STEM Programs
Biology Degree
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Bachelor’s Degree Programs
BVU’s biology program combines a rigorous academic experience with a unique emphasis on research that allows students to develop exceptional professional competency. Biology majors work directly with outstanding faculty in the classroom and laboratory while receiving personalized academic and career advising.
Take Me To
Why should I earn a degree in biology?
Options Abound
A bachelor’s degree in biology is a springboard for a career in laboratory science, medicine, public health, animal science, and more.
High Income Potential
The median pay for biological scientists in 2018 was $79,590 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Build On It
A bachelor’s degree in biology is a great foundation for medical school or other post-graduate studies.
What I Can Do With a Biology Degree
- Medicine & pharmaceuticals
- Genetic engineering
- Food production and safety
- Research laboratories
- On Campus
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study biology at BVU?
Individualized Attention
Work directly with expert faculty and receive personalized academic and career advising.
Rural Health Fellowship
Take advantage of this interim internship and spend three weeks getting hands-on experience in dentistry, chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.
Pre-Med Internship
Up to three students can intern at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake and three other area hospitals.
Available Stipend
Students pursuing a career in medicine are eligible for a $3,000 stipend to help defray expenses.
Travel
Expand your studies in places like Nepal, Peru, Tanzania, Chile, and Minnesota in exciting, hands-on internships.
High-Tech Research Facilities
Take advantage of the Estelle Siebens Science Center. Put classroom concepts into practice in cutting-edge labs and research facilities. The 70,000-square-foot facility contains 18 labs and three research areas, including:
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscope (NMR)
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC - MS)
- Confocal microscope
- Spectrophotometers
- Gene guns
- Human Cadaver Lab
- Fossils
- Specimens and skeletons
- Sterile hoods
- Labs fully equipped to study DNA and RNA
- Thermal cyclers
- UV and chemiluminescent imaging equipment
- Greenhouse with three environmental growth chambers
Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.
CHRISTIAN KLADSTRUP, Class of 2018
During his four years at BVU, Christian was an academic assistant, a resident assistant, and served on the Student Senate. Christian also completed an extensive research project as part of BVU’s Honors Program. During his final two years at BVU, Christian received an URMED internship as well as a summer internship at the Mayo Clinic with the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. Christian is now attending medical school at Des Moines University, where he is pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
Biology Courses
- Major in Biology: General Biology Track: (47-48 Credit Hours)
- Major in Biology: Field Biology Track: (53-54 Credit Hours)
- Major in Biology: Pre-Vet Track: (56-57 Credit Hours)
- Major in Biology: Forensic Science Track (58 Credit Hours)
- Major in Biology with Teaching Licensure (5-12) (46 Credit Hours)
- Minor in Biology with Teaching Licensure (5-12) (22-23 Credit Hours)
- Minor in Biology (22 Credit Hours)
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreBiology Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most — if not all — of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesFind Your Program
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Explore a Biology Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor’s in STEM with BVU.
