Ever wondered what it would be like to study elephants in Kenya? Swim with eagle rays in the Florida Keys? Inject DNA into worms? In the Goshen College biology program, you can do all of this while tackling your bachelor’s degree. In fact, GC is recognized as one of the best colleges in Indiana for our biology programs!
As a biology major at Goshen College, students will gain a solid understanding and strong foundation in the scientific method, natural sciences and research skills as they work towards their degree in biology.
They will learn to think critically, scientifically, and to ask questions about the natural world around us as they analyze data, conduct research, and participate in laboratory work. In addition, learners will have the opportunity to participate in exciting hands-on learning experiences and research projects both on and off-campus, including some focused on your own research interests.
At GC, the biological sciences are divided into three majors. All three are rigorous, experiential, and founded on the belief that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom.
Not only do we offer international courses and science courses, but students pursuing a degree in biology or working towards their master’s degree will get to participate in interactive learning events right on campus, including a science speaker lecture series, and multiple teaching and research assistantships. You will also have access to 1,189 acres of prairie, forest, wetland, and lake habitat to explore at the college’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, just 30 miles from campus.
Goshen College excels at preparing biology graduates for medical school and graduate degree programs. In the last five years, between 90-95 percent of biology majors who applied to graduate programs were accepted. On top of that, GC is second in the state for the percentage of students who go on to earn a doctoral degree!
Whether students enter biology-related careers right out of college or choose to further their education with an advanced degree, Goshen College will give them the skills they need to succeed.
Our undergraduate degree programs help prepare students for career paths and graduate study in evolutionary biology, medical biology, human health, life sciences, veterinary medicine, forensic anthropology, environmental biology, cellular biology, conservation biology, biomedical engineering, genetic engineering, forensic science, environmental conservation, and more.
Career options for biology students include biomedical engineer, forensic scientist, science writer, conservation biologist. Our graduates have gone on to become environmental scientists, laboratory assistants, biological technicians and pursue a variety of other career opportunities.
Request more information about Goshen College’s biology program by completing the form below. Financial aid is available. We would love to hear from you!
Goshen College will host its 24th annual Conference on Religion and Science on March 7-9, featuring keynote speaker Sarah E. Fredericks, associate professor of environmental ethics at the University of Chicago. Registration is now open for the event.
Dr. Jonathan N. Roth, professor emeritus of biology at Goshen College, passed away in Goshen on March 13, 2024, at the age of 86. He taught at the college for 42 years, from 1962 to 2004.
Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand this summer, you’ve probably heard of the Merlin Bird ID App. It’s a creation of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that allows you to identify birds you see or hear, with ease. Over the course of this year, it’s been downloaded by millions of people who use it to identify thousands of species of birds based on their song. And the man behind the app is 2006 Goshen College graduate named Drew Weber.
Number of years the marine biology program has operated in the Florida Keys
Acres of land to explore at GC’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
Number of years the marine biology program has operated in the Florida Keys
of biology majors who applied to medical or graduate school in recent years were accepted
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
By joining our department you will learn from other students and professors alike. And they will learn from you. The department organizes the Biology Coffee Hour and a special Science Speaker Lecture Mini-Series to kick off our Departmental Research Project. Through biology picnics and internship presentation events you will not only connect to a community of scholars, you will have fun doing it!
Through weekly 3-hour labs in each of your courses you will gain the skills of a biologist. As a junior you will collaborate with a team of colleagues to design, implement and analyze an independently designed research project – which will serve as your senior thesis project.
Our students benefit from the expertise of faculty in chemistry, physics and other departments across campus. Faculty collaborate in research (e.g. pigeon genetics, soil diversity in prairies, photobioreactors), in addition to engaging in dialogue about bioethics and science and religion during Interdisciplinary Forum events and the annual Science & Religion Conference.
Asia Green graduated in 2017 with a molecular biology and biochemistry major. She played soccer, participated in the Black Student Union and learned Spanish—all while studying to become a pediatric dentist.
Asia's storyEmily Brandeberry '22 is studying environmental and marine science and playing basketball at Goshen College.
Roger Beachy graduated from GC in 1966 with a biology degree. In 2014, he was nominated by President Barack Obama to the National Science Board for the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Roger's storyAriana Perez Diener, an environmental & marine science major, and Christian Gehman an environmental science & computer science double major, spent their summer studying prairie cattle grazing at Merry Lea.
Ariana's storyDakota Cain ’23 is connecting STEM and writing to bridge the gap between science and the general public.
Dakota's storyTheasy Eash '23 pursues career as marine researcher and in aquaculture industry.
Theary's storyNeil Detweiler
Assistant Professor of Biology
Director of Pre-Health Programs
Phillip Allman
Associate Professor of Marine Biology
Raquel Montanez-Gonzalez
Assistant Professor of Biology
John Mischler
Assistant Professor of Sustainability and Environmental Education & Director of ASI
