Earlham’s biology program encompasses all facets of biology, from cells to ecosystems, from neuroscience to environmental science and health. From day one, you will have unparalleled access to our faculty who teach and do research in and at the intersection of our different disciplines—environmental science, neuroscience, biochemistry, health science, ecology, evolution, and cell and molecular biology.
Our alumni have found work as physicians, nurses, zookeepers, museum specialists, vets, biomedical researchers, GIS specialists, conservation biologists, university professors, wildlife biologists, stem cell and cancer researchers, and educators, among many others. They have worked with state and federal governments and major corporations around the world.
Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters.
You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, you must complete the following courses, in addition to general education requirements:
Upper Level Biology
Majors should complete at least 16 additional credits in upper-level biology courses, of which at least 13 must be from courses numbered 342 to 471.
One of the following courses:
To minor in biology, you must complete a total of 24 credits in biology, including at least two of the following courses:
Twenty-one (21) credits must be in courses numbered below BIOL 472. Four credits for the minor may be from CHEM 111 or CHEM 221.
Note: CHEM 221 is included as an option for the minor for those students who test out of CHEM 111 but still want to take more chemistry.
91% of work seekers who majored in the natural sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school, or volunteering within six months of graduation.
Top ranked
Earlham ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. for the percentage of our graduates who earn doctorates in the life sciences.
Outcomes
Top jobs for 2017-2019 graduates were in education, recreation and tourism, environmental/sustainability management and veterinary/animal care.
What kind of research experience and internships are available?
Recent biology majors have interned at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, the Alaska Zoo, Schepens Eye Research Institute, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the University of Arizona Natural History Museum Collections and the United Nations, among other places.
Opportunities
Earlham Biology Majors have access to amazing Off-campus Field Expeditions (Namibia, Borneo, Peru), Field research opportunities (Ice-Land, GRG), and Laboratory Experiences
Information for first-year students
Students interested in majoring in biology should speak with a biology faculty member early in their undergraduate career.
Faculty will help lay out a four-year plan that includes required courses, elective courses, opportunities for off-campus study, and possible internships. Early consultation is important to the sequencing of several courses so that off-campus study remains an option.
In general, students should take BIOL 111 and CHEM 111 in their first semester, CHEM 221 and BIOL 112 in their second semester and BIOL 341 in the fall of their sophomore year. A summer research experience is highly recommended, and faculty work with students to identify appropriate opportunities.
Can I do off-campus study
Biology majors are strongly encouraged to plan for an off-campus study semester. Talk to your adviser early in your college career to plan for this. Learn more about upcoming opportunities through the Center of Global and Career Education.
Resources for current students
Looking for information about the biology senior seminar and comprehensive exams?