Biology Minor
Undergrad Majors & Programs Biological Sciences Majors & Minors
Biology

The biology minor is designed for students who are majoring in related fields (such as nursing, athletic training, biokinetics, or chemistry) but enjoy biology and want it to be a formal part of their education.
Why should I study biology?
Understanding biology can help students think more critically about the issues faced by our world at a deeper level, from climate change to infectious diseases, and help to find ways to combat these problems. The biology minor can also enhance a major in another scientific field such as chemistry, or even a major in a non-science area such as psychology so that you learn to ask good questions, test your theories, and come to conclusions. Biology courses can help students seeking graduate programs in medicine and the healthcare professions.
All biology faculty members, in addition to being excellent teachers and scientists, champion both Christian faith and the truths found in biology.
What can I do with this degree?
A minor in biology can enhance any career field, from business and education to healthcare.What skills will I develop?
Depending on which biology electives you choose, you could gain experience with:
- Experimental design and interpretation
- Advanced microscopy
- Human cadaver dissection
- Small animal surgery
- Electrophoresis
- Immunohistochemistry and immuno-detection techniques
- Cell culture
- Sterile technique
- Spectrophotometry
- Microarray analysis and experimentation
- Geographical information systems
- Environmental field-testing techniques
- Application of science to life questions
- Use of quantitative reasoning
- Collaboration and communication with others
- The integration of Christian faith with science
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
- Student research with faculty members or other experts in a chosen area of research
- Presentations at Bethel University’s Biology Department Research Symposium
- Publishing in scientific journals
- Work with living cells, plants, tissues, live animals, and human cadavers
- 300 acres of environmental study on campus, including forest, prairie, lake, and wetland ecosystems.
- We are also in close proximity to additional parks, open spaces, and refuges for additional wildlife and ecosystem study.
- Study abroad
$83,149
average salary for biology alumni 10 years after graduation
11
full-time biology professors
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My favorite part of Environmental Studies courses was hands-on lab experience outside, connecting classroom learning to nature. Creation Restoration was a great way to put our coursework into practice on campus. Bethel's Environmental Studies program equipped me to steward Creation.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University

I was well-prepared to do a lot of work, and Bethel’s arduous biology and chemistry classes helped me understand the foundations of science really well.
Rachael Goldsmith ’19Hennepin Healthcare

While working with the Conservation Corps, I found that Bethel's Environmental Studies program gave me a lot more experience and made me more well-rounded than many of the other environmental studies students.
Kevin Berens '13Current job: Park Overseer, Parks and Trails Division of Minnesota DNR

My college experience not only gave me the knowledge I needed to pursue a career in medicine, but also provided me with opportunities to gain real-life skills that increased my confidence as both a researcher and a Christian. Having this experience in a Christian environment allowed me to learn with others who share similar core values and reminded me that faith can exist in every aspect of our lives.
Hannah Manion '18
The people at Bethel helped me determine the kind of person I wanted to be, before I knew what kind of doctor I would be. Bethel’s influence is essential to my work as a future physician and follower of Jesus.
Brett Einerson '06Current Job: Resident Physician at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
It's difficult to overstate the significance of the Bethel neuroscience professors and program in my life trajectory. You may find brilliant neuroscientists at any number of universities; however, you'd be lucky to find the degree of care and intentionality—combined with brilliance—that I found in my Bethel professors.
Rachel Wahlberg ’19The biology department was integral in getting me where I am today. It provided research opportunities, unique experiences such as interim in the Galapagos Islands/Amazon Rainforest/Ecuador, personal relationships with professors, and the academic foundation to smoothly transition to medical school.
Nate Paulson '10Currently: University of Virginia Anesthesiology Resident; received M.D. from University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine

My foundational education at Bethel really influenced my choice to pursue academic medicine instead of just clinical care. I’m so appreciative of the professors and their gift of incredible dedication to their students, while always giving God the glory!
Jonathan Eliason '92Current Job: S. Martin Lindenauer Collegiate Professor of Vascular Surgery; Co-Director, CVC-Multidisciplinary Aortic Program; Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan

The Environmental Studies program prepared me as a well-rounded student. I gained the field skills to study ecology, and also the ethical perspectives behind environmental stewardship. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate, which is passed on to their students.
David Petry '13Grad School: M.S. in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University

Research definitely gave me the confidence that I have something that I can contribute and something that shows too that I’m willing to work hard to get the results. And it sort of opened the door for a lot of things in my life.
Jennifer Berger. ’07Children’s Minnesota
What I deeply enjoyed about the neuroscience program is the open minded environment. I loved how we were able to have conversations that weren't typical in the faith community or the science community, but delved into both.
Alexa Hanowski '20The neuroscience program taught me a lot of valuable, hands-on, and applicable lab skills that graduate students—and even post-doctoral students—have not gotten a chance to practice and learn yet.
Elizabeth Dao ’20Having a good relationship with your professors and classmates makes a world of difference. My experience was greatly improved by knowing I had professors that cared for me as a whole person not just a student. Having classmates to lean on and discover cool neuroscience things together just added to the fun that neuroscience in general provides.
Shannon McCollough ’20
I’m going to graduate from Bethel having done things that I would have never thought I could do, and research was a big one.
Maria Pecoraro ’19University of Minnesota Medical Center