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Biology student takes a photo of a QR code label on a plant in a greenhouse.

Biology BA and BS

It is more than studying cells in the human body. Biology at the University of ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ explores a range of topics within the discipline such as genetics, global health and sustainability. You will gain an in-depth knowledge and versatile skills needed for numerous professional fields throughout your undergraduate career in our degree program.

Why Study Biology at St. Thomas?

We are a professionally engaged community that will equip you to find your passion, embark on a meaningful career and become a scientifically literate citizen through authentic experiences. You will complete courses at all levels emphasizing two fundamental concepts: mastering essential material of each discipline and developing intellectual skills needed to do science. You will leave St. Thomas ready for careers in academia, agriculture, bioinformatics, biotechnology, conservation biology, environmental science, medicine, dentistry and more.

A Different Approach to Biology

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Outside the Classroom
  • Course Requirements

    Your degree requirements will vary depending on whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. No matter what path you choose, you will complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics throughout your four years, gaining versatile knowledge and practical skills. If you pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, you will complete additional credits in areas such as psychology, computer science and engineering.

    Four-Year Plan

    We divide our program into three levels while increasing emphasis on independent work as you progress in your undergraduate career. You start by completing 24 credits of foundational biology and chemistry courses during your first two years, proceeding to advanced courses in biology during your junior and senior years. Your college career culminates with a capstone course involving independent research during your senior year.

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Biology
    • Bachelor of Arts in Biology
    • Minor in Biology

    Outside the Classroom

    “All for the common good.” We live the university’s mission in our program with a variety of courses with service learning components. We also encourage students to pursue other opportunities outside of the classroom like collaborative research with professors.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Your degree requirements will vary depending on whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. No matter what path you choose, you will complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics throughout your four years, gaining versatile knowledge and practical skills. If you pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, you will complete additional credits in areas such as psychology, computer science and engineering.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    We divide our program into three levels while increasing emphasis on independent work as you progress in your undergraduate career. You start by completing 24 credits of foundational biology and chemistry courses during your first two years, proceeding to advanced courses in biology during your junior and senior years. Your college career culminates with a capstone course involving independent research during your senior year.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Biology
    • Bachelor of Arts in Biology
    • Minor in Biology

    Outside the Classroom

    Outside the Classroom

    “All for the common good.” We live the university’s mission in our program with a variety of courses with service learning components. We also encourage students to pursue other opportunities outside of the classroom like collaborative research with professors.

    A student analyzing a frog's feet.

    Career Paths

    Our innovative curriculum will give you the academic knowledge and practical skills you need to be successful in multiple fields.

    • Zoologist
    • Medical doctor
    • Doctor of pharmacy
    • Conservation biologist
    • Bioinformatics specialist
    • Natural resource manager

    Scholarships

  • Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship
  • James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship
  • Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship
  • Healthcare Fund
  • Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship

    ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.

    James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship

    James Jagodzinski ’53 graduated with his degree in biology and started a successful scientific instrument business. He created this scholarship fund for students pursuing a biology major with hopes of attending graduate school for a career in the life sciences. We award a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition at St. Thomas.

    Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship

    Germann was a long-time faculty member and chair of the biology program at St. Thomas. We award this scholarship in his honor to sophomore or junior biology majors who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding participation in biology. We award up to six scholarships each year with the amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.

    Healthcare Fund

    We award this scholarship to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative 3.1 GPA or higher are eligible. They will demonstrate financial need, a commitment to community service and be of the Catholic faith.

    Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship

    Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarship

    ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ offers two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.

    James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship

    James M. Jagodzinski Scholarship

    James Jagodzinski ’53 graduated with his degree in biology and started a successful scientific instrument business. He created this scholarship fund for students pursuing a biology major with hopes of attending graduate school for a career in the life sciences. We award a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition at St. Thomas.

    Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship

    Paul J. Germann, PhD Scholarship

    Germann was a long-time faculty member and chair of the biology program at St. Thomas. We award this scholarship in his honor to sophomore or junior biology majors who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding participation in biology. We award up to six scholarships each year with the amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.

    Healthcare Fund

    Healthcare Fund

    We award this scholarship to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative 3.1 GPA or higher are eligible. They will demonstrate financial need, a commitment to community service and be of the Catholic faith.

    Students on the grand stairway in Shoenecker Center

    Schoenecker Center

    The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new Biology spaces, including research & teaching laboratories.

    Make an Impact

    Our program not only gives you the academic knowledge to be successful in the classroom, but also practical skills to prepare you for life after St. Thomas in a diverse array of industries.

    Collaborative Research

    Opportunities to do research as an undergraduate are scarce at many colleges and universities. But not here! In fact, we encourage you to collaborate with faculty on impactful research.

    Study Abroad

    We offer a variety of study abroad courses discussing numerous topics like environmental sustainability.

    Array of Courses

    We have over 40 biology courses to choose from at St. Thomas.

    Biology video

    A Broad Experience

    Biology students at ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ explore a wide range of topics within the discipline throughout their undergraduate careers. With opportunities to study abroad, conduct research and collaborate with community leaders, they build a valuable skill set applicable to multiple industries.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.