Location
On Campus
Curriculum
120 credit hours
Program Length
4 years
Accreditation
Accredited by ABHE
Develop Your Knowledge of Life Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Biology will equip you for a broad range of life science related careers. The curriculum includes courses in the foundational sciences of biology, chemistry and physics laying the groundwork for advanced courses in subdisciplines across the biological sciences. While emphasis is placed on human biology, students will be exposed to the diversity of the living world including animals, plants and microbes. The curriculum also includes laboratory components with nearly all of the courses so students develop hands-on field and laboratory skills in addition to the knowledge gained in the classroom.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biology will be prepared for masters or doctoral work in the Biological Sciences as well as employment in areas such as environmental biology and animal care. Some will also pursue careers in veterinary medicine or science education.
As you study biology at Columbia International University, our goal is to help you worship God better as you gain a deeper understanding of the created world. Additionally, we strive to promote stewardship and care for the diversity of living things on earth recognizing the uniqueness of man and woman created in the image of God.
Why Choose Columbia International University
With small class sizes and 14 required laboratory courses, you will develop the research skills for a successful career. Real world research projects and simulations will help you increase your analytical reasoning ability. Courses taught from a biblical worldview will help you to grow in your faith in God and your recognition of each individual as created in the image of God. Internship and missions/ministry opportunities will round out your experience helping you to apply what you learn in the classroom. For example, Biology majors are eligible to apply for internships at the Riverbanks Zoo right here in Columbia, South Carolina!
Overall Benefits of this degree
You will learn in our new Health Sciences laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment. Freshman lab courses will introduce you to equipment, develop your research skills and prepare you for the advanced laboratory courses later in the program. Our objective is to facilitate your professional development in safe laboratory practices which will help you in any career path.
Caring faculty members are available to help each student reach their potential. Science faculty are committed to helping you succeed in the classroom as well as providing you with pre-professional advising. Our experienced faculty have taught many students who are now veterinarians, wildlife biologists and more, so they are knowledgeable about what it takes to succeed in the competitive job market. Importantly, they want to help you to achieve your career goals too.
Our theme verse is Luke 9:6 “So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.” (NIV) This verse, on the entry way wall of the Health Sciences Lab is a constant reminder of the CIU motto: To know Him and to make Him known. As we prepare students to be successful on the job and in graduate school, our ultimate purpose is to help students grow in their faith and their ability to share it as they give glory to the Creator.
Featured Faculty
Science Core 45
- BIO 2120 - General Biology II 3
- BIO 2121 - General Biology II Laboratory 1
- BIO 3110 - Microbiology 3
- BIO 3111 - Microbiology Laboratory 1
- BIO 3215 - Molecular and General Genetics 4
- BIO 3360 - Origins 2
- BIO 4120 - Cell Biology 4
- CHE 1110 - General Chemistry I 3
- CHE 1111 - General Chemistry I Laboratory 1
- CHE 1120 - General Chemistry II 3
- CHE 1121 - General Chemistry II Laboratory 1
- CHE 3110 - Organic Chemistry I 3
- CHE 3111 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 1
- CHE 3120 - Organic Chemistry II 3
- CHE 3121 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 1
- MAT 2600 - Business Calculus 3
- PHY 2110 - General Physics I 3
- PHY 2111 - General Physics I Laboratory 1
- PHY 2121 - General Physics II Laboratory 1
Biology Major 12
- BIO 3350 - Botany 4
- BIO 4110 - Ecology 4
- BIO 4810 - Special Topics in Biology or Biomedical Sciences 3
- BIO 4100 - Biomedical Sciences Seminar 1
Accreditation and Accolades
Career Path Opportunities
- Zoo/Wildlife Biologist
- Marine Biology *
- Conservation Officer
- Forester
- Laboratory Research Assistant
- Veterinarian *
- Environmental Biologist
* Postgraduate training required.
Top FAQs
- How should I prepare for this major?
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The more science and math courses that you can take, the better. Our curriculum includes biology, chemistry, physics and calculus. Some schools provide AP or dual enrollment opportunities. Those courses may not substitute for our General Biology I and II, but they will help to prepare you. Check with Admissions to find out more.
- Are there research and internship opportunities available?
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Yes! Biology majors are eligible to apply for internships with the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. This zoo has a wide range of animals including penguins, giraffes, gorillas, Koalas and Komodo dragons. Students may do research projects with faculty as well.
- How do you handle the subject of evolution?
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Evolution is covered in our science textbooks which are the same textbooks used at many other universities. It is important that students understand the theory of evolution, so they are able to engage with others on the subject in an accurate and professional way. However, faculty will also include some of the scientific challenges against evolution as well as arguments and evidence that supports a biblical creation perspective in appropriate places in the curriculum.
- Does this program prepare me for medical school, dental school or physical therapy school?
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While the Biology major includes the prerequisites common to professional health programs, the Biomedical Sciences major may be a better choice for those who want to go to medical school. Both programs are similar and both will prepare you, but the biochemistry and human anatomy and physiology that are part of the Biomedical Sciences major will help you more for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Biology includes prerequisites for physical therapy school, but the Health Sciences major may be the better option.