Unleash Your Potential

You’ll do that here.

Biology is at the heart of discovery, from unlocking the secrets of DNA to protecting ecosystems and advancing medical breakthroughs. At SEMO, you'll gain real-world experience in research labs and learning spaces designed for career-focused training, field studies, and preparation for careers in healthcare, conservation, biotechnology, and beyond. If life sciences aren’t your path, SEMO offers a wide range of programs in business, the arts, and more, so you can find the right fit for your future!

Biology is at the heart of discovery, from unlocking the secrets of DNA to protecting ecosystems and advancing medical breakthroughs. At SEMO, you'll gain real-world experience in research labs and learning spaces designed for career-focused training, field studies, and preparation for careers in healthcare, conservation, biotechnology, and beyond. If life sciences aren’t your path, SEMO offers a wide range of programs in business, the arts, and more, so you can find the right fit for your future!

Explore Life’s Building Blocks with a Top Biology Degree in Missouri

Groundbreaking Academics

two semo biology students study the structure of an animal skull

Launch a Career

You’ll do that here.

Most of us go to college to build the life we want, so your decision of where to go should be all about getting you to that life. Fortunately, that’s what we do best.

Most of us go to college to build the life we want, so your decision of where to go should be all about getting you to that life. Fortunately, that’s what we do best.

  • 97%   Of SEMO’s Department of Biology graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

  • 60+   Cutting-Edge Labs and Research Sites for Discovery, including the Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Travis Brooks Herbarium, Center for Environmental Analysis, and more.

  • 1 Mile   Distance from the Mississippi River, giving students unique access to aquatic research and conservation opportunities.

  • 98%   of SEMO graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

  • 25   SEMO was ranked in the top 25 Public Schools in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

  • 1   place to prepare you for Tomorrow’s Careers Today.

Professional Partnerships

SEMO has partnered with leading universities to offer exclusive pathways to a Bachelor of Science and a medical degree. Through our partnership with St. George’s University, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology: Biomedical Sciences complete three years at SEMO before seamlessly transitioning to medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. This accelerated pathway allows students to earn both an undergraduate and medical degree in as little as seven years.

Our partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) provides students with the opportunity to pursue professional degrees in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, podiatric medicine, and pharmacy. Students in the LECOM Early Acceptance Program (EAP) can apply as early as high school or up until their third year at SEMO and receive a provisional letter of acceptance upon successful interview completion.

SEMO has also partnered with Mercy Southeast, which will serve as a clinical rotation site for LECOM medical students in the near future. This collaboration allows students following the LECOM pathway to earn their undergraduate degree from SEMO, gain early acceptance to LECOM, and complete clinical rotations at Mercy Southeast. These partnerships provide clear, direct pathways to advanced medical education, helping students turn their passion for healthcare into a reality.

When it comes time to graduate, you won’t struggle with finding material to fill your resume. In fact, you may find it hard to limit it to just one page.

a SEMO student in uniform works with a child in a hands on learning experience

Find Your Flock

You’ll do that here.

The scariest thing about college is that nagging question of will I find friends, will I fit in, will I be happy? Okay, maybe more than one nagging question. At SEMO, our community offers a variety of activities, teams, organizations, living spaces, and dining options—each with its own unique vibe, so everyone feels at home.

The scariest thing about college is that nagging question of will I find friends, will I fit in, will I be happy? Okay, maybe more than one nagging question. At SEMO, our community offers a variety of activities, teams, organizations, living spaces, and dining options—each with its own unique vibe, so everyone feels at home.

Southeast students cheer at freshman convocation during opening week activities.

You Have to Feel It

two SEMO students walk on the river campus under the shade of a tree smiling and talking
When we ask our students why they chose Southeast, they always say, “when I visited, I just fell in love.” The best way to know if SEMO is right for you is to experience it for yourself. So, what are you waiting for?

Learn and grow your connections.

Economic Impact

You’ll do that here.

Southeast is here to serve you and serve the region. We do that by being a value to students and employers while feeding the economy year after year. With nearly a $1 billion impact, Southeast helps build the regional economy and support our local businesses. By offering an affordable education, Southeast also sets students up for higher earning jobs and successful futures. Read more about all the ways Southeast is a value to the region with our most recent economic impact study.

Southeast is here to serve you and serve the region. We do that by being a value to students and employers while feeding the economy year after year. With nearly a $1 billion impact, Southeast helps build the regional economy and support our local businesses. By offering an affordable education, Southeast also sets students up for higher earning jobs and successful futures. Read more about all the ways Southeast is a value to the region with our most recent economic impact study.

  • $770m  

    SEMO alumni and the businesses that they work for add $770.6 million of added income to the Missouri economy. That is enough to support 11,180 jobs.

  • $108m  

    SEMO operations spending adds $107.9 million to the Missouri economy. That is enough to support 1,552 jobs.

  • $29k  

    The average bachelor's degree graduate from SEMO will see an increase in earnings of $28,900 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Missouri.

Unleash Your Potential

You’ll do that here.

A graduate degree is often the next step in your drive to get where you want to be. Our programs are designed to prepare you for tomorrow’s careers, achieve your goals, and master your future.

A graduate degree is often the next step in your drive to get where you want to be. Our programs are designed to prepare you for tomorrow’s careers, achieve your goals, and master your future.

Groundbreaking Academics

A Southeast graduate student checks the vital signs of a student on a treadmill during a science class.

Earn Your Grad Degree

Launch a Career

You’ll do that here.

Accredited programs? Check. Online programs? Check. High quality programs? Check. It’s all about your future, our role is to help you get there.
Accredited programs? Check. Online programs? Check. High quality programs? Check. It’s all about your future, our role is to help you get there.
  • 98%   Southeast has a 98% successful outcomes rate for students, meaning graduates are employed or furthering their education.

  • 44   Graduate and certificate programs to help you master your next step.

  • 100%   Convenient and affordable online degrees taught by our same high quality, expert faculty

Unleash Your Potential

You’ll do that here.

You need an online degree to fit your schedule. With SEMO Online, start when you’re ready. Get credit for what you already know. Earn a degree from an accredited institution. And, transform your future.

You need an online degree to fit your schedule. With SEMO Online, start when you’re ready. Get credit for what you already know. Earn a degree from an accredited institution. And, transform your future.

Bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and certificates to reach your goals.

Groundbreaking Academics

A Southeast Master of Business Administration major gives a presentation on product trends.

Forge Successful Careers

That’s what we do.

Whether your career requires a degree or you’re pursuing one to advance your options, SEMO Online delivers.

Whether your career requires a degree or you’re pursuing one to advance your options, SEMO Online delivers.

What Students Are Saying

An aerial view of Academic Hall on the main campus of Southeast Missouri State University.
Don’t take it from us, SEMO Online students are all too happy to share their experiences with their programs and professors as well as all about SEMO’s affordability.

Faculty Spotlight

Lucas Kirschman

“At SEMO, our students are experiencing biology, not just studying it. With our unique location near the Mississippi River, students have access to diverse ecosystems, from aquatic habitats to upland forests. Our hands-on approach allows students to work alongside conservation professionals, conduct field research in Missouri’s natural landscapes, and explore the Shawnee National Forest, home to the northernmost Bald Cypress swamp. Whether you're excited by a career in healthcare, environmental science, or biotechnology, SEMO provides the resources and experiences to prepare you for success.”

Get a Real Return on Investment

Invest in Yourself

We want to invest in you: with scholarships, with time, with help finding the possibilities to see, learn, and do all you want. Complete this form to let us know what you are interested in doing. We'll share all of the opportunities awaiting you at Southeast Missouri State University.