Biology

Major

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Why Study Biology at Goshen College?

Student dissecting a pig in Biology class

If you’re curious about the natural world, Goshen College is the place to turn that curiosity into discovery. Here, you won’t just study biology—you’ll experience it firsthand. Track elephants in Kenya, band birds in Indiana, or analyze viruses in a state-of-the-art lab. Your education goes beyond textbooks, with hands-on learning that prepares you for real-world impact.

You’ll build a strong foundation in the scientific method and natural sciences while sharpening your critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. And with a 90–95% acceptance rate into graduate programs over the past five years, a biology degree from Goshen College isn’t just a diploma—it’s your launchpad to a future of discovery and purpose.

  • 91%
    of classes have fewer than 30 students
  • 90–95%
    of biology majors are accepted to graduate school
  • #2
    in Indiana for graduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees
  • 1,189
    acres of living lab at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
  • Learn
    Multiple funded research opportunities through Maple Scholars, Witmer, and Miller Endowments

    What Makes the Biology Program at Goshen College Distinct?

    • Small class sizes = personalized attention and close mentorship from faculty
    • Hands-on research and internships from your first year
    • Dedicated field stations including Merry Lea and our Marine Biology Station in Florida
    • Collaborative community that supports exploration, experimentation, and your growth
    course catalog

    Explore Real-World Biology from Day One

    Your learning won’t be limited to lectures. Choose from classes where you’ll:

    • Analyze ecosystems at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, 1,189 acres of preserved Indiana habitat
    • Study marine life at the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station in the Florida Keys
    • Work one-on-one with faculty on research into honeybee physiology, breast milk microbiomes, and much more
    • Participate in the Maple Scholars summer program, earning a stipend and sharing your research with the public
    • Complete a required internship, with opportunities ranging from medical centers to coral reef restoration

    Career Paths for Biology Graduates

    Our biology graduates are out in the world making a difference—in medicine, conservation, education, research, and more. Common career paths include:

    • Environmental Scientist
    • Physician / PA / Physical Therapist
    • Marine Biologist
    • Ecologist / Conservation Biologist
    • Biotechnologist / Biomedical Engineer
    • Forensic Scientist
    • High School Biology Teacher
    • Research Assistant

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