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Bachelor of Arts

Staging - Biology

Major

Student in class

Study Biology by Doing It

Here you do biology: track elephants in Kenya, band birds in Indiana, and analyze viruses in a working lab.

The biology major at Goshen College builds a strong foundation in the scientific method and natural sciences while sharpening your critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. Over the past years Biology graduates have a large acceptance rate into graduate programs.

A biology degree from Goshen College is a launchpad: into medical school, veterinary school, conservation work, biotech, and teaching. You get there through hands-on learning that starts early, not in your final semester.

  • #2
    In Indiana for graduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees.
  • 90-95%
    Of biology majors were accepted to graduate school over the past five years.
  • 91%
    Of classes have fewer than 30 students, so you work directly with professors.

    What You’ll Study

    You build core scientific skills through coursework in the genetic, cellular, molecular, vertebrate, aquatic, and marine areas, with weekly three-hour labs. Then you choose courses toward your interest: ecology, genetics, microbiology, marine biology, botany, biotechnology, wildlife biology, or pre-professional tracks for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy.

    As a junior you design, run, and analyze an independent research project that becomes your senior thesis. You can conduct paid, faculty-mentored research through the Maple Scholars Summer Research Program and the Witmer and Miller Endowments, with field study available through the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. Teacher certification in Life Sciences is available through the education department. 

    Where You’ll Do the Work

    • J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station

      Owned by Goshen College in the Florida Keys, with a laboratory beside coral reefs, mudflats, and seagrass beds. Home to the annual May term course and immersive marine biology semester.

    • merrylea rieth village drone shot

      Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center

      A 1,189-acre nature preserve near Wolf Lake, Indiana, 30 miles from campus, with peat bogs, prairie and savanna restorations, and the LEED Platinum-certified Rieth Village for residential research.

    • Schrock Science Labs & Witmer Woods

      Modern genetic, cellular, molecular, and marine research labs, plus Witmer Woods, an 18-acre native arboretum acquired in 1941 within walking distance of campus.

      • PLACEHOLDER — waiting for quote

        Name

        Role/Position

      student on Marine Biology trip

      What It Costs, and the Aid That Helps

      Cost should not be a guessing game. Goshen College financial aid packages average almost $26,000 per student, not including work-study or loans, and scholarships make up a large share of that. Many biology students also earn paid research stipends through the Maple Scholars program and the Witmer and Miller Endowments.

      To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator and talk with a real person in the financial aid office.

      Common Questions About the Biology Major

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