In some academic fields, there aren’t many, if any, opportunities to specialize at the undergraduate level. Biology is different. As a baccalaureate student, you can choose from an incredibly diverse range of options.
These different types of biology majors at GCU are typically geared toward specific career fields, such as:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary medicine
- Dentistry
You can even choose to specialize in molecular and cellular biology, or in teaching biology to secondary students at GCU.
Students who are thinking of pursuing a medical career often earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine degree, often called a pre-med program. The coursework includes cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, math and chemistry, as well as other courses relevant to medical science. Students also explore topics in professionalism and ethics, scientific communication and evidence-based data analysis.
This degree program is designed to help students prepare for professional school admissions tests, such as the Dental Admission Test (DAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and others.
Students who want to become pharmacists should consider pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy. In a pre-pharmacy program, students will explore topics like human physiology, cellular biology and pharmacology. The curriculum may also cover pathophysiology, microbiology, biochemistry and human anatomy.
A focus on pre-pharmacy is intended to prepare students to pursue admission to pharmacy schools.
A physician assistant (PA) is a medical provider who shares many of the same responsibilities as physicians, and who works collaboratively with medical doctors to provide patient care. Physician assistants can order diagnostic tests, diagnose illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications and perform some medical procedures.
Aspiring physician assistants should consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Physician Assistant degree. This degree program closely examines key topics in the field, including biological science and physical science, sociology, psychology, ethics in healthcare and global health.
If you’re passionate about helping others enjoy better dental health, consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Dentistry. The coursework in this degree program is designed to prepare students to apply for admission to dental school. Expect to examine topics not only in biology and microbiology, but also in neurobiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology, as well as human anatomy and physiology with a focus on head and neck anatomy.
Graduates may be prepared to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and apply to dental school. It’s worth noting that, like biology itself, there are many opportunities for specialization within the dental field.
Are you passionate about animals and interested in pursuing a career that would allow you to promote animal welfare? Consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Medicine degree. Designed to prepare students to pursue admission to veterinary schools, the coursework integrates foundational science courses with a focus on animal health.
Aspiring veterinarians can expect to explore topics in microbiology, vertebrate zoology and physiology, nutrition for animals, animal behavior and animal pathophysiology.
Molecular biology involves the study of cells and how they work. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology covers a range of topics, such as the properties of organic compounds, the function of human organs, systems and cells, and the related pathologies. A molecular biology degree program will also explore topics such as microbial cell structure, gene inheritance and gene manipulation.
If you’re interested in sharing your passion for biology and its many areas of specialization with the next generation of students, you might consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology for Secondary Education degree, which leads to initial teacher licensure. This degree program blends together coursework in the natural sciences, as well as pedagogy.
Though this degree is a broad education of biology and teaching skills, this is a strong science degree. The coursework may examine topics such as how to manage a classroom, how to engage students and how to teach students with exceptionalities. It may also cover topics like data-driven instructional methods, curriculum development, student assessment methods and professional ethics in education. Students can expect to participate in a student teaching experience as part of the degree program.
