Biology (BS)

Why USF for a Biology Major?

Labs don’t always have walls. 

Live off the grid in the Appalachians. Look for wildlife in the Rockies. Work alongside physicians in Haiti to provide healthcare services to the poor. Your experience as a biology major at University of Saint Francis will give you plenty of opportunities to put learning into practice and the flexibility to focus on what you love most about the life sciences. Our supportive professors get to know you, your passions and career interests to ensure you’re taking courses and participating in real-world learning experiences that align with your goals.

A comprehensive, personalized curriculum gives you a strong foundation in the biological sciences;  and lab work, research, and team projects build your communication and collaboration skills. Rooted in Franciscan values, your entire USF academic experience will shape you into an ethical, compassionate professional ready to make a difference in the medical or scientific communities.

Hands-On Learning & Travel Opportunities

When you become a biology major at USF, you can:

Explore & Experience the World Through Travel Opportunities

Travel with your professor and peers to places like Costa Rica, Haiti, Colorado, Utah and the Appalachian Mountains, where you will gain a deeper understanding of ecology, geology, marine biology, wildlife and community health.

Engage with Experts at Weekly Science Seminars

Hear from and be inspired by local scientists, researchers, medical professionals and other experts at weekly seminars open to all students.

Get Into the Field with Internships & Activities

Gain professional experience through internships with healthcare, veterinary, environmental and other companies. And, many of your classes will take you outdoors to prairies and other natural areas near campus.

Faculty & Facilities

Inside the Achatz Hall of Science, you will learn in state-of-the-art labs that mirror those you’ll find in professional settings, such as:

• Human cadaver lab
• Microscope imaging lab with anatomage table
• Ecology lab

Our biology professors have expertise in every imaginable area of the life sciences, from genetics and geology to invertebrates and immunology.

Campus and Community Involvement

Be active. Be purposeful. Participate in the Eco Club, a student organization that focuses on environmental issues on campus and in the local community. You’ll be part of a close-knit group of students who organize education and awareness activities like Earth Day, build brush piles for wildlife or work in our campus greenhouse.

As a biology major at USF, you might also have an interest in these campus groups:

• Pre-Professional Healthcare Honor Society
• Kinesiology and Nutrition Club
• Formula Life

USF not only challenged me academically, but it really helped me grow as a person. I learned about myself and the ways I can use my education to help the world. One pivotal experience was going on a medical mission trip to Haiti. The overall experience was eye-opening. It made me even more excited about my career and my ability to help people.

Elizabeth Meyer ’19

What You Can Do With a Degree in Biology?

With a biology degree, jobs and career options are varied and plentiful. USF biology majors are prepared for positions in healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental agencies, recreation, social services and more.

Many biology students pursue graduate and medical school to ultimately work as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physician assistants, wildlife biologists, educators, clinical laboratory scientists, conservation biologists and other science professionals.

Biology Degree Jobs: Where You’ll Find Our Graduates

You will find USF biology majors at companies and organizations such as:

• A&L Great Lakes Laboratories
• Action Environmental, Inc.
• Astbury Water Technology
• Chicago Botanical Garden
• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
• Goebel Chiropractic
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• Little River Wetlands Project
• Lutheran Health Network
• Parkview Health

Graduate and Medical School

Our biology majors have been accepted to medical, professional, or graduate school programs at institutions such as:

• Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis, Gary, Fort Wayne)
• Indiana University School of Optometry
• Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis
• Purdue University
• Ohio State University
• University of Notre Dame
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Vanderbilt University
• Mississippi State University
• Old Dominion University
• University of Toledo
• Miami University of Ohio
• University of Indianapolis
• Indiana State University
• Marquette University School of Law
• Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Midwestern University College of Physical Therapy
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• DesMoines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Palmer College of Chiropractic
• Logan College of Chiropractic