ScienceBiology

The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with two distinct tracks designed to support each student's personal academic and career goals. ThePre-professional track is designed to specifically prepare students for application to professional or graduate schools medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, etc. and research/laboratory-based graduate programs. OurOrganismal track is a broader exposure to the wider world of Biology preparing students to enter the workforce with a well-rounded scientific understanding of the living world around us. This track offers flexibility to design a tailored curriculum based on other career paths, such as teaching (with appropriate education courses), law, journalism or other areas. The Organismal track has also been developed together with the graduate program in the Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education allowing students to graduate with both a BS in Biology and an MAT in just 5 years.

Students graduating from Bellarmine with a B.S. in Biology will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of biology.
2. Apply skills and techniques used in biological laboratories.
3. Critique, synthesize and communicate biological principles and data.

The career plans of students graduating with degrees in Biology vary from year to year. Approximately 25 percent of Biology graduates pursue professional degrees in medical, veterinary, dental, optometry, physical therapy or pharmacy school. Another 5 percent go into the life sciences industry (medical supply, pharmaceutical sales, laboratory technician, quality control). About 50 percent of our students go onto graduate school to seek a Masters or Ph.D. in biology or a biology-related field. Our most recent graduates have been accepted at Colorado State University, Auburn University, Boston University, Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

• A completed online application form.
• Credentials & Transcripts: Undergraduate applicants who have attended post-secondary schools, colleges, universities, or professional institutions outside the United States must submit their academic records to SpanTran or World Education Services, Inc. (WES) for a course-by-course evaluation.
• Language Proficiency: TOEFL: The minimum scores are: Paper-based test 550, Internet based test 79 or 80, or Computer based test 213, MELAB: Obtain a score of 78 or higher, IELTS: Obtain a score of 6.0 or higher. Duolingo English Test: Obtain a score of 105 or higher (The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Bellarmine University when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session).
  1. Language training at an approved center.
  2. Prior educational experiences in TOEFL Exempt Countries. Students who have a secondary or high school diploma earned in TOEFL exempt countries have met the requirement. Additionally, international students who have completed at-least one year of full time university study or its equivalent (i.e., a minimum of 24 earned credit hours or its equivalent and earned a 2.0 GPA) in an exempt country have met the requirement.
  3. ACT or SAT. Students for whom English is a second language and have outstanding language skills may submit either ACT (21 composite or higher) or SAT (1060 or higher) scores in lieu of other evidence.
  4. Proof of Funding: A bank statement or letter of commitment demonstrating ability to fund the cost of attending Bellarmine University for one academic year.
  5. Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain at-least one letter of recommendation from a prior teacher, professional academic counselor, or another individual who’s professional standing is appropriate to access the student’s ability to succeed in college and who is aware of the student’s language skills.