Biology is the scientific study of life, and understanding it requires looking at living systems from multiple perspectives. At Concordia University Chicago, you'll explore biology through molecular biology, cellular biology, organismal biology, and ecology, building the broad scientific foundation needed for careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, and education.  

As you progress through the program, you'll connect concepts across genetics, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, evolution, ecology, and biotechnology. Rather than studying these disciplines in isolation, you'll learn how they work together to explain living organisms, biological processes, and interactions within the natural world.

Concordia University Chicago offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Biology to accommodate students with different career aspirations and educational plans.

The Bachelor of Science is generally recommended for students planning to pursue graduate education or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant studies, or biological research. The curriculum includes additional upper-level science coursework that supports these pathways.

The Bachelor of Arts provides greater flexibility while maintaining a strong biology foundation. Many students interested in allied health, laboratory science, environmental careers, science education, or interdisciplinary studies find that the BA pathway aligns well with their goals.

If you're still deciding which path is right for you, consider these general guidelines:

• Choose the BS if you plan to attend medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, or graduate school in the biological sciences.
• Choose the BS if you're interested in biomedical research or laboratory-intensive scientific careers.
• Choose the BA if you're interested in laboratory technology, science education, or a career that combines biology with another discipline.
• Either pathway can prepare you for careers in environmental science, conservation, biotechnology, or allied health, depending on your career goals and elective coursework.

Faculty advisors work closely with students to understand their interests, discuss career plans, and recommend the degree pathway that best supports their future.

Scientific discovery depends on careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. Biology majors apply classroom concepts through laboratory coursework and are encouraged to extend their learning through Independent Study within the Department of Natural Sciences, working alongside faculty mentors on scientific questions that match their interests.

Depending on coursework and research interests, students may gain experience with laboratory methods commonly used throughout the biological sciences, including:

• Microscopy
• Genetics and molecular biology techniques
• Microbiology investigations
• Experimental design
• Biological data analysis
• Scientific literature review
• Ecological field observations
• Scientific presentations

These experiences strengthen technical skills while helping students think critically, interpret evidence, and communicate scientific findings with confidence.

Student feedback also suggests the Biology program offers a challenging but manageable workload when students balance laboratory courses with the rest of their schedule, allowing them to stay focused on learning while maintaining strong academic performance.

A biology degree prepares you for more than laboratory work. Throughout the program, you'll develop transferable skills that graduate schools, healthcare organizations, biotechnology companies, environmental agencies, and research laboratories value.

You'll strengthen your ability to:

• Analyze biological data
• Design and evaluate scientific investigations
• Apply quantitative reasoning
• Solve complex scientific problems
• Communicate technical information
• Interpret scientific literature
• Collaborate in laboratory settings
• Make ethical, evidence-based decisions
• Present research clearly
• Think critically across scientific disciplines

Concordia's liberal arts foundation complements your scientific coursework by strengthening communication, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary thinking, preparing you to lead with both knowledge and integrity.

Biology graduates pursue careers across healthcare, research, environmental science, biotechnology, education, government, and nonprofit organizations. Some begin professional careers immediately after graduation, while many continue into graduate or professional programs.

Career opportunities include:

• Research Technician
• Microbiologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Medical Technologist
• Science Policy Analyst
• Science Lab Director
• Forensic Scientist
• Park Ranger
• Professor*
• Biotechnology Specialist

*Additional education is typically required for college and university faculty positions.

The Bachelor of Science pathway is also recommended for students preparing for medical school and other graduate health professions, including participation in Concordia's LECOM Early Acceptance Program for qualified students pursuing medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy.

Concordia University Chicago's River Forest campus offers the benefits of a close-knit learning environment while placing students near one of the Midwest's largest centers for healthcare, biotechnology, higher education, and scientific research.

Students may expand their academic experience through Concordia's participation in the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area, a consortium that broadens educational opportunities across member institutions. Combined with proximity to Chicago's hospitals, environmental organizations, museums, research laboratories, and life sciences employers, students gain access to experiences that complement their classroom and laboratory education.