Are you interested in the biological systems of plants, animals, humans, and other living organisms? Love the liberal arts and humanities? Consider earning a B.A. in Biology, which offers the best of both worlds.
Biology is a broad field that branches into many different disciplines and a range of career paths. With this major, you’ll graduate with a firm foundation in both the sciences and humanities.
To earn a B.A. in Biology at Marian, you will complete general education courses, biology core courses, and elective courses necessary to build foundational intellectual and knowledge acquisition skills.
Degree requirements include 46 credits in science and mathematics, including the biology core. A minimum of 18 credits must come from Biology courses at the 300-level or above. Students may apply up to three credits of internship or research coursework to that total.
Sample four-year plan and checklist
Bio. Dept.
As a student pursuing a degree in Biology, you will first complete the Principles of Biology sequence— a two semester sequence designed to provide you with early foundational knowledge. Then, to allow students to explore the many different facets of Biology, students are required to select one course each from three different fundamental levels of Biology : Molecular Level, Organismal Level, and Ecosystem Level. During your third and fourth years, you’ll build upon this foundation by selecting electives of your choice for a deeper learning experience. Additionally, you will develop a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, and physics through required course work.
Biology Core
Molecular Level Electives
Organismal Level Electives
Ecosystem Level Electives
Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK’s Bachelor of Arts in Biology curriculum includes math and science courses that will give you a good understanding of biological concepts and theories.
The core of your coursework, however, will be built on a broad, traditional liberal arts platform, providing you with the subjects and skills that are essential to take an active role in civic life. This means you can take more courses in writing, art, language, psychology, communications, philosophy, global studies, and other humanities than students who pursue the B.S. in Biology.
The B.A. in biology is a great choice for careers that emphasize skills like managing people, collaborating and effective teamwork, and interacting with the public in advocacy, policy, or informal educational settings.
Bio. Dept.
The Department of Biology at Marian is committed to advancing the understanding of the living world through excellence in education, research, and mentoring. Through a rigorous curriculum, bolstered by innovated research and internship opportunities, we empower students to be leaders within the field.
With a B.A. in biology, you can choose from professional careers in an array of public and private settings. If your ultimate career goal requires an advanced degree, you may also apply for admission to a master’s or doctoral program.
Some students choosing this major want to teach biology or science in middle or high school settings. Others want to become lawyers, patient advocates, science writers or marketers, medical illustrators, or pharmaceutical sales managers.
In general, most B.A. in biology graduates (1) want to work in positions on the business, administrative, and human sides of science or (2) apply to graduate programs that are related to healthcare or the environment.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of labor Statistics, here are some employment outlooks for biology-related careers:
|
Occupation |
Growth through 2026 |
2016 median salary |
|
High school science teacher |
8 percent |
$58,030 |
|
Lawyer or attorney* |
9 percent |
$118,160 |
|
Environmental scientist and specialist |
11 percent |
$68,910 |
|
Science and technical writers |
11 percent |
$69,850 |
|
Museum curator |
13 percent |
$47, 230 |
|
Fundraisers |
15 percent |
$54,130 |
|
Social and community service Manager |
16 percent |
$64,680 |
|
Biological science professor or instructor (post-secondary)* |
16 percent |
$75,320 |
|
Medical and health services manager* |
20 percent |
$96,540 |
As you near the end of the core curriculum, our biology careers course will enable you to explore your strengths, values, and career interests. You’ll select elective courses tailored to your career goals and prepare application materials for internships, jobs, and/or graduate study.
The internship and employment market in Indianapolis is thriving. You will be encouraged to pursue at least one internship, although many of our students complete two or more internship experiences.
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Notice of Nondiscrimination
Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
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