Biology Program

Focus your biology degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio by choosing from tracks in pre-medicine, research, environmental science, pre-health, and general biology. Add the bioinformatics certificate and expand your biology career options to include using computers to analyze biological data, such as DNA. Benefit from Franciscan’s small class sizes, abundant research opportunities, and a core curriculum that integrates the Catholic faith and reason. By majoring in biology at Franciscan, you’ll be prepared for health care and biology careers, and to continue your studies in biology, medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy.

Discover God’s design

At Franciscan, you’ll study life on the microscopic and macroscopic levels, discovering God’s design in plants, animals, ecosystems, and the cosmos. You’ll learn in an atmosphere — in and out of the classroom — that respects the dignity of human life, in harmony with the Catholic understanding of the world God created. Become part of a tight-knit Catholic community led by top-notch professors who are deeply engaged and invested in you and your future. These women and men of God will encourage you to propose your own research projects as well as to work alongside them on advanced projects. In fact, more than 70 percent of Franciscan biology majors participate in faculty-directed undergraduate biology research.

Here are just a few other ways Franciscan’s biology bachelor’s degree program stands out from the rest:

• Financial aid and scholarships: From need-based grants to scholarships specifically for incoming students to loans and work opportunities, there are many options available to make your Franciscan biology major affordable. Learn more about college costs and tuition at Franciscan.
• Faculty mentoring: With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll develop mentoring relationships with dedicated and inspiring Catholic university professors. These experts, scholars, authors, and researchers are committed to helping you reach your educational, personal, and professional goals.
• Applied learning: From research to study abroad to internships in Ohio and across the country, you’ll gain a true understanding of biology through practical experience. Bring textbook and classroom learning to life through field experiences, too. In the Tropical Marine Biology course, for example, you can spend six days in the Florida Keys studying coral reefs. Franciscan’s Human Embryology course allows non-biology majors to learn about life from conception to natural birth.
• Catholic faith in action: Participate in medical mission trips, shadowing physicians, observing surgeries, and assisting in bringing much-needed care into poverty-stricken regions. Prepare to defend the culture of life in the greater medical and scientific community through a strong ethical foundation built on Catholic teaching.

Biology careers are in reach when you major in biology at Franciscan University in Ohio. Graduates of the Catholic-focused biology degree program work in research labs, allied health labs, and science classrooms. They’re also continuing (or have completed) their graduate and professional school education. Franciscan biology majors have an astounding 90-percent acceptance rate to medical school alone.

Graduate and Professional Schools for Biology Majors   

• Biology
• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Optometry
• Physical Therapy
• Veterinary Medicine

Potential Job Titles for Biology Majors

• Agricultural and Food Scientist
• Biology Teacher
• Environmental Scientist
• Microbiologist
• Research Assistant

View the Biology Program on the Undergraduate Catalog