Program Overview

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Biology (Bachelor of Science)

Creightons Bachelor of Science in biology degree will prepare students to follow their passion, whether thats medicine, biotechnology, research, education, an environmental field, or another area. A biology major is perfect for students interested in the natural world, healthcare, or environmental issues and want to learn how living systems function.

Program Goals

The Bachelor of Science in biology is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths. It includes foundational work in biology as well as chemistry and physics, combined with upper-division courses in areas of focus. The major is popular among pre-medical and pre-dental students, as well as students planning on attending graduate school in biology and related fields.

As a biology major, students will gain:

• A deep understanding of fundamental concepts in the life sciences
• Analytical, investigative, and communications skills needed to excel in postgraduate and career pursuits
• The ability to effectively respond to moral and ethical issues with biological aspects

Curriculum

The biology major consists of 57 credits of coursework.

• General Biology: Two semesters / 8 credits
• Foundational courses in chemistry and physics: Six semesters total / 24 credits
• Upper-division biology courses: Seven lecture courses and four labs / 25 credits

Upper-division coursework is tailored to the interests and post-graduate plans of each student.

Interested in Teaching in Secondary Education

Biology majors intending to become secondary level teachers should work with advisors in both the Biology and Education Departments. The biology course requirements for the degree are the same as those for all biology majors, but particular courses are recommended to meet state requirements. In addition, support course requirements are different for secondary education students than for other biology majors.

If students are interested in teaching, they should consider starting their graduate studies with a Master of Education in Secondary School Teaching while finishing up their bachelors degree to get a head start in their teaching preparation.

Minor in Biology

If students would like to supplement another degree program with knowledge of biology, they should consider the minor in biology. Like the biology major, the minor offers the opportunity for in-depth exploration of areas of interest from across biology.

The biology minor consists of 18 hours of coursework:

• General Biology: Two semesters / 8 credits
• Upper-division biology coursework: 10 credits total

Admissions Requirements

Creighton admissions are based upon:

• High school GPA
• ACT or SAT scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in transcripts
• Recommendation from high school counselor
• Honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidates application

Dates & Deadlines

Applications for the fall semester open on August 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, the earlier students complete their undergraduate application, the better.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition rates are updated each year. Creighton Universitys Financial Aid Office administers over $200,000,000 in student aid each year from federal, state, institutional, and private sources.

To help make undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, students are encouraged to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. A variety of scholarships are also available.

Research Opportunities

Creighton biology majors have opportunities to conduct faculty-mentored independent research, with the potential to publish and present at professional scientific meetings. Creighton offers summer and yearlong research fellowships to undergraduates.

Typical Four-Year Plan

A potential four-year plan for biology majors is shown below. Completion of Creightons bachelors degree program in four years requires taking an average of 16 credits per semester, as well as timely completion of the core and degree requirements.

Biology courses are in blue. Support courses are in red. Credit hours are in parentheses.

• Freshman Year
  • General Biology - BIO 201 & 205 (4)
  • General Chemistry - CHM 203 & 204 (4)
  • Freshman Seminar (1)
  • Core Courses (6)
• Sophomore Year
  • Biology Course (3-4)
  • Organic Chemistry - CHM 321 & 322 (4)
  • Core Courses (7-10)
• Junior Year
  • 1 or 2 Biology Courses (3-8)
  • General Physics - PHY 201 & 205 (4)
  • Core and Electives (3-8)
• Senior Year
  • 1 or 2 Biology Courses (3-8)
  • Directed Independent Research (1-3)
  • Core and Electives (4-10)

Student Organizations

• Biology Club: A meeting place for students interested in biological sciences.
• Pre-Dental Society: Provides an educational service to undergraduate students interested in the dental profession.
• Pre-Medical Society: Fosters a feeling of friendship and intellectual unity among its members.
• Pre-Vet Club: Provides support and knowledge to students who are interested in applying to veterinary schools.
• Pre-Optometry Club: For students interested in the profession of optometry and those seeking to better understand the profession before pursuing the career.

Related Degrees

• Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions Major (BS)
• Neuroscience Major (BS)
• Environmental Science Major (BS-EVS)
• Biochemistry Major (BS-Chm)
• Biophysics Major (BS)
• Medical Anthropology Major (BA)
• Mathematics Major (BS)