The USF science faculty is committed to the success of Biology majors, which is proven by the fact that more than 97 percent of natural science students obtain employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduating. The new LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall offers a unique, state-of-the-art learning environment where students will have top scientific labs, tools and resources at their fingertips and interaction with faculty and peers is made more effective through the clustering of programs in the building.
As a biology major, you will use biological models and simulation to understand complex biological systems. A main goal of the Biology program is to enable students to use the scientific method to formulate testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, analyze quantitative and qualitative data and draw appropriate conclusions in biological sciences.
You’ll do research and report on your findings using scientific literature. Through your courses, you’ll integrate and relate information from biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and the liberal arts to make meaningful connections to society and the natural world and to apply this knowledge to new situations.
Tracks
Graduate programs in athletic training are looking for students who have completed a core of specific work in biology, chemistry, math and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Athletic training graduate schools also require volunteer or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom (i.e. experience in an athletic training facility). In addition, coursework required in the humanities and social sciences may vary by school.
Dental Schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific work in biology, chemistry, math and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Dental schools may also require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. In addition, coursework required in the humanities and social sciences may vary by school.
Medical schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Medical schools may also require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. In addition, coursework required in the humanities and social sciences may vary by school.
Optometry schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Optometry schools may also require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. In addition, coursework required in the social sciences (sociology and psychology) and statistics will likely be required by most optometry programs.
Pharmacy schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Pharmacy schools may also require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. In addition, coursework required in the humanities and social sciences may vary by school.
Physical therapy schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Pharmacy schools may also require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. Additional coursework may be required by individual PT programs in such areas as psychology, sociology, and statistics; however, it is important to check with the individual program to determine specific requirements.
Physician assistant schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Almost all PA schools require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. Additional coursework may be required by individual PA programs in such areas as psychology, sociology, medical terminology and statistics; however, it is important to check with the individual program to determine specific requirements.
Veterinary schools are looking for students who have completed a core of specific course work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and who have performed at a high academic level. Veterinary schools may also require volunteer work or other specific types of clinical experience outside the classroom. In addition, coursework required in the humanities and social sciences may vary by school.
Want to teach?
USF offers a B.S. degree in Secondary Education with a focus on science/biology for students who want to teach high school biology. The major is jointly administered by the College of Education and the College of Arts & Sciences. Students must fulfill requirements for general education, the Biology major, and a secondary education license.
Minor
This can be an option for many students. Do you have CLEP or AP credits in biology but are in a different major? Transferring in credits but your biology classes don’t quite fit your bachelor’s degree program? No matter what path you choose for a degree, minors offer options for illustrating all of your academic preparation.
Accreditations
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Testimonial
“Faculty members have allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a person. Each professor has supported me and my goals, and was more than willing to help me achieve anything I set my mind to. I was pushed and motivated to learn, grow, and become a better person. This incredible support system has surrounded me with an incredible group of colleagues, mentors, and friends.”
–Autumn Lee
What Can You Do With This Degree?
Students majoring in Biology have the educational foundation to continue their studies at professional schools in dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic medicine, osteopathic medicine, biological research, forensic science and more.
This major is also appropriate for students interested in teaching high school, or eventually attending graduate school. The Biology degree is appealing because of the many doors it opens on the career front– some grads even go on to develop better crops, fight human and animal disease, and oversee the breeding of endangered species.
Grow Through Real-World Experience
Research projects and internships at nationally-acclaimed research facilities are just some of the ways you will DO science at USF. The University of St. Francis has teamed up with Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi Lab, the Shedd Aquarium, the Morton Arboretum, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and the Will County Forest Preserve to provide students with true-life learning experiences in scientific settings and labs with advanced instrumentation.
Many students eventually get the opportunity to present their research at local and national meetings for prominent science organizations. In addition, USF’s fellows program represents a unique opportunity for learning and getting involved in science activities.
Learn more about this major in USF's College of Arts & Sciences Podcast!
