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Biology

Meet the Growing and Vital World of Science

Our biology major will prepare you for a career in a lab or field research environment, environmental education, biotechnology, forensic science, industry, science communication, bioregulation, advanced education, and many other options.

Students can engage in research while studying as a biology major at CSM. An environmental biology course offers an engaging, hands-on approach to learning about environmental science. The class goes beyond traditional textbooks and lectures, allowing students to immerse themselves in nature and study biological principles. Students venture into local ecosystems, such as Little Papillion Creek, to collect data on pollution levels, analyze aquatic life, and understand the environment's health.

College of Saint Mary offers the Nebraska INBRE Scholar Program in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The program was created to expose students to professional biomedical research and build a statewide biomedical research infrastructure between undergraduate and graduate institutions. After completing their sophomore year, students can enter the program upon the recommendation of their professors. It is a two-year comprehensive training program designed to prepare students for graduate school.

Degrees Offered & Overview

Degrees Offered & Overview

Choose a major below to view the academic description, curriculum, degree requirements and admissions requirements.

Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees Offered

Minors Offered

Student Activities & Organizations

Student Activities & Organizations

Animals, Plants & Nature (APN)

Join fellow students from diverse backgrounds and majors who share your fascination for fish, wildlife, lush flora, towering trees, and the Great Outdoors in Animals, Plants and Nature club. APN allows all CSM students to explore the wonders of nature by participating in meetings, activities, guest speakers, field trips, and more. Discover, learn and experience the natural world like never before.

Green Team

If you’re passionate about making a real impact on our planet and creating a greener future, join the Green Team. Discover how you can be a driving force for sustainability. The Green Team focuses primarily on inducting sustainable practices on a campus-wide scale. This eco-friendly group fundraises for these projects and raises awareness about the different environmental issues and practices by hosting events for students.

STEMinists Club

Calling all curious minds and aspiring scientists! If you’re ready to explore the fascinating realms of math and science, the STEMinists Club is your ticket to a world of endless possibilities. This club strives to serve its members by finding outreach programs, hosting informative sessions about various career paths, and discovering math- or science-related opportunities.

Career Outlook

Career Outlook

Conduct or assist in research, including collecting information and samples of blood, water, soil, plants or animals. Analyze experimental data and interpret results, then write summaries of your findings. A degree in biology or human biology could mean finding answers that could help save lives. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for biologists is $82,530.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration

Additional career information is available at the American Institute of Biological Services website.

Students Receive Awards for Research Accomplishments

Faith participated in multitudes of research while studying biology. 

Faith performed research on “The physiological significance of superoxide dismutase in Staphylococcus Aureus.” The research won her the 2021 Richard Holland Future Scientist Award from the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. 

In addition to bacterial research, Faith has also studied insects. “I think it’s very beneficial to be able to apply what we’re learning in the classroom,” she said. “Hopefully, I’ll be published in a research article someday, so that it will get me out there and help me in the future to put that on my resume.”

Read More About Faith's Experience at CSM