Applied Science Degree Program

Explore the Applied Science degree program

Wayne State College (WSC) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) have partnered to offer students an innovative pathway to a career in agriculture and natural resources while remaining in Northeast Nebraska. With the growing population of the world, natural resources must be understood and used wisely. In this program, you'll study agriculture and biology. You'll learn to apply concepts, processes, and procedures to manage resources in the areas of food, animal, and plant systems.

You’ll begin your education with coursework at WSC, then transfer to UNL for your final year of undergraduate study. You also have the option to take your final year of courses online with UNL.

Students who complete the dual-degree program will receive two bachelor’s degrees: an Applied Science degree from UNL and a Life Sciences / Biology degree from WSC. Areas of focus under UNL’s Applied Science degree include food, animal, and plant science, current and emerging technologies; ecosystems science and management, and leadership, entrepreneurship, and economics.

With these dual degrees, you’ll be prepared for jobs related to farming, ranching, parks and recreation, and land management.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Degree options: B.S. in Life Sciences / Biology (WSC) + B.S. in Applied Science (UNL)

Delivery format: On campus for your first three years at Wayne State College; on campus or online for your fourth year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Program credit hours: 120

90 hours at WSC (includes 30 hours of General Studies requirements)
30 hours at UNL

Note: A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice

Department: Life Sciences

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Biology topics covered at WSC

Principles of biology in the animal kingdom
Plant structure, function, and evolution
Gene action and molecular technology
Interrelationships of organisms and their environment
Habitats, ecosystem management, and ecological restoration
Scientific writing, research, data collection, and analysis
History and mechanisms of evolution

Applied science topics covered at UNL

Application of biotechnology to food, health, and the environment
Agricultural systems technology
Ecosystems science and management
Food, animal, and plant science systems
Leadership, entrepreneurship, and economics

Ecology Study Area

Students enrolled in the Applied Science program can immerse themselves in diverse ecosystems found on campus in our Ecology Study Area. At Wayne State, you can study ecological concepts firsthand as you observe native plant species, wetland dynamics, and the restoration of the tallgrass prairie. You have the opportunity to participate in restoration projects, conduct research on the importance of tallgrass prairies, or conduct field studies on a variety of plants and animals that call this habitat home. This unique study site is a part of what makes studying science at Wayne State such a rewarding experience.

Biology and applied science internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find biology and applied science internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

ADM Soy Processing
Cargill
Helena Chemica Company
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Nebraska Game and Parks
Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
Monsanto
Pioneer Hi-Bred
Ponca State Park
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Upper and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Applied Science degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Field Agronomist - Crop Tech Solutions (Gothenburg, Neb.)
Farm Partner - Cornwell Family Farms (Belgrade, Neb.)
Precision Farming Specialist - Mitchell Equipment (Atkinson, Neb.)
Feedlot Manager - Muller Farms (Scribner, Neb.)
Testing and Operations Manager - Monsanto (Tea, S.D.)
Sales Representative - Syngenta (Greensboro, N.C.)

Job data reported from UNL graduates

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Biology program courses at WSC (61 credits)

Credits: 4
Description: The first course for Biology majors. A grade of C- or better in this course is a prerequisite for all biology courses in the biology concentration. A study of the microscope, basic cell structure and function, DNA replication, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, population biology, and diversity. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: One year of high school biology or BIO 102 Biology for General Studies
Credit: 1
Description: A discourse on environmental problems and opportunities through research, discussion, and guest lectures. This course may be repeated for a total of 2 hours.
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the principles of biology as they apply to the uniformity, diversity, and organization of the animal kingdom. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the principle of biology through an investigation into the molecular, anatomical, and morphological diversity of the non-animal Eukarya. Students will use laboratory methodology and scientific inquiry to understand plant structure, function, and evolution. Topics related to the human use of plants including phytopharmacology, ethnobotany, and plant biotechnology will also be examined. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Note: Two BIO 301 seminar courses are required. You will take this twice, for a total of 2 credit hours.
Credits: 1
Description: Lecture and discussion of topics relevant to the science and practice of biology. Topics vary based on the faculty member leading the course. This course may be repeated up to a total of 4 hours, by advisement, when no duplication of topic exists, but a maximum of only 2 credit hours can count towards any Life Sciences major.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the mechanisms of inheritance, the molecular basis of gene action and the use of molecular techniques and molecular technology in biomedical, agricultural, and industrial research. The lab component of this course focuses on hands-on use of molecular equipment and technologies used in graduate and industrial molecular-based research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 4
Description: An evolution-based study of the interrelationships of organisms and their environment. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 required.
Prerequisite: 8 hours of biology
Credits: 3
Description: A study of habitat assessment, ecosystem management and ecological restoration. Students will integrate knowledge gained from various disciplines to develop conservation management plans.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
Course availability: This course is offered in the spring of even years
Credits: 2
Description: This course is designed for biology majors as an introduction to scientific writing, library research, data collection, and data analysis. The student will be expected to use the skills learned in this course to establish a proposal for a research project for BIO 465 and 470.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, 8 hours of biology
Credits: 4
Description: Topics of study detail the structure and physiology of microorganisms including mechanisms of pathogenesis. Beneficial aspects of microorganisms are also discussed with regard to both the human body and the environment. Lab techniques include microbial identification, enumeration procedures and student designed research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $30 class fee required.
Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credit: 1
Description: The internship program is a credit-bearing program providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to integrate career-related work experience with classroom learning. Work experiences occur in positions relevant to a student’s major. Internships require a minimum of 45-50 work hours for each 1 hour of credit. Contact the Career Services Office, your academic advisor, or department chair for specific details. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: BIO 370 Introduction to Research, approval of the academic advisor and/or department chair, and a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement and/or the eligibility requirements per the department.
Credits: 3
Description: The study of the history of evolutionary thought. The course will explore the evidence for evolution by examining the fossil record, comparative anatomy/physiology, and model field studies. Students will learn the model systems demonstrating the mechanisms that drive evolution: mutation, selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and inbreeding. Students are required to conduct research projects requiring quantitative analysis of evolutionary and ecological data. Evolution is a unifying theme in biology which integrates knowledge from all biological disciplines. 3 hours lecture-lab combined.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, BIO 200 Zoology, BIO 210 Experimental Plant Science, and BIO 320 Molecular Genetics
Credit: 1
Description: This course is a continuation of BIO 370 and BIO 465. Students will take this course as a means of completing their individual research project under the direction of a chosen instructor. A presentation of this research in both oral and written form is required at the conclusion of the course.
Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, BIO 370 Introduction to Research, and BIO 465 Continuing Research
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies
Credits: 4
Description: A continuation of CHE 106 with emphasis on kinetics, redox reactions, molecular geometry, hydrolysis, electrochemistry, and solubility products. Qualitative analysis included. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 106 or by consent of instructor
Credits: 3
Description: A study of how and why Earth’s climate has changed and how the climate is likely to change in the future. Environmental, economic, social, and political issues associated with climate change will also be explored. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in either EAS 110 Intro to Meteorology or EAS 120 Intro to Geology, or instructor approval
Course availability: This course is offered in the spring of odd years.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides a basic introduction to the theory behind and hands-on usage of a Geographic Information System. An ability to manipulate and visualize data graphically is becoming ever more important in today’s technological workplace. A Geographic Information System is a computing tool that allows the user to visualize information in ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends not visible using other presentation methods.
PHY 201 General Physics I (3 credits) – An algebra-based general physics course intended primarily for health professions, life science and education students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: 2 years of algebra.
PHY 321 Physics Laboratory I (1 credit) – Concurrent enrollment in PHY 201/301 recommended but not required. This laboratory is a required course for both PHY 201 and PHY 301. Experiments, appropriate to the level of lecture, include topics in mechanics, momentum, work and energy, and fluids. 3 hours lab. Physics lab fee of $20 required.
Credits: 3
Description: The study of domestic policy making processes and institutions at all levels, taught from an intergovernmental relations perspective.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will analyze the relationship between the logic of social system development and resource development. The reciprocal relationship between human society and ecosystems will be examined as a wide range of environmental problems are addressed.
Prerequisite: SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 220 Social Problems, or instructor permission

Credits: 3
Description: This course provides instruction and practice in a variety of writing, reading, and critical thinking skills, with emphasis on forming experiences, ideas, and opinions into a coherent essay. The types of writing assignments vary among instructors, but students can expect to write expressive, analytical, and persuasive essays, some of which will involve the use of secondary sources. This course will hone students’ grammatical and punctuation skills, as needed. Grade below “C” receives no credit.
Credits: 3
Description: Students will acquire knowledge of the elements and models of communication in a variety of situations. In particular, students will learn about the nature of interpersonal, small group, public speaking, and organizational communication. Beyond this, the student will prepare and present speeches and public presentations in interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public speaking settings, and contexts. “C” or above required for educator preparation students.
Choose one of the following to meet UNL program requirements:
- MAT 130 Precalculus (5 credits) - A rigorous course in the computational and theoretical aspects of algebra and trigonometry: equations and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; complex numbers; polynomial, rational, radical, exponential logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, equations, and graphs; right triangle trigonometry; inverse functions; law of sines; law cosines, trigonometric identities. Mastery of these skills will empower a student to achieve success in Calculus I. Prerequisite: Placement of “C-“ or better in MAT 121 College Algebra.
- MAT 140 Calculus I (5 credits) - Mastery of algebra and trigonometry is necessary before taking this course. Theory and applications of limits, derivatives, antiderivatives, definite integrals, and differentials of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Prerequisite: Placement or “C-” or better in MAT 130 Precalculus I.
Credits: 3
Description: A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture from Prehistoric to Gothic. Lecture.
Choose one of the following to meet UNL program requirements:
- HIS 150 History of the U.S. for General Studies (3 credits) – A selective examination of the major trends, events, and issues that have shaped the development of the United States, from pre-colonial times to the present. This course does not count in the major in History, subject endorsement in History, or field endorsement in Social Studies.
- HIS 280 America, 15,000 B.S. to 1845 (3 credits) - A comprehensive survey of American History from the Pre-Columbian Period to the beginning of the Mexican-American War, including a survey of Pre-Columbian cultures, the Colonial Era, the American Revolution, the Early National Period, and Antebellum America. This course focuses on studying the diversity of America by analyzing and interpreting the role of gender, class, race, and ethnicity in history. Students will engage in historical research using multiple historical and contemporary sources to investigate, interpret, and analyze the events of the time under study and the persistent issues that have compelled this dynamic nation forward. This class is required for majors and educator preparation candidates seeking a Social Studies field endorsement or a History subject endorsement.
- HIS 281 America, 1845-1945 (3 credits) - A comprehensive survey of American History from 1845 to 1945, including a survey of Western expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. The course focuses on studying the diversity of America by analyzing and interpreting the role of gender, class, race, and ethnicity in history. Students will engage in historical research using multiple historical and contemporary sources to investigate, interpret, and analyze the events of the time under study and the persistent issues that have compelled this dynamic nation forward. This class is required for majors and educator preparation candidates seeking a Social Studies field endorsement or a History subject endorsement.
Credits: 3
Description: A philosophical examination of fundamental human questions, conducted through reading and discussions concerning problems in knowledge, reality, and value (ethics and aesthetics).
Credits: 3
Description: In this course, the principal microeconomic market model of supply and demand will be studied. Additional topics introduced to add to our understanding of the basic model will include resource allocation concepts, production and cost theory, consumer theory and market structure conditions.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the basic nutrients and their relationship to physical, mental, and emotional health. Nutritional requirements and dietary planning for all age groups. The use of the computer for dietary analysis, evaluation of the analysis, and application to daily eating habits.
Credits: 3
Description: Selected topics of environmental concerns to be presented by the laboratory-oriented approach, and in compliance with the requirements of General Studies. Does not apply to any major, minor, or endorsement in any science area (BIO, CHE, EAS, NAT) unless specified. 4 hours lecture-lab combined.

Applied science courses at UNL (30 credit hours)

Upon acceptance to the UNL College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CASNR), students will work with their UNL advisor to select courses in the following areas:

AGRI 115 Biotechnology: Food, Health, and Environment (3 credits)
Food, Animal, and Plant Science Systems** (4 credits)
Current and Emerging Technologies** (2 credits)
Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Economics** (12 credits)
Any CASNR ACE 10 course (3 credits)
Electives** (6 credits)

**Consult with Applied Science advisor to ensure courses are CASNR courses at the 300-400 level. Student must meet the CASNR residency requirement of 18 hours at the 300-400 level.

Get Your Agriculture Degree in Nebraska

The Applied Science degree program is a dual-degree partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This your chance to stay in Northeast Nebraska while earning a Life Sciences (Biology) degree from Wayne State and an Applied Science degree from UNL.