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School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Biology

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Serious about science and faith?

You'll fit right in here. As a Calvin biology major, you'll learn more than just facts, data, and theories. You'll gain the critical thinking skills needed to pursue great science and learn how to apply them to many fields.

All biology programs aren't the same. At Calvin University, you'll learn from dedicated Christian professors known for high quality teaching, exceptional research, and integration of faith and science. You'll join a community that strives to embody kindness, love, and hospitality in all its work and embraces the full diversity of God's good creation. You'll be encouraged to develop and contribute your gifts, and you'll be appreciated.

You'll also find a community of inquisitive students who will help you study and give you tips in the lab and field. Your faculty advisor will listen closely to your goals and help you craft a plan to achieve them. You'll make lifelong connections that you can count on for years to come.

Explore Programs

Biology Major (BA), Minor

On Campus
BA
Major
Minor

Biology Major (BS), Minor

On Campus
BS
Major
Minor

Biology Major (BS)—Neuroscience Concentration

On Campus
BS
Concentration
Major

Environmental Health and Conservation Major (BS)

On Campus
BS
Major

Integrative Biotechnology Minor

On Campus
Minor
View all degrees and programs
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Two students and a professor examining a plant in a greenhouse

Student Experience

Research opportunities as early your first year

You will have opportunities to team up with your professors on cutting-edge research projects in a variety of fields.

Interactions between Bacteriophages(2)

Phage Research

First-year students discover and isolate unique bacterial viruses called phages, analyzing their DNA and contributing their findings to an international database.

Learn more
Professor Anding Shen and her 2024 summer research group

Summer Research

Spend your summers doing paid, full-time research alongside Calvin faculty on projects ranging from Great Lakes ecology to infectious diseases and genetics.

Learn more
Watershed at Plaster Creek Stewards

Plaster Creek Stewards

Explore, preserve, and restore the health and beauty of the local watershed where Calvin's campus resides.

Learn more
Forest path

Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens

The preserve's 100+ acres of native plants and natural habitats offer boundless opportunities to explore and connect with nature.

Learn more

Off-campus programs led by biology professors

Every year, Calvin students go on off-campus trips where they live and study abroad for a few weeks or even an entire semester. Here are just some of the exciting places you might go with your biology professors. (Note that not every program is offered every year.)

Great Wall
Winter Intensive

Chinese Medicine and Culture in China

Next offered
Winter 2027
new-zealand
Winter Intensive (Even years)

Cultural Ecology of New Zealand

Next offered
Winter 2028
netherlands-min
Summer Intensive (Even years)

Dutch Sustainability - Netherlands

Next offered
Summer Intensive 2028
BzCRicaInterim2007 200 copy
Winter Intensive (Odd years)

Tropical Ecosystems: Conservation and Development in Belize

Next offered
Winter 2027

Internships

Find an internship in the Grand Rapids area during the school year, or go to another exciting location to do a paid internship during the summer.

Learn about biology internships

Biology Scholarships

    As a biology student, you are eligible for our department scholarships!

  • Named Scholarships
    are gifts from real people who care about your success.
  • Apply
    for named scholarships starting December 1.
  • 1
    Application
    to match you with any scholarships you qualify for!

How to apply See our scholarships Visit

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Faculty and Staff

All our faculty are committed Christians and dedicated scholars, researchers, educators, and mentors. Their research programs create opportunities for students to actively participate in meaningful scholarly work throughout their time at Calvin. Learn more about the interests of our faculty and staff by clicking on their profiles.

 

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