Transfer Admissions Requirements: College of Biological Sciences

Whether you are interested in molecules, ecosystems, or anything in between, the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) can help you achieve your goals and dreams. As a CBS student, you'll be part of a close-knit academic community of students, faculty, staff who are working together to impact the health, happiness, and productivity of our community and our world through the study of science.

For example, you can work side-by-side with award-winning faculty to conduct research in diverse and interdisciplinary subject areas, like alternative energy, biofuels, ecology, and medicine. In addition, you'll enjoy the support of our caring academic advisors and program coordinators, have opportunities to travel the world through study abroad, and make connections with other CBS students through small class sizes and student groups.

Nearly half of CBS graduates pursue graduate studies in the biological sciences or professional programs including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, and many others; the rest pursue employment in the molecular/cellular sciences; plant, animal, or environmental sciences; and health sciences in settings as varied as research laboratories, biotechnology companies, educational institutions, and environmental agencies.

Degree options: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Find out more information on the admission requirements for students transferring from within the University of Minnesota system (Twin Cities campus, Morris, Duluth or Crookston) to the College of Biological Sciences.

Explore CBS Majors

Prerequisite coursework

The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) admits qualified students to all of its majors. Admission is competitive and based on an overall assessment of the applicant's academic record and potential for success as presented in the application materials. High school grades, class rank, and ACT or SAT scores may also be factored into the admission decision for students who have completed fewer than 26 transferable credits. Courses listed below are viewed as important evidence of preparation and must be completed with grades of C- or better by the end of the spring semester prior to the fall term of enrollment:

  • Calculus I (equivalent to MATH 1271)
  • General Chemistry I with lab (equivalent to CHEM 1061/1065)
  • General Chemistry II with lab (equivalent to CHEM 1062/1066)


Please note: In all cases, priority consideration for admission will be given to students who intend to complete a degree program in CBS. Students who have previously completed bachelors degrees and wish to complete prerequisites for professional or graduate schools should consider completing coursework as a non-degree seeking student through the College of Continuing Education. If a student has earned a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences or closely related field from another four-year institution, they may not earn a second bachelor's degree from the College of Biological Sciences. Students intending to obtain a second undergraduate degree must meet all of the prerequisite requirements listed above. Priority may be given to first time bachelor's degree students.

Science GPA: Most successful applicants to the College of Biological Sciences have a 3.0 or higher science grade point average. This GPA consists of courses in biology, math, physics, and chemistry (beginning with equivalents to those listed above) as well as upper division courses in the life sciences or other science disciplines.

To learn more about applying to CBS and planning your courses for a timely transfer and graduation, please attend a prospective transfer student information session or contact our transfer advisor.