Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences at Southwestern Adventist University aims to encourage thoughtful investigation of living systems. The faculty strives to prepare students for service in health care, research, conservation, resource management, and education career fields.

 

 

Programs

B.S. Biology, Biomedical Emphasis

Looking for a degree with diverse career options in medically related areas? A B.S. Biology, Biomedical Emphasis meets the prerequisites for these areas and could be the degree for you!

B.S. Biology, Ecology and Conservation Biology Emphasis

Do you care deeply about animals, plants, or the environment? Then a B.S. Biology, Ecology & Conservation Biology Emphasis is perfect for you!

B.S. Biology, Integrative Biology

Are you fascinated by everything in biology, from molecular aspects of cellular function to processes in our biosphere and everything in between? A B.S. Biology, Integrative Biology emphasis may be the perfect degree for you!

B.A. Biology

Do you have a significant interest in biology, but want the freedom to pursue other interests outside of biology? Then the B.A. Biology is designed for you!

B.S. Medical Laboratory Science

Do you enjoy analyzing and solving scientific problems? Then a B.S. Medical Laboratory Science degree is for you! 

B.S. Biology, Life Science Secondary Teaching Certification

Do you love biology and want to pursue a career sharing your knowledge and inspire the next generation? Then a Secondary Teaching Certification program from the Department of Biological Sciences is perfect for you!

B.S. Physical Science with Chemistry Emphasis, Secondary Teaching Certification

Do you have a talent for teaching as well as a passion for physical science and chemistry? Perhaps you should consider a B.S. Physical Science with Chemistry Emphasis, Secondary Teaching Certification.

Biology Minors

Are you looking for the perfect minor to add an element of biology to your degree? Check out two minors that the Department of Biological Sciences offers!

If none of the above options interest you, consider combining two majors under Interdisciplinary Studies. For example, you could combine Biology and Computer Science to prepare for a career in bioinformatics.

 

Your Future

Careers

Most biology students go on to graduate or professional schools to become physicians, dentists, therapists, pharmacists, or researchers. Others become educators, biotechnicians, environmental scientists, or zoologists.

Professions

  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacist
  • Optometrist
  • Physician Assistant
  • Veterinarian
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Biology Teacher
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Zookeeper
  • Writer

 

 

$65,000

Median annual wage for the
Biology field in May 2019

News & Events

SWAU STEM Grant Team

Multimillion Dollar Award Supports STEM Excellence

Dinosaur Science Museum Launches Fossil Preparatory Course for Fall 2021

Stephan Gray and a young boy stand next to a dinosaur bone laying on a table

A Discovery of an Experience

A blurred photo of the university campus showcasing the nursing building, rotunda and the beautiful green grade in between the sidewalks

Southwestern Adventist University Moves to the Cloud with Ellucian

Shot of the Chan Shun Centennial Library taken from a left angle with the sun peaking out from behind a tree in the foreground

Equity, Education, and the American Dream

Armando Miranda, Jr. Shares His SWAU Journey

SWAU Hosts Graduation for Class of 2021

Genesis Santos poses for the camera in a mask with cartoon smiling faces and a blue sweatshirt

Class of 2024 Thrives During First Semester, Despite Pandemic

Caroline Torres poses in front of a Christmas tree holding a box containing the Mizpah ornament

A Gift that Lasts: Caroline Torres

Three students in the Dinosaur Science Museum looking at and working on a dinosaur bone

“The Dig” Dinosaur Research Project in Need of a New Field Station

Graduating seniors throw their caps in the air while being surrounded by proud faculty and staff

Southwestern Adventist University’s Class of 2020

Flattening the Curve | Creation Health Principles

Southwestern Adventist University hosts The North American Premiere of The Dig

All dressed in suits, Dr. Ken Shaw smiles and stands next to two men at a conference called LEAP

Service with a Smile: Southwestern Alum and Physician Carries Medical Mission Work to Children of the World

Southwestern Adventist University To Host North American Premiere Screening of The Dig

Southwestern Adventist University Strategizes for the Future 

Faculty Profiles

Arthur Schwarz, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences
Professor and Department Chair
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Arthur Chadwick, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences
Paleontology Specialist
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Amy McHenry, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences
Adjunct Faculty
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Jared Wood, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences
Associate Professor
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Erin Maloney, PhD

Department of Biological Sciences
Associate Professor
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