B.S. Biology Degree
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If you want to start a career in the exciting field of biology, earning your BS in Biology could be your next logical step. With the BS in biology program at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can gain a foundation of knowledge and research-based skills to work in entry-level roles in research facilities, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, or pursue teaching roles with licensure. Discover how IWU helps biology students study the life God has placed all around us in a faith-based learning environment.
There are several benefits to pursuing your BS in biology at IWU. We offer accredited degree programs taught by experienced faculty who are experts in the topics they teach. We also provide student services, from tech support to tutoring, to help you succeed in this program. In this campus-based program, you will benefit from faculty and advisors who want to help you succeed beyond graduation. Students learn from these expert faculty who will become mentors in the faith, integrating classroom learning with biblical truths for a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth.
This bachelor's degree in biology program is designed to help students gain knowledge, research, and critical thinking skills that effective biologists need in the field or classroom. Faculty are experts in the topics they teach, with many of them currently conducting research in cutting-edge areas. Course topics cover a wide range of foundational and specialized topics, including animal biology, genetics, marine ecology, and others.
IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
IWU surpasses the national averages in a number of important educational benchmarks, including, but not limited to: higher than average graduation and career outcome rates. Plus, compared to the national average, IWU students receive their education with lower than average student debt!
Coursework for this BS in biology program teaches students to help address a variety of modern challenges, including:
A major in Biology requires 52 hours of coursework (42 hours in biology and 10 hours in chemistry). Only courses numbered 125 and above may be applied toward the major or a minor in biology. All prerequisite courses require a grade of “C” or better. Students are not allowed to register for classes with numbers > 300 if their GPA is below 2.5.
To begin taking classes toward the Biology major, students must be eligible to take ENG-120 and have achieved the following:
Math SAT 480 or above (or MAT-120)
ACT Math score of 21 or above (or MAT-120)
A major in Biology requires 52 hours of coursework (42 hours in biology and 10 hours in chemistry). Only courses numbered 125 and above may be applied toward the major or a minor in biology. All prerequisite courses require a grade of “C” or better. Students are not allowed to register for classes with numbers > 300 if their GPA is below 2.5.
To begin taking classes toward the Biology major, students must be eligible to take ENG-120 and have achieved the following:
Math SAT 480 or above (or MAT-120)
ACT Math score of 21 or above (or MAT-120)
Students can choose from a range of courses that provide a broad understanding of the systems of biology. However, we offer several courses in microbiology (food, medical and environmental) that go beyond the principles of microbiology, we have cell bio, molecular, virology and immunology that allow students to focus on molecular and cellular biology. We have General Physiology and Mammalian Anatomy as well as Cadaver Anatomy that allow students to focus in the human body. We also have Plant Biology, Advanced Crops and Society, Entomology which allow students to focus more on sustainable agriculture.
Almost all aspects of the biology program is hands on with many courses that allow for experiences in the field learning plant or animal taxonomy (plant biology or field biology and ornithology) as well as lab experiences that give hands on skills like microbiology and molecular biology.
SCI 110 and PMD 110 are both first-year seminar courses that introduce students to areas of medicine and fields in STEM and the different career opportunities that are available within these fields. They learn about medical, dental, physician assistant and graduate school opportunities in research and medicine. Later, through PMD 310 and BIO 490/CHE 490, they continue to explore career paths, participate in professional development (resumes, cover letters, interviews, and LinkedIn). IWU offers HRI research fellowship opportunities for students to gain hands on experience mentored by IWU STEM faculty, IWU Wildcat Farm offers horticulture internships and we promote many local and national research and internship opportunities to students throughout the year. Faculty also provide guidance and mentorship to help discern next steps through advising and 1-1 mentor relationships, providing advice, expertise and letters of recommendation.
IWU offers HRI research fellowship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience mentored by IWU STEM faculty, a paid summer fellowship for 8 – weeks with a faculty mentor.
Dr. Warren Rogers: Endowed Chair of Physics, conducts research in nuclear physics, investigating and detecting neutrons arising from the decay of exotic nuclei.
Dr. Dan Jones: Professor of Biology, conducts research on dental osteonecrosis treatments.
Dr. Stephen Leonard: Associate Professor of Chemistry, conducts research on selective and potent inhibitors of the oncogenic tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2.
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You’ll start exploring your options right away. In your first year, SCI 110 and PMD 110 introduce you to careers in medicine and STEM, including paths to medical, dental, physician assistant, and graduate school. Later, PMD 310 and BIO 490/CHE 490 help you narrow your career path and build professional skills like writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and using LinkedIn.
You’ll also have plenty of chances to gain hands-on experience. You can apply for an Hodson Research Insitute fellowship and work alongside IWU STEM faculty, or complete a horticulture internship at IWU Wildcat Farm. Throughout the year, we also share local and national research and internship opportunities with you.
Along the way, your faculty advisors and mentors will help you figure out your next step. They’ll offer one-on-one guidance and expert advice, and they can write letters of recommendation when you apply for jobs or graduate school.
Foundational courses such as BIO 125, CHE 125 and PHY 111.
Recent graduates are moving on to medical and graduate school. Lucas Thomas and Alec Foster are in medical school, and Olivia Lucas is in graduate school.
Entering the field as a STEM major, graduates can pursue research labs, working for zoos, botanical gardens, the government. Or graduates can pursue advanced degrees in graduate or medicine to become doctors or research scientists.
You'll join a close community of students, faculty, and staff, with plenty of ways to build real experience and find mentors along the way. You can assist with faculty research, serve as a teaching assistant or lab prep assistant, or complete a horticulture internship.
This varies widely but for students wanting to pursue healthcare and medicine 1-3000 hours of patient contact hours is often required for graduate/medical schools.
You'll have support every step of the way, including Student Thriving, Life Calling, IT support, career services, and tutoring.
Yes. You can apply for an internship at IWU Wildcat Farm, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy and Professor Jacob Buck. You can also pursue internships off campus, both locally and across the country.
Often, yes, depending on the courses you've taken. Just fill out a course transfer evaluation form, and the division chair will review it.
None are required but many conduct research and participate in IWU HRI Colloquium and Celebration of Scholarship presenting oral and poster presentations.
At IWU, you'll learn in state-of-the-art STEM facilities, gain experience on a campus farm, and take part in robust research opportunities. You'll graduate exceptionally prepared for medical and graduate school.
You'll thrive here if you love science, medicine, the outdoors, and critical thinking.
Faith is part of everything you'll do, from your coursework and research to serving in the community and going on mission trips.
Explore the way ahead toward a world of opportunities in the field of biology. Learn more about this BS in Biology degree program at IWU!
Request Info Apply NowTake your STEM education beyond the classroom. IWU's STEM Scholar Program connects students with faculty mentors, hands-on research opportunities, and a community of curious, driven learners. Grow as a scientist, develop leadership skills, and put your faith into action through meaningful service experiences.
