At Southwestern, we seek to connect students with the intricacies, discoveries and trials of the natural world in a diverse, hands-on and engaged fashion.

Our professors focus on undergraduate learning through dynamic classroom teaching as well as independent and collaborative scholarship in their specialty area. Small class sizes allow for close attention, collaboration, and personalized learning experiences.

The Department offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree and supports the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Program and new interdisciplinary minors in Animal Studies, Health Studies and Data Science.

In addition, Southwestern offers pre-professional pathways in the areas of pre-medicine, pre-dental or pre-veterinary medicine. These pathways include courses required for admission to these programs, as well as significant resources to help prepare our students for such pursuits.  

No matter which path you choose, numerous career choices await biology graduates, ranging from entrance into graduate or professional schools (including dental, medical, medical technology, nursing, optometry, pharmacy and veterinary) to opportunities in commercial industry, government, nonprofit organizations, public health and teaching.