College of St. Scholastica

What you'll study

Students explore foundational and applied topics across biology, including:

• Genetics
• Ecology
• Human biology
• Evolution
• Cellular and molecular biology and biochemistry

The program requires students to take at least two courses that place them in real-world or research contexts. Possible experiential components include course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) developed with Tiny Earth or HHMI’s Science Education Alliance, internships at agencies and organizations (for example the DNR, Hartley Nature Center, Great Lakes Aquarium, Natural Resources Research Institute, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Continent Ecology Lab), the Mayo Summer Lab Science Program, on-campus faculty-mentored summer research projects, and national summer research opportunities supported by the National Science Foundation.

Entry requirements

Specific admission requirements are handled through the college admissions process; prospective students should consult the admissions page for details on transcripts, application procedures, international admissions, financing and services such as the Center for Equal Access. Students are advised to create a course plan in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Career prospects

Graduates move into public, private and tribal sector roles across healthcare, biomedical and biotechnology fields, and in ecology and conservation. Many alumni continue professional or graduate education—examples from the program include medical training (MD, PA, OT, PT, dental, veterinary and chiropractic programs, pharmacy) and advanced degrees in areas such as public health, molecular genetics and genomics, microbiology, immunology, behavior and ecology. Students may also qualify to become biology teachers when the major is combined with the middle/secondary education major.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

New first-year applicants are awarded either the Benedictine Scholarship or the Access Award upon admission. The college reports that 100% of traditional incoming undergraduates receive some form of scholarship support; the institution provides an average figure for combined scholarships, grants and/or loans. Some courses may require a lab fee. Prospective students should consult financial aid and scholarship pages for full details.