Biology

Learn by Doing Biology at USI

The Biology Department at USI works to help students learn and grow as scientists through close interactions with faculty as well as direct involvement in experimentation, research, and field work. Our classes are all taught by faculty, not graduate students. Students get to start taking lab classes on day one of their college career, and we offer laboratory and field courses all the way up to the most advanced level. Students also work closely with faculty and peers on research projects. USI Biology students have earned peer reviewed publications, presentations at international conferences, and nationally competitive scholarships thanks to their research collaborations with faculty members. Our faculty offer a broad range of specialties and backgrounds including behavioral ecology, botany, entomology, evolution, genetics, cell and molecular biology, physiology, microbiology, and virology.

Opportunities

Careers

Medicine
Research
Business and industry
Environmental science
Healthcare
Law
Education
Wildlife Biology & Parks Services

Alumni Employers

Astra Zeneca
Mead Johnson
St. Vincent
Deaconess
ACS Habitat Management, California
Berry Plastics
Talley Eye Institute
Evansville Vanderburgh School District
Kentucky Bioprocessing
OZ Taylor Distilling
Spencer County Coroner's Office
PCL Alverno
Kerry Ingredients
Ascent Classical Academy, Lone Tree, CO

Partnership Pathways

Pre-Medicine
The Bachelor of Medicine, B/MD program is a dual program offered through USI and Indiana University School of Medicine. Accepted applicants receive full undergraduate tuition to USI and a provisional seat at IU School of Medicine.

Pre-Chiropractic
The USI Biology Program offers a 3+3 Dual Degree program with Logan University College of Chiropractic. Students complete 3 years at USI and 3 years at Logan University while earning both a BS in Biology and a DC degree.

Pre-Medical Laboratory Science
USI offers articulation agreement with two Medical Laboratory Sciences programs in our region, Good Samaritan in Vincennes, IN and Owensboro Health in Owensboro, KY. These programs allow you to start your education at USI and then transition to the MLS program. At the end of your training, you will have completed both your Bachelor’s degree and MLS Certification.

Pre-Pharmacy
USI offers several options with two pharmacy programs. One is an accelerated Dual Degree pathway with Sullivan University School of Pharmacy. Complete a B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry from USI and a PharmD from Sullivan University School of Pharmacy in as few as 6 years.

Another option offers three different dual degree pathways with Manchester University School of Pharmacy including a PharmD; Dual Degree PharmD and MS in Pharmacogenomics; or a 1-Year On-Campus MS in Pharmacogenomics.

Pre-Professional Programs
USI offers personalized benefits to help you stand out for any professional program. If your goal is Medical, Dental, Optometry, Chiropractic, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Veterinary, or Medical Laboratory Science, we can help you get there with experienced advising and the strong foundation you need for a successful professional school application.

Spotlight

Dr. Nathan Oakley '09

Asst Director, Deaconess Family Medicine Residency Prog - "The B/MD program was a great asset in my journey. The program allowed me to focus on education and personal growth without the worry and distraction regarding medical school acceptance. I also appreciated the comradery with fellow B/MD recipients throughout undergrad studies and medical school. I loved my time spent at USI..."

Dr. Robin Verble '06

Assoc Professor of Biology, Missouri S&T - "USI’s Biology Department was my first academic home. It was where I learned what I was passionate about and found mentors who I wanted to model in my future teaching and research programs. I spent my time at USI figuring out what kind of biologist I wanted to be, and the faculty were really supportive of that period of discovery and curiosity..."

Dr. Peyton Russelburg '14

Research Scientist, BioRad - "The USI Biology department helped me to discover my passion for research. I loved taking advantage of undergraduate research opportunities; the hands on lab experience and direct mentoring from professors was invaluable in preparing me to pursue a PhD. I really enjoyed the small class sizes and unique biology electives!"

Jordan Heitman-Kidd ’11

Attorney, Wagner Reese - "My USI Biology degree has been instrumental in my career path. I am able to use the science and healthcare knowledge that I learned at USI daily in my law practice. The USI Biology program provided ample hands-on opportunities to learn practical skills, explore career interests, and hone my confidence in my own abilities..."