Contact Our Faculty
Jessica Martin, M.S.
Lecturer of Biology
Robert Truax, MS
Senior Lecturer of Biology
Maxwell Chilije, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biology
Program Overview
The University of Providence’s Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree program allows students to get hands-on experience in their field of study, as one of the guiding philosophies for the biology program is to encourage and support undergraduate research. UP’s professors work with biology majors on exploring their research interests and designing a research project unique to each student.
The integration of UP’s Catholic mission with the exploration of science creates opportunities to discover and develop the whole person in science and society. The University of Providence in Montana offers three specialized concentrations to support the biology major, each of which further encourages students with a specific career in mind to hone the skills in their niche. These concentrations are in the following areas: health professions, physiology and wildlife ecology.
B.A. in Biology Program Highlights
- Study Your Interests
Your education shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all experience. In our biology bachelor’s degree program, you’ll have the ability to tailor your education to your interests by choosing one of three unique academic concentrations. Prepare for a health profession, advanced studies in biology or ecology and conservation science while you deepen your understanding of the primary aspects of biology.
- Internship Opportunities
You won’t just study what you love in UP’s biology program, you’ll have the opportunity to put your education into action in an internship experience, gaining valuable hands-on skills that you can take with you into your career. You’ll receive school credit for completed internship hours, and you can intern where you choose once approved by the University.
- Small Professor-to-Student Ratio
In UP’s biology bachelor’s degree program, you’ll receive care and attention from professors whose work goes beyond the classroom. Our small professor-to-student ratio allows our faculty to work one-on-one with their students, mentoring and nurturing them through their studies and thesis research.
Program Curriculum
UP biology majors will take a variety of courses, including general biology, general chemistry, genetics and cell and molecular biology. In addition to the 44 credits in the major, students will take 16 credits in their concentration. Specialized concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their interests and options include health professions, physiology and wildlife ecology.
Biology Major Concentration Options
Health Professions
This concentration is designed to give future healthcare professionals an understanding of the foundational principles of biological science. Courses include microbiology, immunology, developmental biology, cell biology, virology and classical and modern physics.
Physiology
With courses in human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, exercise physiology and kinesiology and biomechanics, this concentration provides students with a strong foundation in understanding how cells, tissue and organisms function.
Wildlife Ecology
From conservation ecology to mammalogy, students pursuing this concentration will develop their understanding of biology in an ecological context. Courses in ornithology and aquatic ecology round out this unique and growing discipline.
Skills You’ll Learn
Biology majors at the University of Providence will learn these skills and more:
- Creating projections
- Isolating and analyzing DNA, RNA and protein
- Curating experiments
- Transcribing results
- Statistical reports/analysis
- Designing, conducting, and interpreting scientific research
- Sequencing genomes
- Communicating research findings through models, charts and graphs
- Scientific writing
- Research experience
Careers With a Bachelor’s in Biology
Many students study biology during their undergraduate education as a way of preparing for graduate or medical school. Our program provides an excellent basis for these studies, though students in the University of Providence’s bachelor’s in biology program will graduate with timeless skills that make them attractive to many different employers.
Our academic concentrations allow students to prepare for careers in the health sciences, biology or conservation and ecology. Within those categories is an expanse of potential occupations, including those as a botanist, zoologist, ecologist, science writer or teacher, forensic or research scientist, agriculture and food scientist or biologist.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana is one of five states with the highest concentration of jobs for biological scientists. The state is also reported as having a median annual salary of $69,450 for biology degree holders.
Application and Admission Requirements
- Program Application: Complete an online undergraduate application.
- Official Transcripts: Official high school transcripts may be sent directly from your high school to University of Providence | Admissions | 1301 20th Street South | Great Falls, MT 59405. They may also be submitted electronically. Include transcripts from any dual enrollment or other pre-college programs attended and results of any AP tests taken.
- Testing Scores: Official ACT or SAT score reports should be sent if your score with test date is not recorded on your transcript. Our ACT code is 2410, SAT is 4058. Though strongly recommended, providing official test scores is not required. If you have taken either test, it is best to have your scores sent to the University of Providence.
Tailor Your Education to Your Interests With UP’s Bachelor’s in Biology Degree
From wildlife ecology to healthcare, the University of Providence’s Bachelor of Arts in Biology degree program has something for everyone. Get a personalized education as you gain expertise in your concentration and hands-on experience in your internship program.
