50 of the Best Small Value Colleges for a Biology Degree in 2015

The study of biology is extremely versatile and dynamic. An undergraduate degree in biology could allow you to pursue a number of different career paths, or enroll in pre-professional tracks such as medicine. Whatever your particular career aspirations are, it’s important to find a program which complements your career goals and meets all of your academic needs and requirements.

When trying to determine what biology degree program to enroll in, students should consider the following factors:

What is the average student to teacher ratio?
What facilities does the school offer?
What are the tuition rates like?

Each of the following 50 universities offers great value biology degrees with a number of unique facilities and courses.

1. YORK COLLEGE

York College offers students the chance to actively engage in ‘data-driven labs’
These labs keep pace with the latest happenings within the scientific community – that way students are engaged in contemporary issues and are given an edge when applying to top graduate programs
The labs require intensive research and analysis
Students can choose one of the following areas to focus their biology major on: organismal/population or molecular/cellular aspects of biology
The Pre-Medical track is also available and would allow students to gain essential early clinical experience at York Hospital

2. POMONA COLLEGE

At Pomona, students can choose cell and molecular biology, plant, organismal or environmental concentration area for their major
Pomona also offers students excellent facilities such as the energy efficient biology building, labs featuring advanced instruments, cold room and greenhouses

3. DAEMEN COLLEGE

A Bachelor of Science in Biology gives students a strong foundation in scientific disciplines
Students can expect to take chemistry, physics, ecology, genetics, as well as seminar classes as part of the program
Concentration tracks are available in Adolescence Education and Environmental Studies
Daemen also offers its students many opportunities for hands on research, including ‘study-away’ programs

4. CUMBERLAND UNIVERSITY

Cumberland University is an excellent choice for those individuals who want a job in teaching or allied health
The learning environment is intimate
Students can expect to receive excellent career preparation for the fields they are interested in
The school also boasts one of the highest acceptance rates to allied health fields of any U.S. institution

5. STILLMAN COLLEGE

The Natural Sciences program at Stillman College offers students a broad foundation in scientific coursework
All classes are complemented with ‘support activities’, which strengthen the material which is taught
Alumni have gone on to teach secondary school science, or to graduate school to further their studies
Many graduates of the program now work in government and industrial labs
This degree allows students to pursue careers in public health, dentistry, physical therapy, pharmacy, or optometry

6. NEWMAN UNIVERSITY

At Newman University students have the option of choosing a B.S. or B.A. in Biology
A B.A. in Biology will take a more broad and general approach to the subject, whereas a B.S. is far more technical and includes heavy science and math courses
There is also a Biomedical Research option, a dual program in Biology/Medical Technology, and a minor that can be combined with another science major
Students enrolled in biology major may also choose to concentrate in one of the following pre-professional concentrations: Chiropractic, Medical, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy

7. TOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE

The biology major at Toccoa Falls College is composed of general courses in biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and other biological areas of study
Students may choose a concentration area based on their career aspirations such as Education, Pre-Nursing, Pre-Medical, or Sustainability (as a minor)
Coursework is combined with lots of fun lab work – students can expect to breed fruit flies, dissect animals, help goldfish recover from insulin shock, grow germs, and even analyze DNA

8. HUSTON TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

Students can choose between a general B.A. in biology or a far more technical and scientific B.S. in biology
Students also take part in lab work, and are required to do a biological internship as well as a biological research project
The following concentration areas are available for students to choose from: environmental biology, human biology, pre-medical, and biological educator
Biology at Huston Tillotson University may also be taken as a minor

9. WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

Washington Adventist University is a ‘service-oriented’ school which prides itself on being able to give its students the chance to practically use and apply the information that they learn
There are a number of pre-professional tracks available within the B.S. and B.A. degrees for students to choose from, such as pre-medical
The school also sponsors trips to places outside of the US in order to help students combine their healthcare aspirations with helping the poor

10. VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE

According to the university’s statistics, 90% of its biology degree graduates make quick moves toward their career goals, one third join the military, one fourth go into health professions, and 36% end up going to graduate school
The university credits its success on the approach it employs towards education – The school incorporates the dedication and focus common in the military into their teaching methods, and offers students state-of the art facilities to work with
Students can expect intimate class sizes, with a student to faculty ration of 12:1
Lab work is a central component of the degree
The school also offers students regular advising sessions designed to keep them motivated and on track

11. ALDERSON BROADDUS UNIVERSITY

Alderson Broaddus University’s motto is “You can do that here.” – the purpose of which is to remind their students that they shouldn’t feel like they are held back by any limitations
Concentration areas are available in Organismal Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology and even Ecology
Students can also combine concentrations and specialize in multiple areas
The University’s program are integrative and give students the option to graduate in four years with a degree in both Biology and Environmental Science, Biology and Computer Science, and Biology and Chemistry
By graduating with a degree in two subject areas in the same amount of time it takes to graduate in one subject area, students can increase their employability and even admission chances in the grad school of their choice

12. AMHERST COLLEGE

The biology major at Amherst College is integrative and incorporates elements of physics, biology and chemistry
Students can choose one of the following concentration areas for their degree: animal physiology, neurophysiology, evolutionary biology and genetics
Students can also do an honors research project in their senior year – you can even have the chance to get published
For those interested in pre-medical studies, Amherst offers targeted classes

13. DILLARD UNIVERSITY

Dillard University employs the STEM program for teaching its biology degree
This degree program can be completed in conjunction with several of Dillard University’s partner universities – students can then benefit from two schools at one low price
Dillard also participates in LAMP-STEM, or the “Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation,” the goal of which is to attract greater numbers of minority students pursing STEM degrees
The university also has the Waterway Alliance for Training of Environmental Research, which allows students to use much of Louisiana’s natural environment for studying ecosystems and biodiversity

14. WESLEYAN COLLEGE

Wesleyan College was the first college from which a woman graduated and ultimately received a Doctor of Medicine degree
Students can benefit from small class sizes and intimate learning environment
Lab work is an integral part of the program – WC has over 1,000 square feet of laboratory space, a greenhouse suite, an ultra-centrifuge room, microscopic imaging room, a programmable walk-in environmental chamber and individual research labs for faculty members

15. MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE

Missouri Valley College plays an active role in helping students to tailor their degree to their specific career goals
Depending on whether you want to take a broad approach with general Biology, conduct field research through the Conservation option, train for work as a wildlife manager, or prepare for grad school with the Pre-Med or Pre-Vet option, advisors at MVC are there to help you choose the courses you’ll need to get where you want to go
MVC offers a wide variety of coursework for students to choose from such as Vertebrate Zoology, Ornithology, Taxonomy of Higher Plants, Wildlife Ecology and Management and Entomology

16. JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

With a small student to teacher ratio, students can expect to get one-on-one attention from faculty
The small ratio also results in students being offered internships and research opportunities which wouldn’t be available to them, or would be much harder to get, at a larger school
Statistics from the university indicate that 60% of biology undergrads present scientific research at conferences before they graduate. A majority also participates in the Virginia-North Carolina eight-week summer research program
The University also offers tutoring, financial assistance, and seminars

17. WARNER UNIVERSITY

Warner University’s physical sciences program takes a broad approach in terms of the curriculum it offers – biology, physics, and chemistry, all of which are equally emphasized
Life science courses such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Ecology, Botany and/or Zoology are also offered
Students may even sign up for “Special Topics” which relate to current issues in the field of biology
The exceptionally bright students can join the prestigious Alpha Chi, an honors society
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18. FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
- Florida Memorial University has a small student body and therefore can afford to keep tuition rates low
- Their small size allows them to dedicate most of their funds into providing students with exceptional facilities
- Courses can be taken in ecology, genetics, physics, microbiology, zoology, chemistry, and more
- With its commitment to research and innovation, FMU offers Radiobiology and Radiochemistry as concentration options – this is the only school in the state which offers such programs, and therefore is truly unique in that regard
19. UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
- the University of Saint Mary puts a lot of concentration on lab work
- There are many research assistantships available for juniors and seniors
- The university also helps students in resume building so that they may have an edge in the job market once they graduate
20. BRYAN COLLEGE
- The biology program at Bryan College is ideally suited for those individuals who wish to go into healthcare, nursing, teaching, or graduate studies
- Students will have ample opportunities to take part in internships, volunteer at the local hospital, and apply to summer research programs
- Although BC is a religious institution, the school has a healthy acceptance of scientific principles
21. OHIO VALLEY UNIVERSITY
- Although Ohio Valley University is primarily a liberal arts school, it has a very thorough biology degree program for a small scale college
- The university also offers students the chance to enroll in the honors program, allowing them a rare opportunity to create individualized contracts with faculty to engage “in-depth study” in topics of their interest
22. WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY
- William Carey University offers a number of pre-professional programs
- Biology concentrations are offered in optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pre-medicine, pharmacy, microbiology and environmental biology
- Students can expect to be offered the full range of traditional biological courses, ranging from Zoology to Chemistry
- Seniors, before graduation, can also expect to go on field and camping trips to nearby state parks
23. PAINE COLLEGE
- For those individuals interested in healthcare, graduate school or teaching, Paine College’s biology degree is an ideal choice
- The biology degree offered at Paine has two different emphasis tracks that students can choose from: secondary education or pre-professional sciences
- Courses are then tailored according to each student’s career aspirations
- Paine helps its students ace the GRE and/or MCAT by offering review workshops and test-taking courses
- Students will also benefit from “enrichment opportunities,” which include research experiences on campus, as well as off campus and clinical observation sessions at nearby hospitals
24.LANDER UNIVERSITY
- The biology department at Lander University offers a wide range of programs in Pre-Allied Health, Medical Technology, Genetics and General Biology
- Students can choose from a wide range of unique courses such as Limnology, Immunology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Animal Development
- For those students enrolled in pre-professional tracks such as pre-medicine, clinical experience is an integral part of the program
- Excellent advising services are available to keep students on track and help them with their future career choices
- Those students who are studying genetics will get the chance to take part in laboratory research projects
25. FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
- Students can choose from concentrations in the following areas: Forensic Science, Fisheries, Wildlife Conservation and Allied Health Science
- Summer internships are available at major universities for students enrolled at Fort Valley State University
- Fieldtrips to the everglades and the CDC are also organized
26. BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
- Among the wide range of courses offered in the biology program at Brescia are Marine Biology, Immunology, Histology, Embryology, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Evolution and Ecology
- Students also have the opportunity to design an independent study course to indulge their specific interests
- There are also ‘special topics courses’ which can be taken with your preferred faculty member
- Students can conduct their own directed research project
- Seminars are available for students to sign up for
27. EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE
- Edward Waters is determined to promote an unbiased and analytical way of thinking
- In keeping with fostering the scientific method, the school offers students many opportunities to exercise their investigative skills – There are several lab courses, the option to collaborate with faculty on research, etc
- “e-Center for Promoting Health & Wellness” – is for those interested in health sciences
- Edward Waters College has a partnership with Life University, to run coursework on healthy living requiring students to think out-of-the-box
28. EMMANUEL COLLEGE
- Emmanuel College is committed to encouraging its students to foster a quality, which all scientists should possess: curiosity
- In order to do this, students are encouraged to think in terms of “Why?” and “What if?”
- Lab work is integral to the curriculum
- The Maureen Murphy Wilkens Science Center is full of labs, common areas, and multipurpose classrooms – areas perfect for collaborative, interactive scientific research
29. LeMOYNE-OWEN COLLEGE
- Scientific research is an important part of all careers that involve biology
- For this reason, LeMoyne-Owen College incorporates technical, relevant, and practical skills into the curriculum
- Each course aims to develop computer, analytical and quantitative skills that will be extremely useful in most, if not all biology related careers
30. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY
- Going to a small college for a biology degree as opposed to a larger university will offer you far more choices by way of unique coursework
- Larger universities have rigid and generic curriculums in order to cater to a large number of students
- Small colleges such as CBU inherently enjoy more flexibility
- CBU offers degrees in Biology, Biomedical Science, and Ecology. Dynamic courses such as Dendrology, Herpetology, Algae Fungi and Lichens, and Wetland Ecology are offered to interested students
- For aspiring teachers, CBU offers a five-year B.S. in Biology/M.A in Teaching/Secondary School Licensure program
31. KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
- KSU’s General Biology major includes classes in Ecology, Genetics, Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, among others
- Senior seminars on “Special Problems in Biology” are also offered, exposing students to more advanced, in-depth topics
- Pre-Professional Track – This track includes coursework in Embryology, Physiology and Anatomy
- Teaching Students Track – This track includes courses on special topics such as Child Development and Educational Assessment
32. OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE UNIVERSITY
- Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s biology degree offers a traditional options to all of those students interested in gaining the fundamental biological knowledge required to qualify for a career in the field
- OPSU’s biology department can also help you prepare for professional graduate study in forestry, medical technology, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, nursing and even medicine
33. CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
- As part of the biology program at Central State University, students can expect to take part in research assistantships, internships, summer programs, national conferences, etc
- Students also have the opportunity to publish research and present their findings at conferences
- Biology Society – A special-interest group which organizes conferences and raises funds for fun science events on campus. The society’s membership is open to all
- TriBeta – A national honors society that emphasizes research and academic scholarship. Its membership is open only to the best students
34. ALICE LLOYD COLLEGE
- Alice Lloyd College’s biology degree “rivals some of the best in the nation.”
- The degree is comprehensive and is suitable for advanced graduate study or work in nursing, dentistry, veterinary science, industry, forestry, or healthcare
- Graduates have a very high rate of employment – 96% have relevant jobs or acceptance to graduate schools within just six months of graduation
- ALC also has a Caney Scholars Program, which provides funding for students to pursue advanced degrees even after they leave ALC
35. OUR LADY OF HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
- Our Lady of Holy Cross College offers the following concentration areas in its biology degree: medical, optometry, veterinary, physical therapy, pharmacy, or teacher certification
- For those interested in becoming dental hygienists, there is also an associate’s degree option available
- The student to teacher ratio is very low so students can expect to have attentive professors, well-funded labs, real clinical case studies, and students even get their very own microscope
36. LANE COLLEGE
- Lane College incorporates labs, lectures, and seminars into its Biology degree in order to give students a thorough understanding and appreciation of what they are learning
- Technical skills, computer literacy, experimentation, and the scientific method are all essential aspects of this degree
- Lane College puts an emphasis on spiritual development, civic engagement, and community building outside the classroom
37. NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is one of the few small schools, which offers excellent research opportunities and internship programs
- STEM-focused college, NMIMT also has a vast degree selection: Biology, Environmental Science, Medical Technology, and Biomedical Sciences are all options for students, as well as a 5-year accelerated master’s program
- Classes average fewer than 25 students and so the student to faculty ratio is also excellent
38. BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII
- Brigham Young University is situated in beautiful, tropical Hawaii – isn’t that enough of a reason to enroll?
- The biology degree at BYU is very hands-on and involves a lot of field work in the bountiful Hawaiian islands
- Past students have sought careers in Fish and Wildlife Services, but graduates also find success as research biologists or agricultural workers
39. CONCORD UNIVERSITY
- Concord University is determined to help each student tailor their biology degree according to their own specific career aspirations
- Whether you want to go to medical school, teach, enter the work force, or proceed on to graduate school, CU offers students the following concentration tracks to choose from:
- Pre-Professional, Liberal Arts, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Education
- For those individuals who are interested in pursuing medicine or healthcare, Concord’s Health Department offers programs in Sports Medicine, Health Promotions, Health Education, and a few other related areas
40. TOUGALOO COLLEGE
- Tougaloo College offers a comprehensive biology program which can benefit anyone, whatever their career goals
- TC’s Pre-Health program offers students special advising related to health professions
- The Pre-Nursing Track includes coursework in Human Nutrition and Physiology
41. DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY
- Courses included in the B.S. in Biology degree at Dickinson State University include Zoology, Biometry, Animal Physiology, Evolution, Parasitology, and Epidemiology alongside Physics and Organic Chemistry
- In your sophomore year, there is a seminar and a class on “Scientific Writings and Readings”
- Biology is available as a minor as well
42. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
- During your freshman year at Mississippi Valley State University, you’ll take foundational courses in biology such as Zoology, Botany, Anatomy, Physiology, and the like
- Freshmen also take part in seminar courses, which allow students to discuss relevant scientific research and stay up-to-date on current events in the field
- MVSU also teaches students scientific techniques, research methodology, and allow independent study options
- MVSU also has plenty of complementary programs to help occupy students’ time, from pre-professional organizations in medicine, dentistry, and allied health, to a minority research support program that encourages activity specifically in the biomedical sciences
43. MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN
- The biology program at Mississippi University is divided into two tracks: general and teacher
- Those interested in the teacher track can expect to take the same foundational courses as the general biology track in addition to a number of professional education classes
- The courses include Communication, Human Growth and Development, Reading, and others
- Students enrolled in the general track can also take part in undergraduate research projects
- Some of these projects offer students the chance to earn a stipend for their time and for travel to professional conferences
44. COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Within the life sciences program at Coppin State University, students have the option of pursuing general biology, teacher education, as well as minor options
- The general science program in biology is especially unique because it allows students to get a foundation in biology which will suit their particular career goals
45. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA
- The B.S. in Biology at Texas A&M University-Texarkana is comprehensive and flexible
- After completing your foundational courses, you may take courses such as Global Change, Endangered Ecosystems, Evolutionary Biology, Biotechnology, and Forensic Science
- Concentration areas are available in general biology, environmental science, as well as pre-health
- The university also offers a unique one of a kind course on “Darwin and the Origin of Species”
- Students can also expect to take part in seminars, be offered special topics to study, and even explore independent study options
46. RUST COLLEGE
- Rust takes a holistic approach to their biology degree requiring students to take a broad range of science courses
- Students can expect to take courses such as physics, psychology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics, calculus, probability, statistics, and general psychology
- All life sciences students are also required to complete a biology internship
- RC also has its McNair Scholars Program, which supports first-generation, low-income college students through financial stipends, personalized advising, and the chance to spend a summer conducting research at the University of Mississippi
47. SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AT NEW ORLEANS
- Southern University at New Orleans is committed to providing STEM education – that is, a curriculum based on integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics using an interdisciplinary and hands on approach
- Students are required to perform well in order to graduate – if they get below a “C” in a course they will be required to retake it
48. WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- The biology department of West Virginia State University has over 200 students –almost 10% of the entire student body
- Undergraduate students can choose from three options: Environmental and Organismal Biology, Biotechnology and Genetics, or Pre-Medical and Biomedical Sciences
- Students can take biology as a minor
- Once a student completes their biology degree, they may continue at the university in order to pursue a graduate degree in Biotechnology
49. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF
- There are two track options when it comes to the biology degree offered by the University of Arkansas: Non-Teaching and Science Education (Earth Life Science)
- The curriculum achieves an ideal balance between foundational and in-depth topics and would adequately prepare you for a range of career options
- UAPB also hosts an annual science fair and participates in supportive programs for minority students
50. BEREA COLLEGE
- The biology degree offered at Berea is a B.A. degree
- There are three different tracks within the biology degree: Field and Organismal Biology; Molecular, Cellular, and Systems Biology and General Biology
- Students who are highly qualified and are doing well can also benefit in another way; Berea identifies such students and gives them extra opportunities such as working as lab and teaching assistants, pursuing independent study, participating in faculty-led research
- This means that students not only benefit from an affordable tuition fees, but also get the chance to earn extra money