Degree
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Department
Biology at St. Mary’s
The Department of Biological Sciences at St. Mary’s University offers a broad-based curriculum and extensive scientific training designed to prepare well-rounded health care professionals, teachers and scientists.
Program of Study
Biology majors develop written and oral communication skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills. In addition, students obtain an understanding and respect for ethical and moral concerns.
Because our students display competence, dedication and compassion, they are readily accepted into graduate programs, health professions, biomedical research and teaching fields.
Degree Plans
St. Mary’s University offers four bachelor’s degree options in Biological Sciences:
St. Mary’s also offers a Biology minor:
Courses
Specific courses vary depending on which degree option you select. Some of the courses offered include:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Cell and Molecular Methods
- Evolutionary Biology
- General Physiology
- Genetic Principles
- Neurophysiology
What can I do with a degree in Biology?
Career Opportunities
- Nursing
- Physician assistant
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary medicine
- Physical therapy
- Forensic science
- Research
- Education
Become a Health Professional
Many students interested in pursuing health care careers choose to major in Biology. Freshmen Biology majors can work closely with a Pre-Health Professions Adviser to explore career paths. Students are paired with a faculty adviser who continues to mentor their progress throughout their time at St. Mary’s. Both advisers meet regularly with Biology majors to discuss degree requirements, career goals and personal concerns.
St. Mary’s has partnerships that can fast-track our students’ acceptance to physical therapy, pharmacy, dental and medical programs. Our graduates are accepted to medical and dental programs at rates much higher than the national average.
The overwhelming support I’ve received from St. Mary’s faculty and staff members made the greatest impact during my time here, helping me get into medical school.”
Natalie Villarreal (B.S. ’21)
Outside the Classroom
While much learning occurs in our classrooms and laboratories, there are many opportunities beyond the classroom for Biology majors to become engaged in their campus and their communities.
Biology majors can choose from six registered student organizations, including the Pre-Med Society, Pre-Dental Society, Tri-Beta Honor Society, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and the student chapter of the American Red Cross.
There are also opportunities to enhance academic and professional development through enrichment programs and research, including the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE), summer research programs, the Preceptorship in the Health Professions course and the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and Creative Activities Exhibition.
Science Living Community
Students majoring in any science — from Physics to Computer Science, Biology to Engineering — can join the Science Living Community. Members live together and can participate in a variety of programs throughout the year.
Biology Living Learning Community
Academically driven freshmen who are interested in a career in biological science or related fields can choose to join the Biology LLC. Students in the community live, study, attend classes, and attend programs together with other highly motivated students.
Faculty
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Christine E. Gray, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences
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Gary B. Ogden, Ph.D. Associate Dean
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Jennifer Harr, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
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Jesus Segovia, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
-
Lori Boies, Ph.D., MPH Research Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Bioinformatics)
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Mary Beth Hawkins, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
-
Terry Shackleford, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
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Thomas (Ted) E. Macrini, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Biological Sciences
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Verónica Contreras-Shannon, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences
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Benjamin T. Enslow, M.D. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
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Michael Vallor, Ph.D. Instructor of Biology
Similar Programs
Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Bioinformatics
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Chemistry
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Environmental Science
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Physics
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Biomedical Research
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Online Certificate in Public Health
- Undergraduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
Public Health
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
- Undergraduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/biology/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/biology-400×420-1.png
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