Biology: B.S. & B.A.
The study of life excites you. If it’s the workings of the human body, animals, plants,
ecosystems or what can’t be seen by the naked eye that interest you, choosing biology
at Ouachita is your laboratory to discover just where these interests may take you.
At Ouachita, you will gain indispensable scientific reasoning skills and self-confidence
through research-based laboratory courses, starting your freshman year. You’ll learn
directly from experienced scientists – full-time professors, not teaching assistants
– who know your name and career goals. Whether your next step is medical school, graduate
school or a job in the field, you will find yourself equipped to be a lifelong learner.
Dentist
Occupational/Physical Therapist
Physician
Physician Assistant
Ph.D. Research Scientist
Public Health
Veterinarian
Wildlife Conservationist
General Biology 1
Microbiology
Ecology
Introduction to Wildlife Conservation & Management
Cell & Molecular Biology
Genetics
View the Ouachita catalog for a full course listing with course descriptions.
This flexible degree program allows you to choose courses to suit your interests and the needs of your future career path. View the detailed degree requirements PDF to see all courses included in the program.
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Largest Major at Ouachita
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Awarded for Recent Undergrad Research
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Faculty Published Peer-reviewed Journals
Degree Options: B.S., B.A. or Minor
B.S. degree: This research-focused degree program prepares students for professional schools, such as medical school, dental school or other health professions, or for careers in ecological or biomedical research.
B.A. degree: This flexible, non-research degree program allows students to adapt their course selections for careers as allied health professionals, such as physical or occupational therapists or dental hygienists. The B.A. degree also is a good option to pair with a second discipline, providing a strong biology background for non-science professions like law.
B.A. degree (Field Emphasis): This non-research degree program supports students pursuing careers in wildlife or land management through a strong biological foundation with an ecology focus.
B.A. degree (Teaching Emphasis): This non-research degree program equips students with the biological knowledge and experience they need to be outstanding K-12 teachers. It is paired with a second major in education and prepares you for K-12 licensure in health education.
*You also must complete state licensure requirements.
Biology Minor: Our 18-hour biology minor is a good option for students majoring in one of our other natural or social sciences or for those interested in the field but planning a career in another discipline.
In their words
hear from a faculty member & student
Olivia Brown
2020 graduate and current UAMS student
GROW THROUGH UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Undergraduate research is a key part of the Ouachita biology experience. We have intentionally built diverse, classroom-based research opportunities throughout our biology curriculum, building your science knowledge and self-confidence and equipping you with transferrable skills. In recent years, the Department of Biology has been awarded competitive funding from the Alcoa Foundation, Arkansas INBRE, NASA, NSF EPSCoR/CASE and more.
BE MENTORED PERSONALLY BY OUR FACULTY
At Ouachita, you will be advised by your professors in the Department of Biology, not a separate academic advisor. From what classes you should take to what to do if you’re questioning your career path, our faculty is here for you. Additionally, our faculty serve as mentors on the Health Professions Advisory Committee to prepare you for the professional school application and interview process if that is your end goal.
GAIN FIELD EXPERIENCE TRAVELING TO UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS
For years, Ouachita biology students have benefited from visiting places they have only ever studied in a textbook or classroom setting. If you have the slightest interest in the world’s ecosystems, Ouachita’s field courses offer experiential learning excursions that will take you to fascinating destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii and New Mexico, to name a few!
STUDY UNDER FACULTY
whose first priority is your education
Ouachita biology faculty are at the leading edge of undergraduate science education, allowing us to offer current, high-impact learning to our students through AR-CURE and the Cell Biology Education Consortium, both of which were founded at Ouachita. In addition to being dedicated teachers, our faculty are experienced scientists conducting their own impactful research, from cancer cells to antibiotic-producing bacteria to bird population studies. But their number one priority? Investing in the next generation of scientists. They are as passionate about what they teach as they are about helping you reach your goals.
PATTERSON SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES
GET IN TOUCH
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