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Biology Major

Earn a biology degree at SBU

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A bachelor's degree in biology from SBU is a great foundation for a variety of careers within the field of biology. As an SBU biology major, you will choose one of the following three concentrations to tailor your education based on your personal and professional goals:

  • Biomedical Science — will prepare you for graduate school in a variety of academic disciplines or to pursue advanced studies in health-related careers such as in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary science or in becoming a physician's assistant
  • Environmental Biology/Field Biology — will focus you on ecology, wildlife biology and botany, and will prepare you for careers such as working for the Department of Conservation or Department of Natural Resources
  • General Biology — will allow you to choose biology elective courses to customize your degree based on your interests

The biology degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

80%
grad school
acceptance
rate

(More than 80% of biology majors seeking to enter
graduate school are accepted.)

Professor and students gathered around anatomy mannequin

The SBU Advantage

  • Get paid to do research in the summer as an undergraduate student through participating in SBU's Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.
  • Learn from our faculty, all of whom have earned Ph.D.'s and teach all labs and lectures personally.
  • Thrive in small class and lab sizes that facilitate deeper learning and quality interactions between faculty and students. This will prove advantageous to you when securing reference letters for medical and graduate schools.
  • SBU biology graduates have historically performed the best in SBU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. 100% of SBU biology graduates who then move on to complete the SBU DPT program pass the physical therapy board exam!

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

As a biology major, you will take a course from the Strait Center — Biology Through the Eyes of Faith. You will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses, including: Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Innovative Technology

As a biology student at SBU, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience with innovative technology, including a synthetic cadaver. You will learn about human anatomy and more by interacting in cadaver labs. Watch this video to hear from Dr. Murphy about how this synthetic cadaver will enrich your educational experience!

Careers in Biology

Biology graduates are equipped to pursue a variety of careers including:

  • Conservationist
  • Dentist
  • Doctor
  • Lab researcher
  • Optometrist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician's Assistant
  • Research/Academics
  • Veterinarian

Graduate Schools

SBU biology graduates have pursued graduate and professional education at institutions across the country including:

  • SBU's own Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program
  • Emory University
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Kansas School of Medicine
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
  • University of Oklahoma
  • University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Kristin Robidou
"I was looking for a Christian school with a strong science program. SBU was the perfect fit. The biology department, pre-medical courses and faculty at SBU made me very well-prepared for medical school."
Dr. Kristin Robidou '10
Physician at Citizens Memorial Hospital

Clubs and Organizations

Biology Club

As an SBU biology student, you are encouraged to join the Biology Club. During monthly meetings you will explore the field of biology with expert guest speakers, give back through biology-related service projects (such as volunteering at the zoo), and participate in social events.

Pre-Health Society

Pre-Health Society is an open club for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. The club meets once a month for group meetings, planning service events and hearing from guest speakers from various health fields. The club is a mix of under and upperclassmen, giving younger students the chance to meet peers and mentors who can encourage them in their chosen fields and through the challenges of pursuing a health-related career.

Sigma Zeta

As an outstanding biology student, you may have the opportunity to join Sigma Zeta, a national honor society for science and math students. Sigma Zeta members have the opportunity to go to the national honor society's convention and learn from experts and other students. You may even have the chance to present your own research at the convention.

Full-Time Faculty

Craig Endres

Dr. Craig Endres, Professor
Renfang Taylor

Dr. Renfang Taylor, Assistant Professor
John Murphy

Dr. John Murphy, Associate Professor
Dennis Siegfried

Dr. Dennis Siegfried, Professor

Scholarships

You will have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarships available based on your area of study. Some of these scholarships include:

  • Community Foundation of the Ozarks/Smith-Glynn-Callaway Medical Foundation
  • Dr. Irl Tremain Scholarship
  • Frank & Evelyn Huser Scholarship
  • Friends of the College of Science and Mathematics Scholarship
  • Lucy C. Tremain Scholarship
  • Margaret A. Kort Biology Scholarship
  • Marie Colvin Scholarship

 

Biology Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
BIO 1111 Biology Colloquium 1
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
BIO 2134 General Zoology 4
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
Total hours 14
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

  Biology Elective 4
CHE 1115 General Chemistry I 5
COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
PSY 1013 General Psychology 3
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

  Biology Elective 4
CHE 1125 General Chemistry II 5
HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
  Elective 2-3
Total hours 16-17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

BIO 3012 Methods in Scientific Research 2
BIO 2234 General Botany 4
CHE 3304 Organic Chemistry I 4
FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
  Elective 3-4
Total hours 16-17

Spring Semester

BIO ___4 Biology Elective 4
CHE 3314 Organic Chemistry II 4
  Cultural Studies Elective 2-3
  Elective 2-3
  Elective 3-4
Total hours 15-18
 

Senior

Fall Semester

BIO 3324 Genetics 4
BIO 4471 Seminar in Biology 1
  Biology Elective 4
SCF 3402 Biology Through the Eyes of Faith 2
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
  Elective 3-4
Total hours 17-18

Spring Semester

BIO 3334 Ecology 4
BIO 4224 Cell and Molecular Biology 4
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
  Elective 2-3
  Elective 3-4
Total hours 16-18

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Biology Plan (PDF)

Biology (Pre-Health) Plan (PDF)

Biology (Pre-Physical Therapy) Plan (PDF)

Biology: Environmental Biology Plan, Even Years (PDF)

Biology: Environmental Biology Plan, Odd Years (PDF)