${headerImage__alt}

Biology Minor

Minor

With a biology minor from Bethel, you’ll forge a strong understanding of biology that can help you think critically about issues facing our world—and ways to address them.

${introImage__alt}

By adding a biology minor, you’ll complement your primary major by forming a strong base in the biological sciences. The minor is a great fit if you’re majoring in related fields—nursing, exercise science, human bioenergetics, or chemistry—or if you want to forge a strong base in topics ranging from climate change to infectious diseases. If you’re interested in graduate or medical school, biology courses can help you round out your education and prepare for a healthcare career. You can also apply lessons from the biological sciences to almost any career.

Apply now Request info Visit campus

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.

Contact us

Request info

Interested in learning more about Bethel's minor in biology? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.
${introImage__alt}

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?

As you explore biology, you’ll enhance your knowledge and complement your skills in another scientific field such as chemistry or even a major in a non-science area such as psychology.

${skillsImage__alt}

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.

Strong 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.

Students having a discussion in the Brushaber commons

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 and endorsements. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.

${experienceImage__alt}

Specialized labs

Depending on your interests, you can learn in a variety of state-of-the-art facilities and labs, including human cadaver and biotechnology labs, neurosciences labs, a cellular/molecular biology lab, a greenhouse, environmental science labs, and 247 acres of outdoor laboratories.

Conduct research

As you engage in cutting-edge work, you’ll have opportunities to conduct research alongside professors and you could present your findings at regional and national scientific conferences.

Students in a classroom, one pointing at a detailed anatomical model during a discussion.

Student clubs and organizations

Get involved on campus by joining clubs like the Pre-Med Club, Creation Restoration Club, and Tri-Beta National Biology Honor Society.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

A minor in biology can enhance any career field, from business and education to healthcare.

A strong base in scientific thinking

You’ll learn to ask good questions, test your theories, and come to conclusions.

Healthcare-related careers

The biology minor can help you forge a strong base for many careers in medicine, healthcare, exercise science, and beyond.

Environmental sciences

By focusing on environmental biology, you can better prepare for careers tied to zoology, wildlife biology, horticulture, conservation, and more.

Prepare for graduate programs

Biology courses can help you prepare for graduate programs in medicine and the healthcare professions. And graduates from our biology programs have a great success rate of being accepted to graduate schools.

Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock

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

Bio >

Melissa Cordes

Melissa Cordes

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

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

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Beth Keister

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Ann O'Neill

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Faith Schumann

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Leann Snow

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Jim Stern

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Jeffrey Winter

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Brandon Burbach

Adjunct Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Andrew Steward

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Bryan Anderson

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Bio >

Teresa DeGolier

Teresa DeGolier

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Gregg Johnson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Bio >

Ian Johnston

Ian Johnston

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Bio >

Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Kenneth Petersen

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

James Reynhout

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Bio >

Timothy Shaw

Timothy Shaw

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Bio >

15

students awarded undergraduate research grants in last 6 years

$83,149

average salary for biology alumni 10 years after graduation

Overhead view of student working on laptop

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

Smiling student wearing Bethel University beanie

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

This flexible endorsement will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements