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Biological Sciences

Biology is about more than studying living things. It’s about discovering meaning in the fabric of life.

The Department of Biological Sciences prepares graduates who make world-shaping discoveries and understand the relationship between their faith and biology. Through experiences in the lab, field, and classroom, you’ll explore the grand diversity of living things and embrace our call to care for all of creation.

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
Biology Minor Minor
Biology (B.A.) Major
Biology (B.S.) Major
Environmental Science Major
Neuroscience Major
Pre-Med - B.S. in Biology | Bethel University Program Program

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Upcoming Events

APR 6 2024

Understanding Creation: A Christian Reflection on Artificial Intelligence

8:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room

The annual faith/science mini-conference, co-hosted by Bethel University and Crown College, will explore a Christian perspective on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

MAY 11 2024

Science Research Symposium

1:30 p.m. Brushaber Commons Atrium

Come support and celebrate our Bethel Science students! Find out about their research and internships during their presentations at our Science Research symposium.

Studying the Breadth of God’s Creation

The biology program at Bethel gives students the space and tools to investigate the wonder and intricacies of life. You’ll prepare for careers on the cutting edge of biology by building a foundation in a range of fundamentals, such as genetics, ecology, cell biology, anatomy/physiology, microbiology, botany, and biochemistry. Have your pick of specialized areas of study including immunology, aquatic biology, animal behavior, molecular biology, neurobiology, wildlife management, and developmental biology. Through investigative work in the classroom, field, and lab, biology students are prepared to be Christians immersed in scientific discovery, ready to make a difference in their chosen fields.

Bethel students working in the biology lab

$83,149

average salary for biology alumni 10 years after graduation

15

students awarded undergraduate research grants in last 6 years

Program Highlights

Integration of science and faith

You’ll cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character, nature, and being through the thoughtful study of His creation.

We do science

At Bethel, we’re not content to just learn about science from a textbook. We also do science in fully equipped facilities, including a human cadaver lab, biotechnology lab, greenhouse, and 260 acres of outdoor laboratories.

Collaborative student research

Design and complete a research project with a professor, and possibly receive a summer scholarship for your work. Many biology students have presented their research findings at regional and national scientific conferences, with several earning top honors.

Outstanding faculty mentoring

Unlike large universities where professors teach only large lectures, Bethel biology professors work with students in classes and labs. Meeting face-to-face with students in these contexts provides for significant student/faculty interaction. Their expertise and work across diverse subdisciplines offer interdisciplinary preparation for students.

Study on location

Study in the rainforests and mountains of mainland Ecuador, the reefs of the Galapagos Islands, or in New Zealand as part of the Creation Care Study Program. You can also choose off-campus study programs like the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies with locations in Michigan, Florida, Washington state, and India.

Gain practical experience

Bethel biology students intern at well-known institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, McNeely Conservatory, The Wolf Project, Medtronic, R&D Systems, and the National Institutes of Health.

Student clubs and organizations

Join one of the many clubs tied to the biology department to engage socially and professionally in your chosen field: 

  • Creation Restoration Club 
  • Pre-Med Club
  • TriBeta national biology honor society chapter—awarded the national Chapter Excellence and Outstanding Chapter awards four times in its history
  • Sigma Zeta, an all-science honor society that hosts several national conventions

What can I do with a biology degree?

Biology students prepare for professional careers in a variety of industries and graduate programs ranging from medicine to forensic science to ecology.

Careers

Biology graduates pursue careers in the following fields:

  • Medicine (M.D.)
  • Osteopathic medicine (O.D.)
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Podiatry
  • Cell/molecular biology research
  • Cytogenetics
  • Genetics research
  • Neuroscience
  • Optometry
  • Physician assistant
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chiropractic medicine
  • Education (elementary, secondary, university)
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Restoration ecology (management of natural resources)
  • Wildlife biology
  • Zookeeping
  • Environmental education

Graduate Fields

Our alumni study:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Osteopathy
  • Other allied health professions
  • Anatomy
  • Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Physical chemistry
  • Forensic science
  • Molecular biology
  • Molecular plant sciences
  • Animal physiology
  • Water resources
  • Public health
  • History of science

Graduate Schools

Our alumni attend:

  • University of North Carolina
  • Wake Forest University School of Medicine
  • Northwestern University, Chicago
  • Penn State University
  • Michigan State University
  • University of Minnesota
  • Harvard
  • Yale
  • Loyola
  • Purdue University
  • University of Chicago
  • Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
  • Howard University
  • Washington State University