B.A. or B.S. in Biology

Explore Biology at Otterbein University

An undergraduate Biology degree provides a strong foundation in biological sciences and maximizes student choice to prepare you for a successful future. Whether you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, applying to professional school, or building a broad knowledge base in the biological sciences, Otterbein offers the flexibility and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Explore the B.A. and B.S. in Biology Degrees

High School Education | Life Sciences (with B.A. in Biology):

Otterbein’s Department of Biology and Earth Sciences offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in becoming high school Life Sciences teachers. The Biology and Earth Sciences Department works closely with the Department of Education to ensure a meaningful pathway for you to become an exceptional teacher.

Typically, students will earn a B.A. degree in Biology and Earth Science while also taking classes to meet the Adolescent to Young Adult Teaching Licensure requirements. You can learn more about the four year curriculum here.

Biology Minor:

For students who wish to build, broaden, or demonstrate science credentials on their academic transcript. See our minors program page to learn more.

Core Biology Courses for a Strong Foundation

Our Biology Degree ensures a solid foundation through five core courses in diverse areas:

  • Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Introduction to Organisms and Ecology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Ecology

Tailor Your Degree with Upper-Level Biology Courses

We offer a wide selection of upper-level courses to help you customize your Biology degree based on your interests and career goals.

Flexibility to Pursue Dual Majors or Add a Minor

In addition to our Biology degree, you can choose to double major or add a minor in another discipline, enhancing your education and career prospects.

Gain Real‑World Experience with Hands‑On Learning

Gain practical experience with hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art labs equipped with modern technology. Our small class sizes (13:1 faculty-to-student ratio) ensure personalized attention and an engaging learning environment.

Learn from Expert Faculty Members with Diverse Expertise

Our faculty are experts in diverse scientific disciplines and hold PhD or MD degrees. They are dedicated to guiding you on your academic and professional journey.

Opportunities for Independent Research and Immersive Field Courses

You can design and conduct an independent research project with faculty mentors in Otterbein’s Biology & Earth Science Department. Additionally, immerse yourself in field courses and hands-on experiences outside the classroom to deepen your understanding of biological systems.

Suggested Courses of Study

B.A. in Biology Suggested Course of Study (PDF) >

B.S. in Biology Suggested Course of Study (PDF) >

Hear what alumni say about their major in Biology experience:

“During my time at Otterbein I completed a B.A. in Biology and a B.S. In Equine Pre Veterinary Studies along with a minor in Business Administration. I feel that each of those degrees prepared me well for my future. I have found that professional school, while uniquely challenging, has built off of the foundation of previous science classes and many of the experiences I was able to have at Otterbein. Specifically, my undergraduate honors thesis research project was extremely valuable in gaining admissions to graduate school.“
“It has been eye opening to see how many of the things I learned in labs at Otterbein are directly applicable every day in the lab where I work. I believe that the combination of in-depth laboratory experiments with strong lecture courses made all the difference. What made the experience the most worthwhile, however, had to be the professors. I would not be where I am without their guidance and help throughout my education.”
“I think Otterbein has a wealth of professors that are invested in their students.  I always felt that if I was willing to put the work in that the professors would do their best to invest in me.  I am especially thankful for the way that professors cared about me and challenged me to go the extra mile. This includes ensuring that I would have adequate experience in the realm of research and academia.”
Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
1. Students will be able to define and explain major concepts in the fields of Biology and/or Earth Science. Knowledgeable
2. Students will be able to effectively express scientific concepts and results in oral and written forms. Multi-literate
3. Students will be able to think critically and solve problems by employing the scientific method. Inquisitive
4. Students will develop laboratory and research skills. Engaged
5. Students will be able to work cooperatively while simultaneously becoming strong independent learners. Engaged
6. Students will work safely and efficiently in the laboratory and field. Responsible
7. Students will apply a working knowledge of ethics to their field of study. Responsible

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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