Department of Biology

Programs in the Department of Biology are designed to help prepare students for graduate school and careers in biology education, health care, and biotechnology. For each of these careers there is a need to understand the explanatory principles of biology and basic methods of biological investigation. The combination of core and elective courses facilitates the preparation of students entering post-baccalaureate degree programs or the job market.

Students may choose the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with an area of emphasis in (1) Pre-Professional ; (2) Liberal Arts ; or (3) Pre-Physical Therapy .

The pre-professional area of emphasis is designed for students planning to attend a graduate school, veterinary school, or a human health school (such as medical, dental, physician's assistant, chiropractic, or pharmacy). The liberal arts area of emphasis is designed for students who are interested in field-oriented biology, such as environmental science (natural history, fish and game, national and state parks and refuges, etc.), in other areas with more emphasis on organismal biology, or science education. Students successfully completing the pre-professional and liberal arts emphasis will be prepared for health professional schools; graduate studies in agriculture, biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, environmental science, genetics, etc.; or employment as a research technician, environmental consultant, or science educator.

The pre-physical therapy area of emphasis is designed to provide the needed rigor to produce strong candidates for professional school in physical or occupational therapy.

A minor field in biology  is available for students who are majoring in other disciplines.

A student must earn a grade point average of 2.00 (C) in all courses required for the major or minor. Other courses taken in the Department will be included in the average.