What Major Should I Choose?

More About the Degrees
All degrees at Otterbein require Integrative Studies liberal arts core courses, mathematics, foreign language, and a Senior Year Experience.

The life science pre-professional concentration is a Biology degree. It offers flexibility and choice among medical-related careers, especially careers with a strong clinical emphasis. It consists of the introductory biology series of courses, genetics, cell biology, and elective courses chosen from: animal systems physiology, vertebrate morphology, developmental biology, human genetics, molecular genetics, immunology, microbiology, and microbial physiology. Physics and chemistry are required, and biochemistry is an option. Other support courses such as MCAT preparation, scientific terminology and reasoning are also optional, and a senior research project is required.

The Molecular Biology degree is also in the Department of Life and Earth Science, and is suitable for all pre-professional areas, including pharmacy and MD/PhD programs. It integrates the principles and techniques of biology, chemistry and physics, with a primary focus on nucleic acids and proteins. It consists of the introductory biology series of courses, genetics, cell biology, molecular genetics, and elective courses chosen from: microbiology, immunology, human genetics, plant physiology, animal systems physiology, developmental biology, and microbial physiology. Physics, chemistry, biochemistry and calculus are required. A senior research project is required.

The Equine Science degree is suitable for preparation for veterinary school only, and is in the Department of Equine Science. It consists of the horsemastership sequence of courses, farrier science, four systems courses, equine nutrition, service learning, the introductory biology series, and chemistry. Candidates for veterinary school are also required to take courses in physics and biochemistry.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees are offered through the Department of Chemistry. The Chemistry major consists of general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry with advanced electives and supporting courses in calculus and physics filling out the degree. Otterbein also offers a Chemistry major certified by the American Chemical Society that features additional courses in physical chemistry and instrumental analysis. This major is particularly appropriate for students considering a research career in the health sciences. The biochemistry major is similar to the chemistry major in that students take general, organic, and analytical chemistry but differs in that they must also take the three quarter biochemistry sequence, biophysical chemistry, and life science courses in genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. Supporting courses and advanced electives fill out this major as well. Additionally, many students participate in research projects both on and off campus.