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, a variety of career paths or continued study—no matter where your curious mind takes you.
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.
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 a state or national park
Financial analyst
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
80%
Of KSEM graduates from the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
100%
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.
Your Curiosity Will Take You Farther
At Cornerstone, you won’t receive just an education. You’ll build an understanding of the world around you—in your studies and in your everyday interactions. We’ll help you answer the questions you’ve always pondered, discover the intricacies of life that you’ve always wondered about and pursue the calling you’ve always dreamed of.
Courses and Learning Outcomes
The biology program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom. From caring professors to one-on-one advising appointments, we have resources to support you in reaching your goals and being successful in your classes.
Biology Major Courses
BIO-151 General Biology
BIO-225 Botany
BIO-233 Zoology
BIO-351 Genetics
BIO-400 Capstone Seminar: Bioethics & Argument Theory
Science & Kinesiology Division Courses Required for Major
SCI-380 Internship
SCI-495 Senior Research Project
SCI-496 Senior Research Seminar
Electives in biology/ecology (must be upper-level courses)
Required Cognates*
CHM-111 Principles of General Chemistry
CHM-212 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
Electives in Mathematics (not MAT-096, 107, 108, 110 or 312)
*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.
Biology Minor
BIO-151 General Biology
BIO-225 Botany
BIO-233 Zoology
Electives in biology (must be upper-level courses)
Required Cognate*
CHM-111 Principles of General Chemistry
*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.
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.
I chose to go to Cornerstone because I wanted to expand and explore my relationship with Jesus. It honestly has grown me and helped me learn a lot.
Luke Mixon (’22)
Faculty
CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.