre-JAMP and JAMP scholarship programs, contact:

Dr. Christopher Ritzi, JAMP Faculty Director
Sul Ross State University
Box C-64 Alpine, Texas 79832
432.837.8112
critzi@sulross.edu