Are you passionate about science and drawn to the wonders of the natural world? Do you see yourself conducting research in diverse ecosystems or developing solutions for environmental challenges? If so, San Diego County, recognized as the most biologically rich county in the continental U.S., offers an unparalleled living laboratory for aspiring scientists.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, our cliffside institute provides unique opportunities for hands-on research and exploration across multiple San Diego ecosystems, all while preparing for exciting careers in science — especially biology, sustainability, and environmental science programs.
Let's take a look at what makes San Diego the perfect place to study the natural sciences.
Why San Diego is a biodiversity hotspot
San Diego stands at a remarkable ecological crossroads that creates the perfect storm for biodiversity. The coastal region serves as a vital intersection between distinctly different natural worlds, including:
- The Mojave Desert to the east
- The Pacific Ocean to the west
- The Sierra Mountains to the north
- The Mexican border to the south
As nature photographer and producer Nate Dappen commented: "I began to explore [San Diego] and was stunned by the diversity of ecosystems here — deserts, mountains, chaparral, and the great Pacific Ocean all within an hour drive.”
It doesn’t get much better than that for science degrees.
Exploring San Diego's diverse ecosystems
For science students at PLNU, San Diego's diverse ecosystems become an extension of the classroom. Within a single day, students can move from studying marine biology in the Pacific Ocean's rich coastal waters to conducting field research in the chaparral and sage scrub communities.
The proximity of desert ecosystems offers opportunities to examine unique species adaptations, while nearby mountain ranges provide another distinct environment for ecological study.
San Diego’s remarkable access to varied environments creates opportunities for field studies, research projects, and hands-on learning experiences that other universities simply cannot offer. This considered, students gain firsthand experience with multiple ecosystems, learning not only individual environments but also the complex interactions between them.
San Diego's thriving biotech industry
Beyond its natural wonders, San Diego hosts one of the largest biotech hubs in the U.S.— and as such, competes with other key hubs in the U.S., including Greater Boston, North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, and South San Francisco.
San Diego’s relatively affordable lab spaces, access to a strong network of biotech investors, and a skilled bio-economy workforce have created a thriving industry that creates a unique advantage for PLNU science majors.
PLNU students have opportunities to secure internships at leading biotech companies, participate in research collaborations, and build professional networks that often lead to career opportunities after graduation.
The proximity to this innovative sector adds another dimension to PLNU’s science programs, connecting classroom learning with real-world applications in biotechnology and research.
______
Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
______
What can you do with a biology degree?
A degree in the natural sciences can unlock a variety of career opportunities. Whether you're interested in medicine, technology, ecology, or even business, there are countless ways to use your science expertise to benefit the people and worlds around you.
Looking ahead, employment in careers related to a degree in biology is projected to increase. For laboratory technicians (one of the careers pursued by biology graduates), overall employment is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
As one of the most common degrees chosen by those aspiring for a pre-health track or medical school, PLNU’s biology major offers students many resources on their educational journey, including job-focused opportunities like internships, volunteer positions, mock interviews, pre-health advising, and more.
As a result, 90% of PLNU students who have applied to health professions schools since 2004 have been admitted.
Check out our Biology, B.S.for more details on some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:
- Microbiologist Median annual salary: $84,400
- Biochemists and Biophysicists Median annual salary: $94,270
- Laboratory Technicians Median annual salary: $54,180
- Family Medicine Physicians Median annual salary: $214,370
PLNU alumni have combined their passion for science and strong academic foundation into careers in education, biotechnology, government, industry, and more. Many graduates of the PLNU biology program have gone on to work at nationally renowned research facilities such as Biolegend, Biospace, and Abbott Labs.
What can you do with an environmental science degree?
Sustainability concerns are becoming more relevant in nearly every industry. As a result, various organizations are interested in hiring individuals who understand how decision-making activities affect various sustainability issues and opportunities.
An environmental science degree or minor in sustainability studies can prepare you to improve the world around you, whether your career path leads to business, science, law, journalism, or various other industries where environmental expertise is increasingly valued.
These programs can lead to careers in the following verticals:
- Environmental Law
- Biotechnology
- Research and development
- Nonprofit/NGO
- Public Policy
- Urban Planning
PLNU graduates have gone on to work in internationally known conservation organizations such as Wildlife Conservation Society, the SD Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and more. Learn more about our Sustainability Studies minor and Environmental Science degree.
Wildlife and conservation research at PLNU
Our faculty leads groundbreaking research that takes full advantage of San Diego's unique biodiversity. No PLNU professor paints this picture better than Mike Mooring, Ph.D., professor of biology at PLNU.
Dr. Mooring exemplifies this through his work at the intersection of behavioral ecology and conservation biology. He and his students aim to use their field research to promote better stewardship of creation.
Like his colleagues in the sciences, Dr. Mooring has the opportunity to mentor students each year for 10 weeks as part of the summer research program. His research involving camera traps and wildlife surveys helps monitor and protect large mammals while providing students with valuable field experience.
Through immersive research opportunities, students develop practical skills in:
- Field research methodologies
- Data collection and analysis
- Conservation techniques
Students learn to implement wildlife monitoring strategies and understand ecosystem management in real-world contexts, all of which prepare you for future careers in conservation and environmental science.
Want to learn more? Check out the video below for more information on the Summer Research program at PLNU.
Study Science in San Diego's Biodiverse Classroom
At PLNU, you'll study science in one of the world's most diverse natural laboratories. Our unique location, combined with rigorous academic programs and hands-on research opportunities, prepares you for a successful career in science, conservation, biotechnology, or environmental protection.
With over 100 years as an established university, we’ve established strong collaborations with local conservation organizations and regional scientific institutions, enabling our students to engage in meaningful research as undergraduates.
Ready to explore science in San Diego? Read on to learn more about our various science programs, including Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Sustainability Studies, or apply to PLNU today.
Photos for this story courtesy of Marcus Emerson