Biology Degree | Major in Biology
Biology is the study of life and, as such, involves a great range of specializations. Whether you enjoy being out in the field or in the lab, there is a place for you – it is simply a matter of finding out what part of biology truly interests you. Majoring in biology is an excellent way to prepare for a variety of health profession careers as well as graduate programs for entry into research or education at the high school and college levels.
Ryan Funderburk
Student
I chose pre-med biology for two reasons. First, I got the privilege of meeting the pulmonary department at Scott & White due to an existing condition of my own and became extremely interested in the lungs. Secondly, both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with several medical conditions and I would like to help people through life events such as these.
Ryan Funderburk
Student
Why should I choose to study a biology major?
Whether your interest is in teaching, research, medicine, or wildlife care, UMHB's Biology program will give you the knowledge you need to succeed.
What are some Biology degree courses I will take?
- Natural History Expedition
- Immunology
- Marine Biology
- Medicinal Botany
- Cell Biology
Optimizing Cell Growth
Dr. Randy Alfano completed his BS degree in biology at UMHB in 2009, then continued his education at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, where he earned a PhD in Systems Biology and Translational Medicine. Today he is Vice President for Product Development at InVitria, producing cell culture media supplements for bioprocessing, vaccines, biopharmaceutical formulation, and stem cell and regenerative medicine. Among his most recent projects: leading the development of a culture medium that minimizes cell culture variability, thereby accelerating vaccine research and speeding manufacturing time for crucial vaccines.
What can I do with a degree in biology?
With a degree in Biology, you have many career options to choose from:
- Field Biologist
- Research (biotech or in an academic setting)
- Clinical laboratory
- Most health professions
- High School Science Teacher
- Educational Consultant
Who is hiring UMHB biology major students?
UMHB Biology degree students have found success in many different areas:
- UT Southwestern Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research
- Orthopedic Surgery at UT Health in Houston
- Texas A&M Agri-Life in Corpus Christi
- Ft. Hood – Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- Baylor Scott & White clinical and research laboratories
- Entegris
- Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Where can I go to grad school?
Many Biology students have continued their education at these schools:
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- McGovern Medical School in Houston
- UT Health School of Dentistry at Houston
- Edward Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama
- UT Medical Branch in Galveston
- Baylor College of Medicine in Houston
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth
- University of Iowa
Why major in biology at UMHB?
UMHB has an active chapter of TriBeta, a biology honor society dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Members engage in various community service projects like the bi-annual Nolan Creek cleanup and attend annual Texas Academy of Science or American Society for Microbiology meetings.
While many university biology programs are cutting down on laboratory course offerings, most of our biology classes include a hands-on laboratory component because we consider hands-on experience critical in the preparation of our students. Most biology faculty members offer one-on-one research opportunities outside of regular class offerings. Twenty-two undergraduates were involved in faculty-supervised research during the 2017-18 school year.
Biology majors can also choose to certify to teach life science through a program that combines the best of UMHB’s top-notch biology program with expertise of the faculty in the acclaimed College of Education. The Educator Preparation Program at UMHB is accredited through the State Board for Teacher Certification, a branch of the Texas Education Agency. The university maintains close connections with 15 area school districts, so students have multiple opportunities to visit schools and make connections with prospective employers before they graduate.
