Bachelor of Science in Biology

Biology Career Opportunities

  • Microbiologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Agricultural and Food Scientist
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Dietician/Nutritionist
  • Medical Sales Representative
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Wildlife Botanist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Biology Teacher
  • Medical Scientist 
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Patent Attorney

Earn Your Biology Degree at MACU

A Biology degree from Mid-America Christian University (MACU) will not only help you better understand God’s creation but also prepare you with in-demand knowledge and skills for growing careers in science, healthcare and more. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% growth between 2020 and 2030 for biological technician job openings. According to the American Medical Association, Biology (biological sciences) is one of the most common majors for students who matriculate to medical school, but B.S. Biology majors have many career options.

MACU’s regionally accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Biology is structured to give you ample opportunities to discover and learn in classrooms and labs, as well as through independent and collaborative research and faculty mentorships. 

Versatility is one of the key advantages of a Bachelor of Science in Biology. MACU’s coursework begins with foundational classes such as Zoology, Human Anatomy, Physics, Statistics, and Chemistry. You’ll build on your knowledge with upper-level courses like Genetics, Plant Anatomy and Taxonomy, Histology, and Cell Biology. 

You’ll soon discover that earning a B.S. in Biology means that the field is wide open for you to find your passion and make a difference in the world. 

MACU’s Biology Degree Integrates Science and Spiritual Life

We believe that science and the Christian faith go hand in hand. Our emphasis on spiritual life makes MACU a place to discover and grow in your faith with: 

  • Weekly chapel services
  • Student-led devotions
  • One-on-one and small-group discipleship sessions
  • Faith-based campus clubs

MACU is committed to providing our students with a cost-effective education that features:

  • Small classroom sizes and professors who are both educators and experts in their field
  • On-campus activities and proximity to Oklahoma City, giving you access to a wide range of career resources (networking, internships, and more) and cultural opportunities
  • A close-knit community of students, staff, and faculty

Why earn a degree in Biology in Oklahoma?

Earning a biology degree in the state of Oklahoma uniquely positions you for a career that encompasses the study of life and its many forms. A vast diversity of ecosystems and the species they support converge within our borders. As a student in the MACU biology program, you’ll study the structures, processes, and interconnections of God’s immense creation in regions ranging from rivers, forests, and grasslands to deserts, plains, and mountains. In addition to this unique convergence of habitats, species, and weather patterns, Oklahoma is home to many parks, preserves, and conservation efforts.

A biology degree from MACU provides invaluable, real-world experience for aspiring biologists. Through our undergraduate biology program’s coursework and experiential learning, you’ll explore these ecosystems up close, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between various species and their environment, as well as learning how to study and protect these habitats. The curriculum not only covers theoretical knowledge, but also emphasizes fieldwork and hands-on research. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning directly to the rich, local biodiversity, making MACU one of the best biology programs in Oklahoma.

Learn more about the MACU School of Science.

What types of Biology degrees are there?

At the undergraduate level, you can choose from two types of biology degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Both biology programs provide a solid foundation of biological principles and can serve as a springboard for further specialization or lead straight to employment. 

It is helpful to understand how the BA and BS in Biology differ in their academic emphasis and requirements, as well as which degree will lead you to the type of work you hope to do. A BA in Biology includes studies in the humanities and liberal arts disciplines. This degree will facilitate the pursuit of jobs dealing more with the public, communications, or social sciences. 

The BS in Biology, which we offer at MACU, emphasizes the scientific and technical, focusing on developing research and laboratory skills and honing your analytical capabilities. This degree will require courses in the natural sciences – such as chemistry, physics, and math – and can lead to work immediately following graduation because of the emphasis on research and analytical skills. For example, these skills make you a solid candidate as a research tech, lab assistant, or vet technician.

The BA and BS type of biology degrees available will appeal to individuals in unique ways, depending on their strengths, preferences, and their goals for the future.

What type of jobs can I get with a BS in Biology?

You have a good chance of getting a great job right after graduation with MACU’s BS in Biology! That’s because you’ll learn concrete technical and laboratory skills that can immediately be applied in entry-level positions, such as a medical, field, or lab technician. Some graduates enter jobs as vet assistants or lab technicians. You may also help facilitate research trials by, for example, screening participants or managing data. Other types of jobs for your BS in Biology would be in quality control, which involves performing tests and analysis, or contributing to educational programs in museums and zoos, such as the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.

There are many, many possibilities for jobs with your BS in biology. Additionally, the BS in biology provides you with a strong basis for further specialization. You might decide to pursue a higher level degree and contribute to our understanding of immunology, genetics, environmental biology, or medicine. 
For more ideas and information, talk with a MACU admissions counselor.

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Major Courses

BIOL 1214

Biology I

Biology I is a course for biology majors. It is a systematic study of biological principles beginning at the
molecular level and advancing to the cellular level. The concepts covered include prokaryote and eukaryote cell form and function, cell membrane transport, cell metabolism, cell energetics, protein synthesis, and genetics. Laboratory is a required and integral component introducing students to the scientific method, experimentation, and analytical evaluation.

BIOL 1314

Biology II

Biology II is the continuation of Biology I and is a course for biology majors. It is a systematic study of
biological principles progressing to the ecological realm. The concepts covered include plant and animal form and function, taxonomy, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Laboratory is a required and integral component introducing students to research methods, dissection, and analytical evaluation.

BIOL 2114

General Zoology

General Zoology is a course for biology majors. It is an introduction to animal form and function of invertebrates
and vertebrates, concluding with animal behavior. The concepts covered include, animal form and function, taxonomy, physiological systems, anatomical comparisons, and conservation. Laboratory is a required and
integral component introducing students to animal dissection and analytical evaluation.

BIOL 2214

General Botany

General Botany is a course for biology majors. It is an introduction to the principles of botany, beginning at the
cellular level and advancing to the organismal level. The concepts covered include plant anatomy, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and taxonomic relationships. Laboratory is a required and integral component introducing students to morphological comparisons and analytical evaluation.

BIOL 2314

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Human API is for students planning to major in nursing or other health professions. It is a comprehensive study of the structures and functions of cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the human body. The systems covered include, integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous. Laboratory is a required and integral component introducing students to dissection, and analytical evaluation

BIOL 2324

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Human APII is for students planning to major in nursing or other health professions. It is a comprehensive study of the structures and functions of cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the human body. The systems covered include, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive. Laboratory is a required and integral component introducing students to dissection, and analytical evaluation.

BIOL 3305

Microbiology

Microbiology is a course for biology majors. It is a comprehensive study of microorganism form, physiology,
reproduction, genetics and diversity. Laboratory is a required and integral component introducing students to microbiology laboratory techniques and analytical evaluation

BIOL 4501

Biology Research

This 1-hour course is required for all biology majors during their junior or senior year. It will cover past classic works and current research topics in STEM fields. An emphasis will be placed upon literature reviews, presentation of findings and scholarly communications.

CHEM 1103

General Chemistry I

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and applications of general chemistry. This course examines topics that include composition of matter, the atom, chemical bonding, solutions, measurements, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, and thermochemistry

CHEM 1205

General Chemistry II

General Chemistry II is required for biology and chemistry majors. It is a systematic study of chemical kinetics, intermolecular forces, reaction rates, thermochemistry, and electrochemistry. Laboratory is a required and integral component to learning scientific experimentation safety protocol, and proper reporting of results.

CHEM 3103

Organic Chemistry I

Organic Chemistry I is a required for biology and chemistry majors. It is a systematic study of various organic molecules with an emphasis in stereochemistry, reactivity, nomenclature and classification of reaction types.

CHEM 3203

Organic Chemistry II

Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of CHEM 3103. It is a systematic study of various organic molecules, advanced stereochemistry, chemical reactivity, organic reaction mechanisms, and methods for organic molecule synthesis.

CHEM 3102

Organic Chemistry I Lab

Laboratory is a required and integral component to learning scientific experimentation safety protocol, measurements, and synthesis, purification, and separation techniques.

MATH 2114

Calculus I and Analytic Geometry

An introduction to the basic concepts of Calculus including limits, derivatives and integrals using graphical, numerical, recurrence relations and symbolic points of view. Emphasis will be placed on using Calculus in problem solving and problem-solving techniques will be taught.

MATH 3703

Introduction to Statistics

The course is a complete introduction to basic statistics as a method of analysis. Statistics is a powerful tool that is used in the business world and in the behavioral science area extensively. This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of statistical terms and formulas. The student will use Microsoft Excel as the medium technology throughout the course. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program is required for this course.

PHYS 1134

General Physics

General Physics I is an algebra-based course. This course includes mechanics in one and two dimensions,
thermodynamics and/or waves.