A Diverse Biology Curriculum 

In small classes, you’ll examine the workings of living organisms and the systems and processes that support life. You’ll study physiology, ecology, cell dynamics, the genetic regulation of plant and animal development, and much more. Our internships draw on the Chicago’s world-class research, cultural and medical resources. You may study marine ecology at the Shedd Aquarium or advanced botany at the Morton Arboretum. This fascinating and demanding major will prepare you for success in a variety of rewarding professional fields, including health care, education and research.

Healing Hands

A Dominican education set Dr. Leticia Perez on the path to becoming a veterinarian

Amazing Opportunities—On Campus and Beyond 

You’ll find a new home in Parmer Hall’s 16 laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, including a human cadaver lab, a digital cadaver table and robotic “patients” for simulated learning. Students have the opportunity to conduct research—on campus or at research centers such as Rush University Medical Center, the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, the Field Museum or Brookfield Zoo. You can combine academic study with compassionate service to people in need, or immerse yourself in a different society and culture through our outstanding study abroad program. You’ll have your choice from among programs on five continents. 

Optional Concentration

The Health Science concentration includes prerequisite courses for careers such as physician, dentist, veterinarian, physician assistant and physical therapist. 

Health Science

Prepare to Teach

Biology students who wish to teach high school students can combine their major with the Teacher Education Program<. Offered by our excellent School of Education, the program includes a semester of student teaching.

For International Students

This program is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

The solid foundation in science that I have today first started in my experience at Dominican when I was a student in the school’s robust science program. Like many who attend Dominican, I learned to appreciate that the faculty were so willing to help us. Their doors were always open.” 

Dr. Patrick Hughes
Dominican University Graduate

Discover Something New 

Undergraduate research is a Dominican trademark. You won’t have to wait until graduate school to collaborate with a brilliant faculty scholar. You can even apply for special funding from the university to support your original research. Our annual research expo in April gives you a chance to practice your presentation skills and show your stuff. Topics of student projects include: 

  • Yeast and Bacterial Genetics 
  • Behavior Genetics 
  • Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 

Hands-on, Practical Research Starts Here

DU students are making discoveries and setting the foundation for future careers 

Prepare for Leadership in Rewarding Fields 

A strong foundation in the biological sciences is great preparation for the professional world, graduate school or both. Whether you plan a career in teaching, research, medicine or public service, Dominican will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experiences you’ll need to achieve your goals. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for lifelong service and achievement. Our graduates are thoughtful, open to new ideas, experienced in the lab, proficient with the latest technologies and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice. 

Internships 

Explore selected off-campus internship site for biology majors: 

  • Advocate Lutheran General Hospital 
  • Argonne National Laboratories 
  • American Citrus Products 
  • Brookfield Zoo 
  • Clarke Mosquito Control 
  • Cook County Forest Preserve 
  • Lincoln Park Zoo  
  • Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine 
  • Morton Arboretum 
  • Park District of River Forest 
  • Resurrection Hospital 
  • Rush University Medical Center 
  • Shedd Aquarium 
  • Tallgrass Restoration

For more information,
please contact:

Christopher Anderson
Professor and Department Chair
Biological Sciences
canderson@dom.edu(link sends email)

Other Programs That May Interest You

Ready for your next steps?