Bachelor of Arts: Biology
Bachelor of Science: Biology
In the broadest sense, biology is the study of life—looked at through molecular, organismal, cellular and ecological perspectives.
Concordia University Chicago offers a Biology program in which you can earn either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. As a member of the program, you will be encouraged to supplement your classroom learning by making your own discoveries as you assist with campus research projects led by our faculty in the Department of Natural Sciences and Geography.
Program Overview
Students who major in biology typically prepare themselves for careers in research, health care, environmental management, and education. Our program produces well-rounded professionals who combine their scientific and research abilities with critical thinking and communication skills.
Our professors expand the classroom experience by leading their students on visits to sites such as polymer plants, nuclear power plants, cosmetic analytical laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, conservation education agencies, and forensic laboratories for on-site instruction.
Our biology faculty also have international scientific relationships and offer research experiences and travel courses to places like Costa Rica, Guyana and the Biosphere in Arizona.
General Course Information
Concordia University Chicago’s Biology program offers a variety of courses that reflects the broad spectrum of studies in the biological sciences. Our liberal arts preparation is suitable for students wishing to pursue a career directly after graduation and for those continuing their education at the graduate level or in professional schools. We offer both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degree options. This allows you to choose the degree that best suits your needs.
For those interested in studying biology in graduate school or pursuing a career in health sciences, a
bachelor of science degree is recommended. Those interested in careers as a laboratory technician or in allied health care, such as nursing, should consider the bachelor of arts degree.
Prospective early childhood or elementary teachers select the biological sciences specialty area as a part of their
preparation, which requires students to complete 18 hours of BIO courses in addition to the general studies science requirement. At least eight of these hours must be above the 1000 level.
For details about required courses and course descriptions, please visit our online catalog.
Opportunities
There are many options for those interested in biology. Teaching is one of many fields to enter as a graduate with this degree. You can explore many positions in corporate, not-for-profit, government and other sectors. A biology degree allows you countless options for the future.
Biology students can take advantage of being close to Chicago and participate in consortium-type seminars offered through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area—a partnership of 15 liberal arts schools and government laboratories. Field trips include visits to the Morton Arboretum; the Chicago Botanical Garden; the Field Museum of Natural History; Brookfield Zoo; the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Students can also take part in opportunities such as Aqualytica, part of the Concordia University Chicago Student Operated Undergraduate Laboratory (SOUL) program. Aqualytica is a community outreach water testing laboratory designed to give students the opportunity to serve community residents by providing analysis of local water samples while gaining real-world experiences in the process.