Skip to main content
Home
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give

Biology Degree (BS)

Living organisms – from people to animals to plants – are fascinating to study. As a BS in Biology major at ONU, you'll delve into the intriguing science behind life. You'll study all the aspects of biological science like botany, cell biology, ecology, molecular biology, microbiology, and physiology in class, in the lab and in the field.

descriptive alt text should go here

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Programs of Study
  3. Biology
Type of Offering
Major Minor
College
Arts & Sciences School of Health, Life Sciences, and Education

Opportunities Abound

Our biology students and alums do great things! And, at ONU you can focus on a major in biology or concentrate deeper into the majors of Environmental & Field Biology, Forensic Biology, or Molecular Biology. Scroll through the photos and click to read more.

Faith Hampton, BS '26

Faith Hampton, BS '26

Kaylee Franklin, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Kaylee Franklin, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Rachel (Powers) Woods, Museum Park

Rachel (Powers) Woods, Museum Park

Study to keep wrestlers healthy provides hands-on education for ONU student

Study to keep wrestlers healthy provides hands-on education for ONU student

We provide the individualized attention and opportunity you can't just get at large institutions. As a freshman, you’ll work in the lab with real professors – not graduate assistants or lab instructors. Throughout your four years, you’ll design and conduct your own experiments, work on independent projects, and assist professors with grant-funded research. Most biology students present their research at regional and national conferences. 

From the time you arrive on campus until you graduate, you’ll be guided by a faculty advisor. You’ll enjoy small class sizes and amazing friendships with your fellow biology majors. Our dedicated professors will get to know you. They will support you in your coursework, research, internships, co-ops, post-graduate or career preparations. They will become personally invested in your success – in college and beyond.

From field trips to the Metzger Nature Center to spending a semester studying abroad, from STEM outreach projects with local schoolchildren to heading up a student organization – the opportunities open to you are truly incredible!

As a Biology major, you also have the option to choose a pre-professional track in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, pre-optometry, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary science, or pre-med. 

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to make important scientific contributions. You’ll be armed with the knowledge, hands-on experience and critical thinking skills needed for success – no matter where your path leads you.
 

Facts and Figures

  • 90th Many ONU biology seniors consistently score above 90% of students nationally on the ETS Major Field Test in Biology.
  • 94% Biology program majors were enrolled in graduate/medical school within six months of graduating
  • 95% Job and graduate school placement rate for all ONU grads (2025)
  • Top Spot Our students consistently obtain competitive and coveted National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) for the summer

Biology Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

The biology program provides a solid foundation in the basics with the flexibility to take elective courses in your favorite topics. Electives include: Medical Physiology, Ecology, Environmental Issues, Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Immunology.

  • Four-Year Curriculum
  • Biology with Teacher Licensure
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Faculty
field study fish
Biology professor helping student in her office.

Ignite your Passion

Find an internship you’ll love. We’ll help you find internships that will expand your career possibilities and provide hands-on experience.

Get your hands dirty

Discover world class labs, learning facilities and equipment all designed for hands-on learning.

biology field study
biology field study
Biology class pic
Biology class pic
biology greenhouse
biology students studying outside
Biology class pic
biology professor and students
Biology class pic
anatomage table
Screenshot from video of the facility

Explore a 70-acre field station.

Spend time studying, observing and conducting research at the Metzger Nature Center in Tuscarawas County.

Is teaching your passion?

If you want to become a teacher (grades preK-12 or 7-12), you can get a teacher licensure in your subject area. Our education program produces outstanding teachers with an emphasis on learning by doing, seeing and experiencing.

  • Education
  • Get involved in a research project working side-by-side with your professors. These experiences are rare for undergraduate students, but they are available here. Your research in collaboration with ONU professors routinely leads to published papers and presentations at regional and national conferences.

  • Apply for a summer undergraduate research experience. Our students have an excellent track record of getting accepted for these highly-competitive, paid positions that only consider top science students. These experiences take place at large academic, industrial or government research institutions across the country.

     

    Students have the opportunity to work with faculty mentors in the new toxicology laboratory to perform drug testing for the county.

  • The Polar Research Experience Program in Molecular Biology gives selective students the chance to spend five weeks in the summer conducting research with an ONU professor for a $1,600 stipend.  Research techniques acquired during this  experience can be applied to all areas of biology and prepares students for participation in REUs as well as graduate and professional studies.

  • Our study abroad program gives you the opportunity to live and learn abroad. We have affiliations with the University of Ulster in the United Kingdom, Glasgow Caledonia University and the University of Eastern Finland in addition to many other worldwide connections. 

  • Immersive education at its best! Field semester is comprised of four 3-week modules (courses) on field botany, field entomology, ichthyology and marine biology. You spend six weeks at the Metzger Nature Center and two weeks at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory learning in the field. At the end of the semester, you turn your research into a paper, poster and presentation.

  • Learn from nationally-recognized scholars in the life sciences. Each year the Keiser Distinguished Lectureship in Life Sciences brings a distinguished scholar to campus to lecture and interact with students. Learn more here.

  • There are many organizations to be a part of as a biology major. Beta Beta Beta (BBB) Biology Honorary, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society, the Biology Student Association (BSA), the Professional Association of Women in Science (PAWS) and the Society of Medical Professionals (SMP).

End game: a fulfilling Biology career

Our graduates are making a difference all over the world. Check out where our graduates have ended up and where they’ve attended graduate school.

Careers in Biology:
- Biotechnician
- Research assistant
- Nutritionist
- Conservation scientist
- Medical and health services manager
- Genetic counselor
- Pharmaceutical representative
- Bioinformatics
- Health educator
- Physician
- University professor
- Research scientist
- Veterinarian
- High school teacher

  • Vanderbilt Universit
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Kentucky
  • Ohio State University
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • Baylor University logo
  • Harvard University logo
  • University of Washington logo
  • University of North Carolina logo
The sound of science video.

The Sound of Science

Listen to the sounds you can make in a science-related field of study at ONU.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At many large universities, research is reserved for graduate students. At ONU, you’ll start as early as your first year. You can design your own experiments, work on grant-funded projects with faculty, or join the Polar Research Experience Program, which offers a $1,600 stipend for summer molecular biology research. Our students often co-author published papers and present at national conferences before they even graduate. 3

  • Absolutely. We offer several pre-professional tracks specifically designed to prepare you for the rigors of graduate school. Whether you are eyeing med school, dentistry, veterinary science, or physical therapy, your faculty advisor will help you tailor your coursework to meet specific admission requirements.

  • If you prefer a pair of boots to a lab coat, you’ll love our Field Semester. This immersive experience includes modules in field botany, entomology, and marine biology, featuring weeks spent at the Metzger Nature Center and the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory. We also utilize our 300-acre Wetlands Restoration Project just 12 miles from campus as a living laboratory.

  • You won’t be just a number here. We maintain small class sizes so you can build real relationships with your professors. From day one, you are paired with a faculty advisor who stays with you for all four years. You’ll receive intense, hands-on training directly from PhD-holding faculty, not graduate assistants or lab instructors.

  • Yes! We believe science is a global endeavor. Our biology students can study for a semester or a summer at partner institutions like the University of Ulster in the UK, Glasgow Caledonian University, or the University of Eastern Finland. We work closely with you to ensure these international experiences fit into your four-year plan so you still graduate on time.

  • Our graduates don't just find jobs; they find careers. Our alumni work in cardiology, environmental conservation, and the pharmaceutical industry. Recent biology seniors consistently score in the top 10% nationally on the ETS Major Field Test, proving they are among the best-prepared young scientists in the country.

  • It is! Our Forensic Biology students get a one-of-a-kind experience investigating mock crimes in the ONU Crime House. You’ll work alongside real law enforcement personnel to learn techniques in DNA analysis and evidence collection, giving you a distinct advantage if you're pursuing a career in criminalistics or laboratory investigation.

students walking around campus
Biology at onu

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

We would love to meet you and show you around!
Your health, safety and future are in good hands at Northern. We offer a host of services to keep you informed and meet your needs while you are on campus.
  • apply now
  • visit campus
Learn more about life as a Polar Bear:
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • Tiktok
  • youtube
  • twitter/x
  • twitter/x
  • LinkedIn
image of campus - decorative only

Ohio Northern University

525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810
419-772-2000

MB: Footer: Middle 1

  • Libraries
  • ONU Gear Shop
  • Freed Center
  • Career Services
  • ONU HealthWise Pharmacy
  • Campus Map
  • University Licensing & Trademarks

MB: Footer: Middle 2

  • Employment
  • Bookstore
  • Registrar
  • The Inn
  • Calendar
  • Faculty/Staff Directory

Footer Menu

  • Events
  • News
  • Mission & Vision
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Consumer Info
  • USDA Statement
  • Media Inquiry

Information for:

  • my.onu.edu
  • Alumni/Friends
  • Parents/Families
  • Faculty/Staff Directory
  • Center for Corporate Engagement
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • About
    • Quick Facts
    • President and Leadership
    • Trustees
    • Financial Affairs
    • University Advancement
    • Recognition of Excellence
    • Getting to Know Ada
    • Commencement
    • Controller and Bursar
    • Human Resources
    • Campus Sustainability
    • History and Tradition
  • Academics
    • Programs of Study
    • Academic Affairs
      • Honors Day
    • College of Arts & Sciences
    • College of Business
    • College of Engineering
    • College of Law
    • College of Pharmacy
    • Institute for Civics and Public Policy
    • Camps, Conferences, Workshops and Community Events
    • Registrar
    • Heterick Library
    • Taggart Library
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Apply
    • Accepted Students
      • time to celebrate
    • Visit
    • Financial Aid
    • Undergraduate
    • Pharmacy
    • Transfer
    • Graduate
    • International–Degree and Exchange
    • College Credit Plus
    • Virtual Tour Map
  • Student Life
    • Housing
    • Dining
    • Center for Student Success
    • Polar Careers
    • Health and Wellness
    • Public Safety
  • Distinctly ONU
  • Athletics