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Biology Major (B.A.)

Bachelor of Arts

With a B.A. in Biology, you’ll build a strong base in the biological sciences to pursue a career in fields related to the life sciences.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Biology, you’ll forge a strong base for many careers with opportunities to specialize and pursue your calling. The B.A. is a starting place for many careers in the life sciences, while the B.S. in Biology includes additional chemistry and physics courses that will prepare you to enter graduate or medical school. In both major, you’ll develop your skills and expertise to reach your full potential.

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Why should I study biology at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Biological Sciences, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character, nature, and being through the study of His creation. And your professors will model how to be excellent scientists and faithful Christians.

  • Hands-on learning
    Explore science in state-of-the-art facilities in the Nelson-Larson Science Center and Barnes Academic Center, as well as human cadaver and biotechnology labs, a greenhouse, and 247 acres of outdoor laboratories.

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Students actively engage in a hands-on biology class, working on various tasks.
A student focuses on writing notes during a biology lab session.
Two students excitedly examine samples during a lab exercise.
Students collaborate on a biology project, using laptops and microscopes.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in biology, you’ll become a knowledgeable scientist in a scientifically rigorous major that will prepare you for careers requiring strong biological understanding, including some graduate programs in the biological sciences and some medical and health professional postgraduate programs.

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Practical science skills

You'll learn to use and apply quantitative reasoning to solve problems, create and use models, critically analyze and evaluate scientific topics, and you’ll design scientific experiments and conduct research.

Communication

You’ll also be equipped to communicate your scientific understanding in multiple forms as you develop strong skills like reading, writing, critical thinking, and analysis.

Research and collaboration

As you pursue research opportunities, you’ll develop strong research skills and be equipped to collaborate with others.

Laboratory skills

Develop your skills and expertise in our labs, including advanced microscopy, human cadaver dissection, small animal surgery, microarray analysis and experimentation, environmental field sampling techniques, and more.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience by studying abroad or completing amazing internships. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Specialized labs

Explore science in state-of-the-art facilities like human cadaver and biotechnology labs, neurosciences labs, a cellular/molecular biology lab, a greenhouse, environmental science labs, and 247 acres of outdoor laboratories. In all our labs, you’ll grow accustomed to modern instruments and equipment.

Research opportunities

As you engage in cutting-edge work, you’ll have opportunities to conduct research alongside professors, and you could receive a summer scholarship or present your findings at scientific conferences. You can also work in the department as a teaching assistant.

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Clubs and organizations

Engage with your classmates and build connections through the Pre-Med Club, Creation Restoration Club, and Tri-Beta National Biology Honor Society. Some clubs also sponsor networking events that bring alumni and potential employers to campus.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a biology degree?

A biology major is a great starting place for many careers in the life sciences, with opportunities to specialize. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Research and lab careers

Gain the skills to work as a biological laboratory scientist and technician, a molecular and cellular biologist, a geneticist, a bioinformatics scientist, a biochemical engineer, a food industry scientist, and more.

Healthcare-related careers

Though the B.S. in biology is a better choice to pursue medical school, the B.A. will prepare you for medical careers and graduate programs if you want to work as a physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, medical technician, and more.

Environmental sciences

Work in various roles related to environmental biology, including zoology, wildlife biology, horticulture, conservation, and more. Graduates also work in agriculture, forestry, environmental restoration, and environmental management.

Education and teaching

You’ll be equipped to earn additional licenses or degrees to become a biology teacher or pursue an education career.

Grad school

You’ll be well-equipped to continue your education in Ph.D. programs and some medical fields.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying in our department lounge.

Department of Biological Sciences


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 128

Contact

Amy Dykstra

Amy Dykstra

Amy Dykstra

Professor of Biological Sciences and Department Chair

Bio >

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Bryan Anderson

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Melissa Cordes

Melissa Cordes

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

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Ellis Doan

Ellis Doan

Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Brent Hoernemann

Brent Hoernemann

Laboratory and Safety Coordinator

Bio >

Brian Hyatt

Brian Hyatt

Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Abbie Marten

Abbie Marten

Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Brittany Nairn

Brittany Nairn

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Jeffrey Port

Jeffrey Port

Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Paula Soneral

Paula Soneral

Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Jackie Towner

Jackie Towner

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

Sara Wyse

Sara Wyse

Professor of Biological Sciences

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Beth Keister

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Ann O'Neill

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Faith Schumann

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Leann Snow

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Jim Stern

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Jeffrey Winter

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

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Brandon Burbach

Adjunct Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences

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Andrew Steward

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

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Teresa DeGolier

Teresa DeGolier

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita

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Gregg Johnson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Ian Johnston

Ian Johnston

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita

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Kenneth Petersen

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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James Reynhout

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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Timothy Shaw

Timothy Shaw

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

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45

biology students have received scholarships for summer research projects (in last decade)

11

full-time biology professors

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

Learn more

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

Learn more

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements