The Study of Life is the Perfect Preparation for Yours

The Department of Biology at TV prepares students to explore the living world and pursue meaningful careers in healthcare, medicine, scientific research, environmental science, and education. Through hands-on learning, individualized faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary coursework, our students graduate ready to make an impact.

TV has been ranked #6 among the Best Colleges in Illinois for Biology Majors by Zippia.com, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in biology-related careers.

#6 RANKED IN ILLINOIS FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS
85% PLACEMENT INTO PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
11% PROJECTED GROWTH IN BIOLOGY CAREERS



Explore Our Biology Programs

The Department of Biology offers multiple pathways designed to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.


 BIOLOGY PROGRAMS

Biology, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology is designed for students interested in medicine, healthcare professions, research, and graduate study. The curriculum emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and laboratory experiences that provide a strong scientific foundation.

Ideas for students pursuing:

  • Medical School
  • Dental School
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Physician Assistant Program
  • Psychical Therapy Programs
  • Biomedical Research
  • Biotechnology Careers

Biology, B.A.

For individuals interested in a career in sciences but unlikely to pursue graduate school immediately and are more interested in a career teaching biology, the Biology B.A. offers a flexible curriculum with slightly less intensive mathematics and technical requirements.

Ideal for careers in:

  • Science Education
  • Environmental Organizations
  • Public Health
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Scientific Communication
  • Government and Nonprofit Agencies

 ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Environmental Science, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is designed for students who want a rigorous, lab- and field-based foundation in environmental science, paired with hands-on research experience. The curriculum integrates biology, chemistry, and the physical sciences with real fieldwork and undergraduate research opportunities.

Ideal for students pursuing:

  • Conservation Biology
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Environmental Protection
  • Graduate Study in Ecology, GIS, or Environmental Science

Environmental Science, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science offers the same core scientific foundation with a more flexible curriculum, ideal for students planning to pair the major with a second major, minors, or interdisciplinary interests such as policy, law, or nonprofit work.

Ideal for careers in:

  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Law (with continued study)
  • Nonprofit and Advocacy Work
  • Sustainability Coordination
  • Environmental Compliance

 PRE-HEALTH PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Our Biology programs provide exceptional preparation for graduate and professional programs in the health sciences. For many of these pathways, your education doesn't stop at your bachelor's degree. Lewis awards your Biology degree, and through our dual-acceptance partnership pathways with other institutions, you'll have a direct path to continue on and earn a master's or doctoral degree in your chosen health profession. Students work closely with faculty advisors to create personalized plans aligned with professional school requirements.

Pre-Health Pathways


 ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS

Take advantage of TV’s prestigious affiliations and accelerated pathways to earn specialized bachelor’s or master’s degrees in high-demand healthcare fields.

3+1 Bachelor’s Degrees

TV awards your Bachelor's degree. For the clinical portion of your training, you'll work directly with one of our clinical partner institutions, listed below.

3+2 Master’s Degrees

TV awards your Bachelor's degree. The master's portion of each of these programs is completed in partnership with Rush University, which confers the master's degree.


Degrees and Programs Offered

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate degrees designed to support diverse career goals.

Degrees Awarded

  • B.A., Biomedical Science
  • Certificate in Biomedical Science
  • B.A., Biology
  • B.S., Biology
  • B.A., Environmental Science
  • B.S., Environmental Science
  • B.S., Cardiovascular Ultrasound
  • B.S., Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • B.S., Histotechnology
  • B.S., Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • B.S., Radiation Therapy
  • B.S., Dental Hygiene

Minors

  • Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Health Sciences

What Can You Do With a Biology Degree?

A Biology degree is an excellent choice for the 21st century. The interdisciplinary curriculum, which includes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, provides students with a deep understanding of the living world and prepares them for a wide variety of careers.

Many students enter Lewis with a specific career path in mind, while others discover new opportunities along the way. Because all Biology students complete a common core of courses, graduates are prepared to pursue a broad range of professions and advanced degrees.

Jobs for Biology Majors Include:

  • Physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Dentist
  • Veterinarian
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Public Health Professional
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Science Educator
  • Research Scientist

What Careers Can I Get With a Biology Degree?

Biology graduates develop highly transferable skills that employers and graduate schools value, including:

  • Scientific reasoning and problem solving
  • Research and laboratory techniques
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Quantitative reasoning

These skills prepare graduates for careers in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, education, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research.

A Personal Approach to Learning

We have high expectations for our students and provide the support structure to help them succeed. Our faculty, each holding the highest degrees in their fields, are not only professors but also mentors and advisors who guide students throughout their time at Lewis and often long after graduation.

Small class sizes and personalized attention ensure that every student receives the guidance needed to achieve their academic and professional goals.


Accelerated Pathways

B.S. or B.A. in Biology to M.A. in Secondary Education (4+1 Option)

Students interested in teaching can earn both their bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education in less time than completing both degrees separately.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you aspire to attend medical school, work in healthcare, conduct scientific research, or teach the next generation of scientists, the Department of Biology at TV provides the knowledge, experiences, and mentorship to help you succeed.

Explore Our Programs

For more information, contact the Office of Admission at admission@lewisu.edu or call (815) 836-5250.

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