Biology

Programs of Study click to expand

Biology

What is biology?

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. It is a good fit for students considering a career in medicine or a related field, as well as those intrigued with the living world who want to be prepared for any number of careers available in biology.

Success factors

If you are motivated, passionate and enjoy learning and understanding principles governing life processes at all levels – molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological – studying biology is for you!

“I chose biology as my major in order to become a physician assistant. I am so excited about my future career! I enjoy caring for people, but also love being able to explain what is happening to people’s bodies and why.”
— Hannah Weaver, class of 2014, physician assistant student at University of Oklahoma at Tulsa

Career possibilities

Programs of study are designed to prepare you for a number of career paths in biology:
Molecular/Cellular: Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Forensic Science, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience; Organismal: Animal Behavior, Botany, Entomology, Ornithology, Parasitology, Physiology, Mammalogy, Herpetology; Ecology/Conservation/Sustainability: Biological Systematics, Ecology, Oceanography and Marine Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Park Naturalist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoological Park and Aquarium; Health-related careers: Dentist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist, Physician, Physician Assistant, Podiatrist, Veterinarian, Veterinary Assistant, Animal Caretaker; Education: Elementary and Secondary School Teacher, University Professor

Majoring in biology

Opportunities to serve as a tutor and department assistant, privileges normally reserved for upperclassment at most schools.

Biology Curriculum

The biology curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and advanced degrees. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in biology

Environmental Science

What is environmental science?

Environmental science is a growing field with employment opportunities in many different sectors from profit and nonprofit to healthcare and government industries.

Success factors

If you enjoy learning and trying to understand the complexity of our world – from biological processes to how humans affect nature – if you are eager to study about environmental problems and possible sustainable solutions that are influenced by social, political and economic aspects, studying environmental science is for you!

Career possibilities

Many career possibilities are available in the field due to an increasing demand for professionals with environmental science backgrounds.

  • Agricultural scientist
  • Botanist
  • Ecologist
  • Forest ranger
  • Urban & regional planner
  • Agricultural technician
  • Engineering technician
  • Forester
  • Outdoor trip leader
  • Environmental analyst
  • Fund raiser
  • Air pollution analyst
  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental Educator
  • Wastewater plant operator
  • Project manager
  • Natural resource specialist
  • Environmental engineer
  • Geophysicist
  • Public health veterinarian
  • Biologist
  • Hazardous waste manager
  • Range manager
  • Biomedical engineer
  • Environmental health specialist
  • Environmental planner
  • Resource economist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Environmental lawyer
  • Industrial hygienist
  • Seismologist
  • Chemical technician
  • Environmental lobbyist
  • Journalist
  • Author
  • Photographer
  • Soil conservation technician
  • Environmental physician
  • Environmental nurse
  • Management consultant
  • Environmental scientist
  • Conservation systems analyst
  • Chemist
  • Meteorologist
  • Oceanographer
  • Hydrologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Geologist
  • Conservation agent
  • Teacher
  • Biochemist
  • Wildlife manager
  • City planner
  • EPA inspector
  • Conservationist
  • Zoologist
“My degree focus was in sustainable transportation within a city system. I want to give people alternative transportation options other than vehicles.”
– Lisa Enns, class of 2013, Transportation Planner in Seattle, Wash.

Majoring in environmental science

  • Field trips to a variety of sectors within the field

Environmental science curriculum

The environmental science program prepares the student to explore the relationships between humans and their environment in a proactive manner. The student employs problem-solving methods, data-search strategies, analysis, evaluation and prediction in the study of complex environmental issues. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in environmental science

Pre-dentistry

What is pre-dentistry?

Dentistry is a career field that requires degrees beyond a four-year undergraduate degree. The pre-Dentistry major is comprised of the basic courses required for an undergraduate degree in pursuit of more advanced degrees.

Success factors

If you are motivated, passionate and enjoy learning and understanding principles governing life processes at all levels – molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological – studying biology is for you!

Career possibilities

  • Private practice
  • Academic dentistry
  • Public health dentistry research
  • International health care
  • Hospital dentistry
  • Dental specialist
  • Dental technician
  • Dental hygienist

Majoring in pre-dentistry

Opportunities to serve as a tutor and department assistant, privileges reserved for upperclassmen at most schools.

Pre-dentistry curriculum

The pre-dentistry curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and advanced degrees. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers. The curriculum follows a general biology curriculum.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in pre-dentistry

Pre-medicine

What is pre-medicine?

Medicine is a career field that requires degrees beyond a four-year undergraduate degree. The pre-Medicine major is comprised of the basic courses required for an undergraduate degree in pursuit of more advanced degrees.

Success factors

If you are motivated, passionate and enjoy learning and understanding principles governing life processes at all levels – molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological – studying biology is for you!

Career possibilities

  • Physician
  • Surgeon
  • Medical specialist
  • Physician assistant
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Dentistry
“The medical profession is grounded in science and can appear cold to those who are ill. The small classes, close attention and caring attitude of the professors during my early academics at Hesston College has helped me focus on the ill person instead of merely the illness.”
– Chris Alliman, M.D., class of 1995

Majoring in pre-medicine

Opportunities to serve as a tutor and department assistant, privileges reserved for upperclassmen at most schools.

Pre-medicine curriculum

The pre-medicine curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and advanced degrees. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers. The curriculum follows a general biology curriculum.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in pre-medicine

Pre-physical therapy

What is Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical therapists, along with physical therapist assistants and aides, help persons with injuries or illness improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment for patients with chronic conditions or injuries.

Success factors

Important traits for students in this program include having an intellectual curiosity, the ability to adapt to situations, self-drive and compassion.

“I definitely enjoyed the two years I spent at Hesston College. The science and math courses challenged and prepared me for the other prerequisite courses for physical therapy school. Hesston College provides an environment for learning about Christ-centered relationships, which encourages young people to develop their God-given gifts.”
— Ryan Friesen, D.P.T, class of 1996

Career possibilities

  • Physical therapist
  • Physical therapy assistant or aide

Majoring in pre-physical therapy

Hesston College provides the opportunity to develop great one-on-one interaction with instructors. Students also have the opportunity to be involved with observation hours at local physical therapy clinics.

Pre-physical therapy curriculum

The pre-physical therapy curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and advanced degrees. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in pre-physical therapy

Pre-veterinary medicine

What is pre-veterinary medicine?

Pre-veterinary medicine is a career field that requires degrees beyond a four-year undergraduate degree. The pre-pharmacy major is comprised of the basic courses required for an undergraduate degree in pursuit of more advanced degrees.

Success factors

If you are motivated, passionate and enjoy learning and understanding principles governing life processes at all levels – molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological – studying biology is for you!

Career possibilities

  • Teaching
  • Researcher
  • Zoological/Wildlife medicine
  • Public health
  • Regulatory medicine
“The undergraduate courses I was able to take at Hesston College prepared me very well for my continued undergraduate studies and also for my veterinary education. The classes were challenging, relevant and transferred easily.”
— Mike Oesch, D.V.M., class of 1991

Majoring in pre-veterinary medicine

Opportunities to serve as a tutor and department assistant, privileges reserved for upperclassmen at most schools.

Pre-veterinary medicine curriculum

The pre-veterinary curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and advanced degrees. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers. The curriculum follows a general biology curriculum.

Sample curriculum – associate degree in pre-veterinary medicine

Faculty

Ishtiak Chowdhury
Ishtiak Chowdhury
Kyle Miller Hesed
Kyle Miller Hesed

Department Mission Statement

The Hesston College Biology department educates students in the biological sciences, supplying biology and science majors with the training and knowledge to successfully advance in the discipline; provides allied health science majors, especially those in nursing, with the foundational knowledge and methodology of biology necessary to their vocation; and provides an experience in the integration of reason and faith to the general education student.

Learning Environment

The biology department is continually upgrading the laboratory equipment, especially as it relates to innovative computerized laboratory experiments. However, there is a constant emphasis on “hands-on” experiences – computers are used to analyze data, but the student still has to do the necessary “laboratory wet-bench work” that is essential in much of the biological work.

The laboratories are wonderful settings for students to interact and cooperate in laboratory projects. There are also group study sessions which bring students together in an informal setting to assist in course work. At least once a year there is a science division-wide gathering where students and faculty and spouses gather for an informal evening which usually includes a dinner, some get-acquainted activities and a lecture presentation by an invited guest.

Courses

A&P lab photo