Quick Facts
• Join Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta), the biology honor society
• Conduct research with faculty and participate in professional conferences
• Gain firsthand experience through a required internship

Department Information
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B.S. IN BIOLOGY
If you're interested in a career in health sciences, environmental biology or scientific research, the B.S. degree provides the ideal preparation for advanced study. Our cross-discipline approach includes broad exploration of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Guided by close interaction with our faculty, you'll learn vital laboratory and biotechnology skills, including microbiology and DNA techniques, bacteria identification and bioinformatics. You’ll also use the most advanced computer techniques for interpreting and presenting research data. Our core courses emphasize the general understanding of biological concepts, experimental design, active learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and our flexible curriculum will allow you to tailor courses to your specific interests. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for laboratory research work or for advanced study in human medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical therapy or occupational therapy.

B.A. IN BIOLOGY
The B.A. in Biology blends the social sciences with biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. With this degree, you also receive preparation for entry into our 3:2 cooperative programs.

ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
If you meet program requirements, you may earn a bachelor's degree from Stephens and an advanced degree from one of our partner institutions in less time than it would normally take to earn both degrees. Our partnerships include programs in occupational therapy, physician assistant studies and physical therapy.

3:2 Master of Occupational Therapy Program
Qualified students may earn a B.A. in Biology from Stephens in three years and enter into a two-year Master of Occupational Therapy program at Washington University, in St. Louis. Through this program students may earn a bachelor’s degree from Stephens and a master’s degree from Washington University all in five years, instead of the typical six years.

3:2 Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program
Qualified students may earn a B.A. in Biology from Stephens in three years and enter into a two-year Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at Chatham University, in Pittsburgh. Through this program students may earn a bachelor’s degree from Stephens and a master’s degree from Chatham University all in five years, instead of the typical six years.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
An additional agreement with Chatham University allows you to earn a B.S. in Biology from Stephens in four years and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Chatham in just seven semesters.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
The Department of Natural Sciences offers a pre-professional course of study for students interested in attending medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school. Although many elect to major in Biology, students interested in medical careers can major in any discipline they wish. Upon entrance at Stephens, faculty advisers help students plan an academic course of study for their particular professional interests.

Pre-professional preparation at Stephens includes courses such as college math, biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, English, calculus, biochemistry and cell biology. The courses offered at Stephens cover the basic requirements of most professional schools, and they provide excellent preparation for professional program entrance exams. Some professional schools may require additional courses, which students may take at Stephens or at the University of Missouri–Columbia through the Mid-Missouri Associated Colleges & Universities (MMACU).

MINORS
The Biology department, in partnership with the Psychology department, offers a minor in FORENSIC SCIENCE, which introduces you to the use of biology and psychology in the legal field. The Biology department also offers a minor in CHEMISTRY, which offers advanced study in organic chemistry and instrumental analysis. Click here a full list of minors.

"PLUS ONE" BACHELOR'S + MASTER'S PROGRAM
Earn a master's degree in as little as one additional year through our Plus One Bachelor's + Master's Program.