Department of Biological Sciences

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In Bethel’s Department of Biological Sciences, you’ll find a vibrant learning community that will provide the support, space, and tools to investigate the wonder and intricacies of life.

You’ll prepare for careers on the cutting edge of biology or in medicine by building a foundation in a range of fundamentals, such as genetics, ecology, cell biology, anatomy/physiology, microbiology, botany, biochemistry, and more. In each class, you’ll explore the relationship between your faith and biology alongside professors who model how to be faithful Christians and amazing scientists.

Majors, minors, and programs

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
Biology Major (B.A.)
Biology Major: Cellular/Molecular Emphasis
Biology Major: General Biology (B.S.)
Biology Major: Human Biology/Biomedical Emphasis
Environmental Science Major
Neuroscience Major
Biology Minor
Pre-Medicine Program

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

Plan your visit Take a virtual tour

Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Learning opportunities

In our programs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to travel the world, get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. Learn more about:

Creation Restoration Club
Pre-Med Club
TriBeta national biology honor society chapter—awarded the national Chapter Excellence and Outstanding Chapter awards four times in its history
Sigma Zeta, an all-science honor society that hosts several national conventions

Focus on your passions

Select a specialized area of study, like immunology, aquatic biology, animal behavior, molecular biology, neurobiology, wildlife management, or developmental biology.

Blend science and your faith

You’ll cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s character, nature, and being through the thoughtful study of His creation.

Hands-on experiences

At Bethel, we’re not content to just learn about science from a textbook. We also do science in fully equipped facilities, including a human cadaver lab, biotechnology lab, greenhouse, and 260 acres of outdoor laboratories.

Collaborative research

You’ll have the chance to conduct research projects with a professor, and you can possibly receive a summer scholarship for your work. Many biology students have presented their research findings at regional and national scientific conferences, with several earning top honors.

Mentorship

Unlike large universities where professors teach only large lectures, Bethel's biology professors work directly with you in classes and labs. Their expertise and work across diverse subdisciplines offer interdisciplinary preparation for students.

Study on location

Study in the rainforests and mountains of mainland Ecuador, the reefs of the Galapagos Islands, or in New Zealand as part of the Creation Care Study Program. You can also choose off-campus study programs like the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies with locations in Michigan, Florida, Washington state, and India.

Gain practical experience

You’ll have the chance to complete a strong internship. Past students have interned at well-known institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, McNeely Conservatory, The Wolf Project, Medtronic, R&D Systems, and the National Institutes of Health.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in biology or our related majors will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for graduate and medical schools. These majors are a great starting place for a career in the life sciences, environmental sciences, research, medicine and healthcare, and more. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in numerous fields.

Skills

You’ll learn to:

Develop quantitative reasoning for problem-solving
Design and conduct scientific experiments
Utilize models effectively
Communicate scientific understanding
Collaborate in research
Hone critical analysis skills
Master observational skills and critical thinking
Apply quantitative methods to data
Present ideas verbally and in writing
Learn water quality testing and wildlife monitoring techniques
Adopt interdisciplinary holistic thinking
Conduct research and writing in environmental studies
Explore sustainable living practices
Conduct surgical and dissection in lab settings
Develop immuno-detection skills
Practice sterile technique and cell culture
Conduct spectrophotometry and microarray analysis
Utilize geographical information systems
Apply science to real-life questions

Careers

You’ll be prepared to pursue a career in the following fields:

Medicine (M.D.)
Osteopathic medicine (O.D.)
Dentistry
Veterinary medicine
Pharmacology
Pharmacy
Podiatry
Cell/molecular biology research
Cytogenetics
Genetics research
Neuroscience
Optometry
Physician assistant
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Chiropractic medicine
Education (elementary, secondary, university)
Environmental monitoring
Restoration ecology (management of natural resources)
Wildlife biology
Zookeeping
Environmental education

Graduate school

You’ll be able to go on to study:

Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Physical therapy
Chiropractic
Osteopathy
Other allied health professions
Anatomy
Ecology
Genetics
Physical chemistry
Forensic science
Molecular biology
Molecular plant sciences
Animal physiology
Water resources
Public health
History of science

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Eric Puumala

Degree: B.S. in Biology/Pre-Med Program

At Bethel, Eric found a great place to explore the biological sciences and his faith. While he considered attending larger universities, he was drawn to the strong community and personal relationships with professors at Bethel. As he prepared for medical school, he gained valuable experience by conducting muscular dystrophy research with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Jackie Towner. Along with research, Eric also worked as a tutor and was involved with student clubs. “I found that Bethel is more than just a classroom,” Eric says. “I would say it's a community. We're not just here to learn about the ins and outs of science. We're here to grow as human beings and grow in relationship with each other and with, our Creator.”

Upcoming Events

FEB 8 2025

Anatomy Review for the Clinician

8:30 a.m. Barnes Academic Center (BAC) Room 114

Join us as we explore the mystery and wonder of the human body in this regional anatomy dissection review for clinicians.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying in our department lounge.