Biology

Valpo offers five degree pathways, allowing students to customize their coursework to their unique interests and career goals. Nearly all biology courses have a laboratory component. Our degree programs include:

• Bachelor of science in biology (41 credit hours) – This degree provides rigorous training to prepare students for graduate study in biology and careers in the life sciences.
• Bachelor of science in biology, research intensive concentration (38 credit hours) – This highly selective program is designed for students who plan to apply to graduate programs in biology. It requires six semesters of research and an additional course, Introduction to Biological Research.
• Bachelor of science in biology (35 credit hours) – This pathway provides a solid foundation in biology for students with a broad range of interests. The degree must be paired with either a second major in a non-science discipline, a second major in environmental science, or one of the specific minor options.
• Bachelor of science in biology (31 credit hours) – This program is designed for students pursuing a second major in a scientific discipline, such as chemistry or psychology. Many students pursuing careers in health professions choose this degree.
• Bachelor of arts in biology (31 credit hours) – This degree offers a broad background in basic biology for students with a second major in any discipline, including humanities or social sciences.

To earn a bachelor of science in biology (35 credit hours), major requirements include:

Careers for graduates are as diverse as the biological world itself. With this degree, you can go on to shine in research, healthcare, teaching, policymaking, and more. The career outlook is bright, with jobs in the sciences projected to grow nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the fastest-growing jobs include forensic science technicians and agricultural and food scientists, expected to increase by 14% and 8% respectively through 2033. Many Valpo students also pursue advanced training, succeeding in graduate programs and professional schools after graduation.

Careers in Biology:

• Biologist
• Dentist
• Environmental scientist
• Epidemiologist
• Food scientist
• Forensic scientist
• Laboratory technician
• Medical scientist
• Physician
• Science teacher

The Research Concentration is intended for students primarily interested in pursuing graduate study. Qualifying students may participate in this highly-selective program. Applications and additional information about this program are available from the office of the chair of the department.

Foundations

B.S. students in biology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.S. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions.

Biology Courses

Additional required courses: Two semesters of general chemistry and one semester of organic chemistry.

This degree offers a solid foundation in biology to students with a broad range of interests. Students pursuing this degree must declare one of the following:

• A second major in a non-science discipline;
• The 32-credit complementary major in environmental science;
• A disciplinary science minor (qualifying disciplines include astronomy, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and psychology); or
• A minor in fundamentals of business, business administration, applied statistics, engineering, or geographic information systems.

Foundations

B.S. students in biology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.S. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing students to global cultures and traditions.

Biology Courses

Additional Required Courses: Two semesters of general chemistry and one semester of organic chemistry

Recommended Courses

Depending on career goals and special requirements for graduate schools and professional programs, students are advised to include courses in advanced chemistry, advanced mathematics (including calculus), computer science, physics, and statistics in their plans of study.

Biology majors are also encouraged to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member as part of the graduation requirements, with research opportunities at many highly recognized programs sponsored by national laboratories or other institutions.

Designed for students who pursue a second major in a scientific discipline (qualifying disciplines include astronomy, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and psychology), this degree is a popular choice among students who plan to pursue careers in the health professions.

Foundations

Biology Courses

Additional Required Courses: Two semesters of general chemistry and one semester of organic chemistry.

Depending on career goals and special requirements for graduate schools and professional programs, students are advised to include courses in advanced chemistry, advanced mathematics (including calculus), computer science, physics, and statistics in their plans of study.

Biology majors are also encouraged to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member as part of the graduation requirements, with research opportunities at many highly-recognized programs sponsored by Valparaiso University, national laboratories or other institutions.

This degree offers a broad background in basic biology to students pursuing a second major or minor in any discipline, including humanities and social sciences.

Foundations

B.A. students in biology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing students to global cultures and traditions.

Biology Courses

Additional Required Courses: Two semesters of general chemistry

Additional Recommended Courses

Depending on career goals and special requirements for graduate schools and professional programs, students are advised to include courses in advanced chemistry, advanced mathematics (including calculus), computer science, physics, and statistics in their plans of study.

Biology majors are also encouraged to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member as part of the graduation requirements, with research opportunities at many highly recognized programs sponsored by national laboratories or other institutions.

An introduction to the scientific understanding of the human organism is a powerful supplement to study in many academic fields. The minor in human biology delves into this ever-increasing body of knowledge.