Program Overview

Biology Program

The biology degree program at St. Thomas Aquinas College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of life science. As a biology major, students will have opportunities to learn in small, hands-on lab settings starting from their first year. The program prepares students for a variety of future career opportunities in life science, including medicine, laboratory sciences, pharmaceutical development, academia, education, environmental science, and more.

At a Glance

• Undergraduate major & minor
• BA / BS options available
• 4 years
• Main campus

Common Minors

• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Computer Science

Experiential Learning

Our biology students benefit from many experiential learning opportunities tailored to their career interests. These include internships at partner organizations and independent research overseen by expert faculty.

Career Preparation & Mentoring

The small size of the program allows for personal mentoring by expert faculty each semester. Faculty oversee academic advising and match students with individual opportunities for additional learning and research.

Featured Courses

• General Biology I & II: A two-semester course with a lab that introduces students to the broad study of biology.
• Genetics: A one-semester course with a hands-on lab that examines the fundamentals of genetics and their application to modern-day issues.
• Biology Electives: Students can choose from courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Ecology, Immunology, Microbiology, Physiology of Exercise, or Forensic Microscopy.

Career Options

A degree in biology can prepare students for many possible careers, including:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Medicine
• Environmental Science
• Physical Therapy
• Pharmaceutical Research
• Laboratory Researcher
• Education
• Wildlife Biology

Program Options

• Bachelor of Science Biology (BS): A traditional degree that allows students to take a variety of upper-level science courses, preparing them for medical, dental, physical therapy, physician assistant, or nursing programs, as well as advanced graduate programs in the biological sciences.
• Bachelor of Arts Biology (BA): Offers more flexibility for students to pursue interdisciplinary areas of study, with recommended tracks leading to careers in high demand, including Environmental Science, Science Communication or Writing, Science Illustration, Science Business or Sales, Science Informatics, and Behavioral Health.
• Biology Teaching Certification (Grades 7-12): Prepares students to become middle and high school biology teachers.
• Dual Degree Programs with Biology: Combines the B.S. degree with an advanced degree from another institution in areas such as Biology Pre-Chiropractic, Biology Pre-Pharmacy, Biology Pre-Physical Therapy, and Biology Pre-Podiatric.