Biology

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The mission of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to create quality educational experiences in all areas of biology and chemistry, especially those integral to the health of the population. The core principles of scientific inquiry and ethics serve to integrate coursework throughout the curriculum.

Students enrolled in the biology bachelor’s degree program can choose from four specialized educational tracks or pathways: Biochemical Analysis (BA), Pre-Professional Human Medicine (HMED), the Accelerated 3+2 Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies, or the Accelerated 3+3 Pathway to DPT Studies.

Through the multidisciplinary biology major, students will learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry and physics as well as gain hands-on experience in laboratory settings. Depending on the educational track, students have the opportunity to take classes in subjects such as psychology, microbiology, instrumental analysis, human anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, vocations in the life sciences, pathophysiology and forensics.

School
School of Arts and Sciences
Career
Chemical & Biochemical Industries Biotechnology Pharmaceuticals Quality Control Laboratories Physician Assistant (PA) Subsequent education and training in human or veterinary medicine
Program Contacts

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BIOLOGY

Let your interests guide your learning by choosing between three academic tracks within the biology bachelor’s degree program: Biochemical Analysis, Pre-professional Human Medicine or the 3+2 Physician Assistant Pathway. Learn more.

**The first two years of BAI and HMED are almost identical, and coursework and extracurricular activities include a variety of mechanisms for students to discern their vocations.

Bachelor of Science in Biology Program Features

Program Admission Requirements

A student must declare the Bachelor of Science in Biology program their major before completing the final 60 credit hours required for the degree. Applicants to the program must meet with a faculty advisor to develop a degree plan. Requirements for acceptance into the program (except the Accelerated 3+2 Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies) are the same as for acceptance to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

To learn more about admissions, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Requirements page.

Program Goals

The goals of the bachelor’s degree in biology program are:

  1. To provide a multidisciplinary education that emphasizes ethical scientific reasoning and problem solving.
  2. To prepare students for a wide variety of postbaccalaureate paths, including careers in laboratory science or instrumentation and graduate programs in laboratory research or medicine (physician/physician assistant/physical therapy).

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

The program learning outcomes for the bachelor’s degree in biology program are to:

  • Use and, when identified as applicable, integrate natural science concepts to illustrate the processes of life.
  • Apply the scientific method in laboratory and simulated scenarios to solve problems in an ethical manner.
  • Communicate scientific findings and, when identified as applicable, their social implications in the context of the Franciscan values.
  • Design and execute research using biological and chemical laboratory techniques and instrumentation (BA only).
  • Apply anatomical and physiological concepts to the study of human biology and pathophysiology (HMED and Accelerated 3+2 Pathway only).

FAQs

What will I learn in the biology program?

The biology bachelor’s degree will build a solid base of knowledge in the principles of biology and chemistry while also providing track-specific courses in concentrated subject areas. During the program of study, students will take courses in biology foundations, general chemistry, biology and chemistry labs, algebra, psychology, organic chemistry and microbiology. Beyond these foundational courses, students will encounter diverse course offerings tailored to each unique program track.

What can I do with a biology bachelors degree?

Biology program graduates can pursue careers in a wide range of fields. Careers in biology and chemistry include those in biotechnology, biochemical, and laboratory science in academia or industry. In addition, many BS in biology graduates choose to apply to graduate programs to study health administration, physical therapy, medicine, or veterinary science.

Pre-Professional Human Medicine track, Accelerated 3+2 Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies Pathway, or Accelerated 3+3 Pathway to DPT Studies tracks can prepare for graduate programs that enable them to attain careers in the health and medical field as physical therapists, physicians, or physician assistants.

Salary outlooks for biology careers can vary depending on specialization and degree level, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a degree in biology earn a median annual salary of $65,000, with 69% employed at the bachelor’s degree level. The BLS also reports that microbiologists can earn an annual salary of $79,260, and biological technicians, who are responsible for assisting with laboratory tests and experiments, earn a median salary of $48,140.

What are graduates doing now?

Graduates of the bachelor’s degree in biology program (tracked since 2013) have been accepted to the following programs:

  • American University of the Caribbean Medical School
  • FranU DPT Program
  • FranU Master of Health Administration Program
  • LSU Graduate School – Biological Engineering
  • LSU Graduate School – Biology
  • LSU Health – Shreveport Medical School
  • LSUHSC - New Orleans School of Medicine
  • Midwestern University in Arizona Cardiovascular Sciences/Perfusion
  • Our Lady of the Lake/FranU Physician Assistant Program
  • Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
  • St. George Medical School
  • University of Southern California School of Social Work
  • University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences DPT Program
  • University of the Incarnate Word School of Pharm

What percentage of Biology graduates who apply to a graduate clinical program are accepted?

Since 2013, 67% of BS in biology students have been ultimately accepted to their first-choice medical schools, physician assistant programs, and doctor of physical therapy programs, among others.

How affordable is the BS in biology?

At FranU, we understand that financing your education is one of the most important decisions you will make. We strive to provide our students with the highest level of care and professionalism as stewards of federal, state and institutional funds. Many of our students receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships and loans.

To discover estimated costs, use FranU’s Undergraduate Tuition Calculator tool. For information on internal and external scholarship opportunities, visit the Scholarships page. You can also learn more about the financial aid process and tuition rates on the Office of Financial Aid page.

Resources

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Document Title: Premedical Advisory Committee Policy Type: pdf File Size: 90.22 KB Download

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, or learn more using the information available on SACSCOC’s website.