University of Mount Union

What you'll study

The Biology degree provides a balanced curriculum of core biological principles, laboratory techniques and supporting sciences. Typical core modules include Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Physiology and Microbiology, each paired with hands-on lab work. Students also take supporting courses in Chemistry and Mathematics (often including General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Statistics) and may select electives in areas such as Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Immunology, Plant Biology, Conservation Biology and Bioinformatics.

Practical and experiential learning is emphasised: students undertake laboratory courses each year, participate in field studies and are encouraged to pursue independent research projects under faculty supervision. The programme commonly culminates in a senior capstone experience, which can be a research thesis, an advanced laboratory project or an internship/clinical placement for students preparing for health professions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed a solid secondary-school programme with coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Admission typically considers academic performance, teacher or guidance references and a personal statement outlining interest in the biological sciences. Standardised tests may be optional depending on the applicant's circumstances; prospective international students must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English.

For transfer applicants, review of college transcripts is required and some prerequisites (for example first-year biology and chemistry) may need to be satisfied prior to progression into upper-level biology courses. Students aiming for professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary school should consult pre-health advisers early to ensure appropriate prerequisite sequencing.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Biology degree from Mount Union pursue a range of pathways. Many go on to graduate study (master’s or doctoral programmes) or professional degrees in medicine, physician assistant studies, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Others enter the workforce directly in roles such as laboratory technician, environmental consultant, biotechnology associate, wildlife biologist, pharmaceutical sales representative, quality control analyst or science educator.

The programme’s emphasis on laboratory skills, data analysis and research experience also equips graduates for positions in research support, regulatory affairs, public health and conservation organisations. Internships, undergraduate research and campus career services help students build practical experience and industry contacts.

Why study at University of Mount Union

Mount Union offers small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which supports hands-on learning and opportunities for undergraduate research. Students benefit from modern laboratory facilities and access to field experiences and local clinical and industry partnerships that provide internships and applied learning placements.

The university provides structured advising for students pursuing pre-health and graduate pathways, as well as career services that assist with internship placements, graduate school preparation and job searches. The campus environment is oriented toward personalised instruction and active student engagement in research and community-based projects.