Biology, B.A.

Program Overview

Are you fascinated by the natural world and have always wondered why we are made the way we are? Do you have a desire to study life and all its physical properties, from the largest mammals to the smallest bacteria and viruses? With a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, you can leverage your strengths in analysis, exploration, problem-solving, and the sciences into finding answers within life's complexities and intricacies.

At PLNU, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of this dynamic field, which will prepare you for a wide range of occupations and specializations. Initial courses in biochemistry, organismal biology, and general chemistry introduce you to the processes, concepts, and theories of biology across a broad range of levels. Upper division courses like genetics, conservation ecology, microbiology, immunology, marine biology, and more will hone your critical thinking, knowledge, and quantitative skills that are essential for applying your education to a real-world setting.

Additionally, the Department of Biology offers minor areas of study where you'll be able to take classes in other academic disciplines, like computational science, business, and more. These minors offer the chance to specialize and gain in-depth, expert knowledge that will set you apart as you move on to a career in biology.

You will also be able to work side-by-side with passionate and knowledgeable professors within classroom labs and field experience outings. Some other unique hands-on learning opportunities available are faculty-assisted research projects, internships, and even co-authoring scholarly papers for national and international scientific journals. You'll also have access to sophisticated instrumentation and computational resources for use in courses and labs, all housed within our new state-of-the-art science center. 

Learn more about how students gain hands-on STEM experience through PLNU’s summer research program.

Biology in Action

PLNU’s Catalina Ecology Trip Immerses Students in Nature
Tess Halbert Embraces Faith, Resilliance, and Discovery
PLNU’s Catalina Ecology Trip Immerses Students in Nature When PLNU ecology students went on a trip to Catalina Island they came back with a fresh perspective on appreciating and stewarding creation. Discover
Tess Halbert Embraces Faith, Resilliance, and Discovery Tess Halbert’s journey to PLNU, marked by resilience, faith, and overcoming cancer, has shaped her into the leader she is today. Discover
Tara Chudoba Lives her Faith Through Wildlife Conservation  Tara Chudoba integrates her Christian faith and passion for wildlife conservation to inspire her students and communities to take meaningful action towards preserving nature. Discover
Filming Our Planet: Alum Jeff Hester’s Work on Netflix Emmy-Winning Series Episode four of Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning series, Our Planet, “Coastal Seas,” opens with an underwater shot of a thriving coral ecosystem. Large predatory fish and rays dive among a massive school of anchovies as Sir David Attenborough narrates how such a complex ecosystem sustains itself. But less than twenty minutes later, Australia’s beloved Great Barrier Discover
Deep Understanding Towering over the sandy floor, they follow the flow of the ocean, yet stand firm in their place as essential pillars of the ecosystem. Across the soccer field, past Young Hall’s volleyball court, down the cliffs and into the white-capped waters, in the depths surfed by many PLNU students exist “the redwoods of the ocean,” Discover
Jacob Moreno: A Former Student-Athlete’s Passion for Marine Life Fuels a Career in Biology Jacob’s unwavering passion for marine life has led him across the country to the West Coast, where he can fully pursue exploring the vast and beautiful ocean. Discover
4 Impactful Research Projects from PLNU Professors PLNU is home to a variety of talented and hardworking professors doing important research in San Diego and beyond! Here are 4 professors in the biology and chemistry departments whose projects stand out as creative, fascinating, and impactful. Discover
The Healing Power of Food: Alumni Using Food to Better the Health of Others PLNU alumni Taylor Johnson-Gordon, Jennifer Nemeth, and Alison Patt have all built careers aimed at improving people’s lives and health through food. Discover
Seeking the Unseen Dr. Kris Koudelka, a professor of biology at PLNU, spends his days working in the realm of the invisible. Based on indirect detection, his research can’t be seen or summarized in a concrete sense, but rather consists of what Koudelka describes as “moving liquid around in small tubes” and analyzing it with the help of Discover
Nathan Keys: Writing for the Kingdom of God Nathan Keys uses his gift of creativity to craft stories of purpose and hope. Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Biology, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information


Start Application

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support


Career Opportunities

Utilize your curiosity about the science behind life and creation with a biology degree. At PLNU, the hands-on lab experiences and research you will perform will prepare you for a career in many different fields within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics industries. 

At PLNU, our Biology B.A. program focuses on two goals:

  • Introducing you to the processes, concepts, and theories of biology across a broad range of levels
  • Honing your critical thinking, knowledge, and quantitative skills that are essential for applying your education to a real-world setting

Additionally, a biology B.A. will give you the flexibility to add on another major or minor to help you cater your educational experience to your career goals. For example, many students choose to add a minor in chemistry or computer science to help them in their career pursuits. In a similar manner, students wanting to become science teachers may choose to add a teaching credential. 

Job outlook for biology careers

Employment in careers related to a degree in biology is projected to increase. For laboratory technicians (one of the careers pursued by graduates of the PLNU biology program), overall employment is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What can you do with a biology degree?

PLNU biology graduates are sought after for the ways they are able to confidently integrate and apply their faith, knowledge, and skillset to their work. As one of the most common degrees chosen by those aspiring for pre-health track or medical school, biology majors are offered many resources on their education journey including references for volunteer/shadowing/research/internship opportunities, first- and second-round mock interviews, and advising meetings with the pre-health advisor (just to names few). As a result, 90% of PLNU students who have applied to health professions schools have been admitted!

 Alumni have combined their passion for science and strong academic foundation into careers in education, biotechnology, government, industry, and more. Specifically, many graduates of the PLNU biology program have gone on to work at nationally renowned research facilities such as Biolegend, Inc., and Biospace, Inc.

Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:

Laboratory Technicians

2020 Median annual salary: $54,180

Clinical laboratory technicians perform a wide range of tasks within a lab, including collecting samples and performing tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. They use laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters.

Necessary attributes and skills:

  • Organization
  • Communication 
  • Operating medical equipment, automated equipment, and computerized instruments
  • Giving diagnostic tests
  • Robust knowledge of human bodily functions (blood type, DNA, etc.)
  • Data analysis
  • Record keeping of results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures

Registered Nurse (RN)

2020 Median annual salary: $80,010

In addition to the B.S. degree, registered nurses must complete the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon successful completion of both graduation and the NCLEX-RN exam, one is able to enter the field. Registered nurses are responsible for providing medical support to patients and doctors. They work very closely with fellow RNs to divide the duties of completing healthcare assessments, administering medications, and providing catered attention to each patient.

Necessary attributes and skills:

  • Sympathetic, non-judgemental
  • Organization
  • Communication 
  • Patience
  • Stamina/Strength
  • Operating medical equipment
  • Giving diagnostic tests

High School Teacher

2020 Median annual salary: $62,870

High school teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. Specifically, biology teachers must be well-versed and fluent in a wide range of scientific principles and curriculum in order to effectively support students as they learn. Teachers plan courses and curriculum based on the area of study they’re teaching. Additionally, they assess students’ progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work.

Necessary attributes and skills:

  • Engaging conversationalist and speaker
  • Ability to evaluate papers and projects
  • Thorough expertise and knowledge of specified department and subject
  • Time management skills

Family Medicine Physicians

2020 Median annual salary: $214,370

These physicians diagnose, treat, and offer preventive care to individuals and families across their lifespan. They may transfer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment but ultimately try to help their patients in their journey to a healthy lifestyle.

Necessary attributes and skills:

  • Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
  • Advising patients on necessary health changes
  • Monitoring patient progress and records
  • Analytical diagnosis 
  • Physical fitness 
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Leadership skills 
  • Organization 

Make a difference in your community through exploring the unknowns of biological processes, utilizing your knowledge to provide holistic medical care, or teaching the next generation with a degree in biology 

The Biology B.A. from PLNU prepares you with experience and knowledge to be an innovator in the science, education, or medical industries. Whether you pursue teaching, research, or healthcare, you’ll be ready with the insight gained at PLNU. 

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.


Department Faculty