Biology Major

Biology is the study of living systems and of the processes, organisms, and environments that have shaped biological diversity on earth.

Students who major in Biology at Wooster embark on a fascinating journey that can take them from the detailed examination of the inner workings of a cell to the complex interactions between species. Biology majors become part of a learning community in which students engage in courses that integrate information from the ever-expanding field of the life sciences and share that intellectual journey with a broadly-trained group of committed faculty.

Biology students at Wooster work closely with professional biologists who are dedicated and caring teachers as well as active scientists. The biology curriculum provides students with an engaging learning environment, one that fosters mastery of the biological concepts required for independent and life-long learning. From introductory courses through upper-level classes, students are encouraged to make connections and to build on their skills in experimental design and hypothesis-testing. Small class sizes and investigative laboratory experiences permit faculty to guide student growth and to encourage intellectual creativity. This preparation builds camaraderie and proficiency and gives students the quality of mind and the laboratory tools to move easily into the Independent Study during their junior and senior years.

Founding date: December 18, 1866

Location: Wooster, Ohio, a community of 27,000, approximately 55 miles southwest of Cleveland

Campus: 240 acres

Academic calendar: Semesters

Degrees conferred: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education

Full-time faculty: 171

Full-time faculty holding Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree: 96%

Student-faculty ratio: 10 to 1

Total enrollment (2019): 2,008

96% of Wooster, graduates are employed within 6 months

91% of Wooster, graduates are accepted in their top choice graduate school

54% female, 46% male

24% of U.S. students of color

17% international

31% Ohio, 69% non-Ohio

46 states and 65 countries represented

Students living on-campus: 99%