Biology

Earlham’s biology program encompasses all facets of biology, from cells to ecosystems, from neuroscience to environmental science and health. From day one, you will have unparalleled access to our faculty who teach and do research in and at the intersection of our different disciplines—environmental science, neuroscience, biochemistry, health science, ecology, evolution, and cell and molecular biology.

Our alumni have found work as physicians, nurses, zookeepers, museum specialists, vets, biomedical researchers, GIS specialists, conservation biologists, university professors, wildlife biologists, stem cell and cancer researchers, and educators, among many others. They have worked with state and federal governments and major corporations around the world.

Instructor and student in biology lab discussing a specimen

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91%
of work seekers who majored in the natural sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
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26.6%
of 2018-2022 biology majors seeking work or advanced degrees were attending graduate school within six months of graduation at institutions such as University of New Hampshire, University of New Mexico, University of Notre Dame, Drexel University and more.
Outcomes

Top jobs for 2018-2022 graduates were in animal and wildlife, education, non profits, healthcare, research, recreation and more.

The world is our laboratory, and the laboratory is our world

Hands-on research begins with your first biology course. Throughout your Earlham experience, you’ll do research in the field and lab. You’ll also apply what you learn beyond campus through internships, opportunities with our research partners and amazing off-campus experiences across the U.S. or overseas.

Hands-on experience

Recent biology majors have completed internships at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, the Alaska Zoo, Schepens Eye Research Institute and the United Nations, among other places.

Exceptional facilities

From a fully equipped molecular biology lab, human cadaver lab and the Earlham Nature Reserve System to a greenhouse, herbarium and the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, you’ll have access to top-notch facilities for your studies.

Learn more about our facilities

Earlham faculty holding lecture in a prairie

Our faculty

Our faculty believe in developing the whole person, as well as the biologist within.

Frequently asked questions

In the biology major at Earlham, you’ll be part of a community that cares about you and has a rich history of success in placing students into a wide variety of life science graduate and professional programs. Our faculty will get to know you by first name (you’ll do the same with them) and they will use their resources and networks to help you discover and follow your career path.

Biology majors are strongly encouraged to plan for an off-campus study semester. Talk to your adviser early in your college career to plan for this. Learn more about upcoming opportunities through the Center of Global and Career Education.

If you’re interested in biology research, natural resource management, healthcare, veterinary medicine or education, the biology major may be for you.

Recent graduates have earned prestigious post-graduate fellowships including National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships, Fulbright Grants and Watson Fellowships.

Our alumni have found work as physicians, nurses, zookeepers, museum specialists, vets, biomedical researchers, GIS specialists, conservation biologists, university professors, wildlife biologists, stem cell & cancer researchers, and educators, among many others. They have worked with state and federal governments, and major corporations around the world.

Looking for information about the biology senior seminar and comprehensive exams?

Find resources and more information here.

Next steps

EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.
EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.