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Majors & Degrees

Biology

Engages students with a unique curriculum ranging from research courses in cancer, virology, and ecology to a course in human dissection in the Human Gross Anatomy Cadaver Lab.

In the Department of Biological Sciences students will receive outstanding and personalized education to build a solid foundation for success in professional school, graduate school, and postgraduate careers.

MC offers several medical school level courses for undergraduate students. In the classroom, professors love to share their passions and get to know their students personally. Proud to offer the only facility of its kind in the state of Mississippi, MC is equipped with a 4,800 sq. ft. cadaver lab. Utilizing the facilities and a rigorous curriculum, professors diligently prepare both undergraduates and graduates to succeed in medical school. 

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences can choose between various degree tracts including Medical Sciences, Research, Science Education, and General Biology. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology - Medical Sciences

Unlike any other in the country, the Biology premedical program at Mississippi College offers a collection of medical school-level courses such as Human Gross Anatomy, Medical Physiology, Histology, Neuroanatomy and Pharmacology. Students are better prepared for medical school after graduating from MC by taking these courses ahead of time within the undergraduate curriculum. The Biology premedical program also prepares students for dental or pharmacy school. 

Bachelor of Science in Biology - Research

The Biology department has one of the best research facilities for undergraduates in the southeastern United States. The faculty love to have undergraduate students assist them with their research. The research track affords students the opportunity to do research in cancer, virology, molecular biology, field biology, and many other areas. Many students use their research experience to go on to graduate school to pursue their Ph.D.

Bachelor of Science in Biology - Science Education

Professional education courses supplement science courses for students pursuing teacher licensure in secondary education, leading to certification in Biology and General Sciences for Grades 7-12.

Bachelor of Science in Biology – General Biology

This degree provides a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers: physical therapy, pharmacy, physician’s assistant, medical technology, and field biology.

students studying anatomy model

As a Biology major, you’ll take courses in topics such as:

  • Human Gross Anatomy
  • Medical Physiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Students in the premedical program at Mississippi College are the only undergraduate students in the country able to take medical school board exams, or shelf exams.

These exams, written by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), are taken at the end of each medical school course. Because MC teaches many of our Biology courses at medical school level, the NBME has allowed MC to give those board exams to current students. Top MBME Board scores for MC students are above the 90th percentile. MC's top Gross Anatomy Board score was recently in the 97th percentile; this means the MC student who achieved that score reached higher than 97% of medical students across the country. 

The 20,000 square-foot Medical Sciences building opened in 2013 and features a wet cadaver lab that is available to undergraduate students via the Gross Anatomy course.

Career opportunities for biology graduates include:

  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physical Therapists
  • Marine Biologist
  • Pharmacists
  • Medical Technology Professionals