Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.S.)
At Colorado Christian University, your Biology degree is more than a pathway. It is your launchpad into the world of life sciences. You will build a strong foundation that prepares you for graduate school, research, or a career where you can make a real impact.
From your very first courses, you will step into labs exploring Biological Principles, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology. You will also dive deeper into topics like genetics, neurobiology, and developmental biology, gaining hands-on experience that brings science to life.
What sets your experience apart at CCU is the integration of faith and learning. You will explore scientific discovery through a Christian worldview, learning how your faith informs your work and how your knowledge can serve others with purpose and integrity.
Along the way, you will grow beyond the lab. Your education will include the arts, humanities, and social sciences, helping you think critically, communicate clearly, and become a well-rounded leader.
This is where your curiosity turns into purpose, and your future in science begins.
For students planning to continue on to graduate school, it is important to be aware of the biology course sequence in order to stay on track and graduate in four years.
Program FAQs
What is a biology major at Colorado Christian University?
A biology major at CCU leads to a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares you for careers in the life sciences or further graduate study. The program provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences through hands-on laboratory courses covering biological principles, cellular and molecular biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and genetics. You will also complete coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and related sciences essential to understanding living organisms.
The biology degree at CCU goes beyond scientific training to include courses in the liberal arts and humanities, making you a well-rounded student. This comprehensive approach ensures you graduate with both deep scientific knowledge and the critical thinking skills employers and graduate programs value. The program is housed in the School of Science and Engineering and fulfills the requirements of most graduate degree programs leading to a master's or doctoral degree.
What can you do with a biology degree?
A degree in biology opens doors to diverse career paths in research, healthcare, and science-related fields. Graduates pursue careers in genetic counseling, pharmacology, scientific illustration, environmental science, and laboratory research across numerous industries. Many students interested in the biological sciences use this major as preparation for graduate school in fields such as molecular biology, ecology, microbiology, or physiology.
The biology major also serves as excellent preparation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other health-related fields. Your training in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific methodology gives you an advantage whether you enter the workforce directly or continue your education.
What courses will you take as a biology major?
Biology majors complete core courses that build their understanding of living systems from the molecular to the organismal level. Your coursework includes Biological Principles, Biological Diversity, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and General Chemistry I and II. You will also take courses in genetics, organic chemistry, general physics, and general biochemistry to develop a comprehensive foundation in the sciences.
The program offers additional courses in neurobiology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, and bioethics, allowing you to explore specialized areas of biology. Lab courses are central to the biology curriculum, with the majority of your major coursework involving hands-on laboratory experience. This practical training equips you with research techniques, data analysis skills, and scientific methodology, preparing you for careers or graduate study in the biological sciences.
What makes CCU's biology program unique?
The integration of faith and science is a cornerstone of every biology course at CCU. You will explore a Christian perspective on bioethics, evolution, and ecology, and learn to articulate and defend your faith when addressing ethical and controversial issues in science. This approach helps you develop not just scientific expertise but also the wisdom to navigate complex moral questions in your field.
CCU's biology program emphasizes undergraduate research, providing you with exposure to frontline biomedical research typically reserved for graduate students. Faculty in the School of Science and Engineering mentor you in research projects that expand your critical thinking abilities and give you practical skills for future careers. Purposefully small classes and laboratories invite you to learn with your hands as well as your mind, with professors who serve as both teachers and spiritual mentors.
What research opportunities are available for biology students?
The biology program at CCU is actively engaged in undergraduate research, providing training in biomedical research methods and scientific investigation. You will have opportunities to work alongside faculty on research projects, gaining experience with laboratory techniques, biological data analysis, and scientific communication. This undergraduate-level exposure provides invaluable tools and training that give you an advantage when applying for research positions or graduate programs.
Research experience helps you develop critical thinking skills and scientific methodology that employers and graduate schools value highly. Students who participate in undergraduate research gain confidence in laboratory settings and learn to approach complex problems systematically. Your academic advisor can help you identify research opportunities aligned with your interests, including cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, physiology, and other areas of the life sciences.
Is a biology major right for you?
A biology major is ideal if you are fascinated by living organisms and want to understand how life works at every level, from molecular biology to ecology and evolution. You should enjoy laboratory work, as most of your major coursework involves hands-on labs in areas such as cellular biology, microbiology, human physiology, and general chemistry. Students who thrive in this program are curious about the natural world and motivated to explore how faith and science intersect.
This major is strongly recommended if you plan to pursue graduate study in the biological sciences or professional programs in healthcare fields. The rigorous curriculum in chemistry, physics, and biology prepares you for the demands of advanced study. If you want an education that combines scientific excellence with Christian principles, and you are ready for challenging coursework that rewards dedication, CCU's biology program will equip you for meaningful work in the life sciences.
How should you prepare for graduate school as a biology major?
For students planning to continue to graduate school, understanding the biology course sequence is essential to stay on track and graduate in four years. Your academic advisor will help you map out coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, and upper-level biology courses to meet graduate program requirements. Many graduate degree programs expect strong preparation in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and research methodology.
Taking advantage of undergraduate research opportunities significantly strengthens your graduate school applications. Programs in the biological sciences look for candidates with laboratory experience, data analysis skills, and the ability to think critically about scientific problems. CCU's small class sizes mean you build strong relationships with faculty who can write detailed recommendation letters and guide your career planning. Transfer students should work closely with their advisor to ensure that previous coursework aligns with major requirements and prepares them for graduate school.
