| OCU : Petree College of Arts & Sciences : Biology Department |
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Department of Biology
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Undergraduate Scholarships
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Biology Major
Environmental Studies Major
Cell and Molecular Biology Major
Biomedical Science Major
Pre-Medical Studies
Pre-Dental Studies
Other Pre-Professional Studies
Welcome to the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology offers four distinct majors and degree options to assist students in achieving their career and personal goals. Satisfactory completion of courses in the major and General Education coursework, plus additional electives to total at least 124 credit hours (CH), are required to graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. In addition to coursework in biology, all students who major in the Department of Biology must complete additional specified chemistry and physics courses. Students majoring in environmental studies complete additional coursework in economics, history, and in their chosen area of concentration. The department offers a traditional biology major, a major in environmental studies, a cell and molecular biology major, and a major in biomedical science. In addition, in collaboration with the Meinders School of Business biology students have the opportunity to earn a minor in business. Students who earn a minor in business may complete an MBA with as little as one additional year of study after earning their baccalaureate degree.
Each of the four B.S. degree programs offered through the Department of Biology provides a broad liberal arts background as well as thorough training in biological sciences. A degree in biology or environmental studies provides education and training for individuals who will work in careers such as biology education, research, health-related fields, forestry, medical institutions, animal care, wildlife management, naturalist positions, outdoor education, and many more. The faculty and staff of the Department of Biology recognize the value and contributions of the natural and social sciences in the modern world and continually strives to provide programs of study that will enhance a student’s future life, whether he or she plans to pursue further graduate or professional studies or to enter the job market immediately following graduation.
B.S. Biology (BIOL)
Our traditional major, this program offers a thorough grounding in the biological sciences. Students must earn 40 CH in biology, including 19 CH of core courses plus 21 CH of upper division (junior and senior level) biology courses. An additional 17 CH of chemistry and physics courses are required. Because of its flexible design, this major will prepare you for a variety of career paths, including medical studies, graduate studies, and secondary science teaching.
B.S. Environmental Studies (ENVS)
Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary degree program that is steeped in the rich tradition of classical biology training, and includes ethical studies components throughout its curriculum. The curriculum includes 55 CH of courses, including required courses in biology, chemistry, and geology, and economics, history, and political science, plus advanced studies in environmental studies and 9 CH or more in an area of concentration that is chosen by the student in consultation with his or her advisor.
B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology (CELL)
Our most specialized and rigorous major, students must earn 40 CH in biology, including 26 CH of core courses (including genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry) and 14 CH of biology electives. In addition, 26 CH of chemistry and physics courses are required. This major will prepare you to pursue a career in medicine and is also ideally suited for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in fields such as genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology.
B.S. Biomedical Science (BMED)
Our human-centered major, this program of study provides a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics coursework to help prepare you for many careers in allied health. Like our other majors, 40 CH of biology courses must be completed. This includes 24 CH of core courses, including microbiology, genetics, and human anatomy and physiology, plus 16 CH of biology electives. An additional 17 CH of chemistry and physics is required.
4 + 1 = 6 Program (BMED + MBA)
Along with a major in biomedical science, many students will want to develop their skills and knowledge in business, to prepare them for careers that combine science and entrepreneurship. The Meinders School of Business, conveniently located on the east side of campus, will offer a Minor in Business that allows students to develop a solid foundation in economics, accounting, and management. The courses in the minor also will fulfill the prerequisites to enter the Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate program offered in the school of business, and to complete this degree in as little as one additional year of study, saving up to a year for you to use in other endeavors.
Pre-Professional Studies at OCU
Many students come to OCU knowing that they will continue on after graduation to attend medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, physical therapy school or one of the many other health profession programs. Other students come to OCU and find that biology is their passion and true calling, and decide to continue their study of biology in graduate programs leading to master's or doctoral degrees. Whichever path you decide is right for you, the faculty of the Department of Biology will assist you in planning a degree program that meets your needs. The Pre-Professional Studies page contains detailed information about several of the most popular programs, and links to information about many others.
Why pursue Biology at Oklahoma City University?
- In addition to their professional expertise, our faculty have a strong commitment to teaching students, spending late hours and weekends helping students achieve their best.
- Numerous Biology graduate success stories, including two recent Goldwater Scholarship recipients, a student awarded an internship at Harvard University, and numerous fellowship recipients for summer research and for graduate study at programs across the U.S.
- You’ll have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate research and present your findings at national meetings. Students have also participated in unique summer research positions at places ranging from the California Academy of Sciences to MIT, Harvard University, and places in between.
- Oklahoma City University is the birthplace of the Alpha Chapter of the national TriBeta Biological Honorary Society, established in 1922, which hosts numerous events that feature the nation’s leading scientific experts, cutting- edge research, and topics such as medical school admission.
- Through courses such as Rocky Mountain Field Biology, Natural History of Belize, and Natural History of Hawaii, students are offered opportunities for advanced field studies.
Go to the OCU Department of Biology Laboratory Safety Policy
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