Biology students at Cornerstone University are tenacious in their pursuit of the answers. They want to know the intricacies of ecosystems and biomes. They want to understand how disease spreads in the human body. They seek to uncover research and statistics about the environments within them and around them. The biology program at Cornerstone prepares you for graduate school, field research, various career paths, or continued study—no matter where your curious mind takes you.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE ALIVE

As God’s people, we are called to fill and take care of His creation while being good stewards. Part of this is understanding more of the world around us—from the smallest atom to the largest Redwood tree. Each aspect of creation is important, and it takes tireless minds to understand them.

The biology program at Cornerstone will prepare you for a life of meaning in scientific research. You’ll gain a well-rounded knowledge of analytics and experience while focusing on your desired field of study, whether it is environmental or human biology. You will graduate with thorough experience no matter what direction you take, and you will enter your field with a Christ-honoring understanding of creation and science.

Admission Requirements

• Application
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Official college and/or military transcripts
• International Students: TOEFL or IELTS score

Program Learning Outcomes

The biology program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts and practices of the biological sciences.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the life sciences, including cellular functioning, the organization of living things, concepts of heredity, evolutionary changes and ecological systems.
• Develop evidence-based arguments in the assessment of environmental issues and the potential solutions to address these issues.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Students will demonstrate the ability to collect, organize, analyze and communicate biological data using the tools and skills used by biologists.

• Design investigations, collect and critically analyze data and communicate results in a biological research project.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively use the skills of a biologist professionally.

Intellectual Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

Internships

Our students at Cornerstone receive experience in their field before they even graduate. We have partnered with several state and local parks, nature centers and research facilities to give our students a well-rounded understanding of their area of study.

Opportunities

• Humane Society of West Michigan
• Howard Christensen Nature Center
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service – Huron Manistee National Forests

Careers

Graduates from Cornerstone’s biology programs find themselves in a wide range of scientific fields. This major will prepare you for endless horizons of vocational opportunities.

Opportunities

• Technician Services
• Biological Field Technician
• Health Communications Specialist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Educator at State or National Park
• Financial Analyst