B.S. in Biological Science
Overview
Biological science is the study of living systems. As a biological science major, you’ll engage areas of focus such as cell biology, neuroscience, ecology, molecular biology and much more. Biola's biological science degree will prepare students to study and appreciate God's creation at the organismal and biomolecular level as well as provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of biology disciplines and careers.
In addition to its strong curriculum and biblical integration, Biola’s Biological Bachelor of Science program offers biological sciences students several key advantages:
- Small class sizes and laboratory sections give you an opportunity to develop close relationships with your biological sciences professors, who have extensive experience in teaching, research and publishing.
- Graduates report feeling well prepared for biological-related careers, such as marine biology and veterinary medicine which are among the best-paid, highest-satisfaction and fastest-growing life sciences occupations.
- Biola’s location in Southern California — one of the world’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas — is ideal for biology majors seeking internships and job opportunities.
- Integration of known biological facts with scriptural principles are emphasized and taught to guide you in your spiritual development — you will not only graduate with a biology degree, but also the ability to effectively discuss theories of origins and evolutionary biology within the context of a scriptural view of creation.
- Well-equipped laboratories at the Lim Center offer hands-on experience and opportunities to put your academic learning into action.
- Be mentored by expert faculty who integrate their Christian faith into their lives as researchers, teachers and ministers in local or global communities. Students have opportunities to be involved in directed research with faculty, participate in presentations at various conferences and co-author peer-reviewed journal articles. Learn more about our faculty and student research.
Concentrations
- Environmental ScienceThe environmental science concentration prepares students to become leaders who are passionate about restoring all aspects of God’s creation. By combining scientific and theological knowledge with practical field, lab and communication skills, students will be equipped to create just and sustainable solutions addressing the environmental challenges we face in today’s world.
- General BiologyThe general biology concentration prepares students for a variety of non-health care graduate programs such as marine biology, botany, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or medical research. This concentration allows students to choose from a wide range of upper division biology electives that are suited to their career goals including: marine biology, vertebrate biology, environmental ethics, neurobiology, and biology of cancer.
- Premed/Pre-Health Care ProfessionalThe premed/pre-health care professional concentration equips students to become strong applicants for medical, dental and veterinary schools. In this concentration, students complete a clear track of courses to prepare for the MCAT and fulfill entrance requirements. Some of the most popular upper division electives in this concentration include: prosection, parasitology, immunology, and nutrition and metabolism.
- Secondary InstructionFor those interested in teaching biology at the high school level, this concentration provides coursework that, combined with successfully passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), leads to a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biology. The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation. See a credential analyst at Biola's School of Education for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential. Students must consult with both their major advisor and a School of Education advisor.
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Courses
What will I study as a biological science major?
As a major in biological sciences, you will develop a basic competence and knowledge of living organisms and vital processes in the allied sciences such as:
- Zoology
- Botany
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
You will develop a strong understanding of the scientific method as the degree prepares you to responsibly apply various biological disciplines, such as computational biology to real-life situations. Learning and course highlights include:
- Emphasizing the principles of cellular and molecular biology and genetics
- Introduction to principles of systems and biodiversity
- Collecting and interpreting quantitative data
- Field research and practicing writing for the biological sciences
- Using a scanning electron microscope
- Participating in human systems analysis and electrophysiology labs
- Studying microbial organisms on bacteria and viruses
- Discussing the molecular organization and function of cells and their organelles
- Differentiating between vertebrate groups
- Experience in experimental design, laboratory investigation and technical writing
Bible and Theology Coursework
As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.
Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science?
As a highly skilled and technically competent scientist, your biology degree will be prepared to enter graduate school and to impact the world for Jesus Christ in fields such as research, medicine, education, environmental science and biochemistry. A graduate degree in biological science provides career options in many professions such as:
- Doctor
- Forensic scientist
- Research biologist
- Life science educator
- Hospital administrator
- Laboratory researcher
- Medical technician
- Educator
- Wildlife rehabilitation specialist
In addition, Biola graduates from the biological science major have gone on to study at prestigious graduate schools, including:
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Southern California
- Michigan State University
- Tulane University
- University of Chicago
- University of Washington
- University of Arizona
- Washington State University
- University of Texas
- Oregon Health & Science University
- University of Pittsburgh
Explore the Biola Office of Health Professions Advising (BOHPA), a distinctive of Biola, that provides experienced advice for navigating your healthcare journey, resources for taking qualifying exams like the GRE and MCAT, mock interviews, clinical shadowing experiences with health professionals, and strategic advice for applying to postgraduate programs.
11% job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for medical scientists is projected to be much faster than average between 2023 and 2033.
BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.
Biola's training in faith perspectives has been instrumental during my graduate studies. Biola's faith integration allows for continual recognition of God's peace and beauty that blossoms out of difficulty. The body was designed to work right, and when it doesn't, God gives us the knowledge to solve problems.
Biological Science (Pre-med concentration), B.S. '21
Biological science gives you the opportunity to explore God's creation amidst its changes and progressions that enables you to grow more intellectually in knowing how profound our creator is.
Because my professors chose to invest their time in helping me process where the Lord was calling me after Biola, I was accepted into Columbia University's MPH Program with an emphasis in Epidemiology shortly after graduating from Biola.
Biological Science, B.S. '15
Before Biola I thought faith and science just ran alongside each other but now I know that the two go hand in hand.
Biological Science, B.S. '11
The professors at Biola were invested in me as a person as much as they were in my learning. They gave me all of the core science background I needed in preparation for the MCATs and medical school.
Biological Science, B.S. '09
Admissions
Admissions Process
Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.
Schedule a Visit
Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.
