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Biology

Explore biology through hands-on research, real-world lab experience, and faculty mentorship while preparing for careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, graduate school, and beyond.

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Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bushnell University | Eugene, Oregon

The Biology degree program at Bushnell University equips you with the scientific knowledge, research experience, and critical thinking skills needed to explore life at every level, from cells and genetics to ecosystems and human health. Through hands-on labs, collaborative research, and personalized faculty mentorship, you’ll build a strong foundation for careers in healthcare, environmental science, biotechnology, research, and graduate study.

Designed for students pursuing both professional programs and scientific careers, the program combines rigorous academics with practical learning opportunities in a Christ-centered environment. Whether your goals include medical school, laboratory research, physical therapy, ecology, or biotechnology, you’ll graduate prepared to take the next step with confidence and purpose.


This program is designed for students seeking a strong foundation in the biological sciences through hands-on research, laboratory experience, and personalized faculty mentorship.

Students explore areas such as genetics, ecology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and molecular biology while preparing for careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, biotechnology, and graduate study. The program combines rigorous scientific learning with practical experiences that help you develop critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills in a Christ-centered environment.

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Why Choose Biology at Bushnell?

Small lab classes, faculty mentorship, and hands-on scientific research grounded in faith-informed learning. Bushnell’s Biology program prepares students for careers in healthcare, environmental science, biotechnology, laboratory research, and graduate study through coursework that combines scientific theory, laboratory application, and real-world research experience.

Faculty with expertise in biological sciences and healthcare preparation provide personalized mentorship and practical guidance throughout the program. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory coursework, scientific literature analysis, internships, and collaborative research projects while strengthening analytical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.

Bushnell’s flexible pathways in Pre-Health Sciences, General Biology, and Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology allow students to align their degree with professional goals while preparing for medical and professional schools, scientific research, environmental work, and advanced graduate study.

3

Specialized biology pathways aligned with healthcare, research, and graduate study goals

100%

of Biology majors complete hands-on research or internship experience before graduation

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What You’ll Study

How the Curriculum is Structured

Bushnell’s Biology curriculum combines foundational science coursework with advanced biological study, hands-on labs, and research experience designed to prepare you for healthcare, research, graduate school, and scientific careers.

You’ll study genetics, ecology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, molecular biology, chemistry, and cellular biology while strengthening scientific reasoning, laboratory, and analytical skills. As you progress through the program, you can customize your coursework through pathways in Pre-Health Sciences, General Biology, or Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology.

Experiential learning is integrated throughout the program through laboratory work, scientific literature analysis, internships, research projects, and senior capstone experiences that help you connect scientific theory with real-world application.

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Internship and Research Experience

Biology students gain hands-on experience through laboratory research, scientific analysis, internships, and faculty-supported research projects that connect classroom learning to real-world scientific application. You’ll work with laboratory techniques, scientific literature, data collection, microscopy, field research, and experimental design while strengthening analytical thinking and problem-solving skills across biological sciences and healthcare-related fields.

Many students pursue internships in healthcare, clinical, veterinary, laboratory, environmental, or research settings while others participate in collaborative faculty research experiences designed to strengthen graduate and professional school preparation. Through research projects, internships, and capstone experiences, students develop practical laboratory skills, scientific communication abilities, and professional confidence while exploring career paths in medicine, biotechnology, environmental science, microbiology, ecology, and advanced scientific research.

Recent internship and research experiences have included healthcare settings, university laboratories, veterinary clinics, environmental research opportunities, and scientific research collaborations.

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Pathways

Pre-Health Sciences Pathway

Designed for students pursuing healthcare careers, this pathway emphasizes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and advanced laboratory sciences. You’ll build strong preparation for professional programs, including medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other healthcare-related graduate programs.


General Biology Pathway

The General Biology pathway provides broad exposure to major biological disciplines including ecology, physiology, molecular biology, and environmental science. This flexible pathway is ideal for students exploring careers in research, environmental science, graduate study, and related scientific fields.


Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology Pathway

Focused on genetics, molecular biology, cellular systems, and biochemistry, this pathway prepares students for laboratory research and advanced scientific study. You’ll strengthen research and analytical skills while building preparation for M.S. and Ph.D. programs in biology and related scientific disciplines.

Skills You’ll Gain

Through Bushnell’s Biology program, you’ll develop practical, science-focused skills, including:

  • Conduct laboratory experiments and scientific research
  • Analyze scientific literature and research findings
  • Collect, interpret, and communicate biological data
  • Apply scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • Strengthen laboratory, microscopy, and research techniques
  • Understand genetics, ecology, microbiology, and molecular biology concepts
  • Build foundations for healthcare, research, and graduate study
  • Collaborate on scientific projects and laboratory work
  • Integrate ethical decision-making and faith-informed scientific inquiry
  • Communicate scientific ideas clearly and professionally
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Widget (Careers and Skills)

Graduates of Bushnell’s Bible and Theology program pursue meaningful ctudents who graduate from the biology program at Bushnell go on to pursue these types of careers: 

  • Research Assistant 
  • Environmental Scientist or Ecologist 
  • Forensic Scientist 
  • Microbiologist or Medical Laboratory Technician 
  • Zoologist or Biologist 
  • Nutritionist or Food Science Specialist 
Male biology student giving a presentation during class with slideshow
“My time as a biology major at Bushnell is all I could have asked for. The program’s diverse courses, great faculty, and an environment that fostered all interests.

I particularly liked the small class sizes and the professors’ willingness to regularly engage with the class over science or life. I can also attest to the professors’ intentional efforts to form relationships and help mentor and guide students towards their vocation and calling.”
Kaleb Miles ’20
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“The Biology program at Bushnell taught me countless things about life and all of its complexities. Learning the intricate side of how the world works is truly fascinating and has been a priceless experience.”
Halle Neumann ’24
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“Bushnell University provided me with a firm foundation and deep understanding of the biological sciences as well as real world application of the material. I looked through paradigms of microbiology, genetics, ecology, and many other courses of study while allowing myself to discover how it was all woven into God’s creation here on Earth. The more intimate class sizes allowed time for questions and conversations that forever impacted how I live my own life.”
Tommy Eicher ’19

Frequently Asked Questions?

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Office of Admissions

Have questions about Bushnell’s Biology program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.

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Paul Allee
Associate Professor of Biology


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