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Biology

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
The MNU biology program prepares you for a life of service, learning, and responsible living through content-rich courses.

Fast Facts

Meets on-site in Olathe
126 credit hours
Close up of a microscope

We Prepare You

The MNU biology program prepares students for a life of service, learning, and responsible living. You’ll take content-rich courses in genetics, cell biology, ecology, microbiology, parasitology, toxicology, and histology supported by plenty of hands-on experiential learning.

As a biology student, you will develop professional standards that will prepare you for professional and graduate programs, as well as a career in science. We offer many opportunities for you to engage in original research projects that can lead to publication.

Through mentorship and course work, the biology faculty will help you develop an understanding, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship for the beauty, design, and extent of God’s created order. You will be encouraged to contemplate the relationship between scientific principles and Christian faith.

Program Overview

Two biology degree paths, give you greater flexibility in preparing for a career in science, as well as the opportunity to obtain a second major or several minors such as forensic science, chemistry, physics, or psychology, to name a few.

Bachelor of Arts

Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology is designed for students who want a broad, interdisciplinary experience. The BA offers greater flexibility if you are interested in a double major. This degree option is appropriate for students pursuing jobs such as laboratory scientist, environmental/wildlife biologist, or teaching.

Bachelor of Science

Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in biology or the health sciences that require graduate school, professional school, or specialized training programs such as biotechnology and medical technology. All students wishing to enter medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or biomedical laboratory positions should obtain the BS degree.

Students in this major will be provided a new iPad to increase their learning experience.

Visit our Catalog to view all courses

Create a sample schedule

Advanced Degree Opportunity

The MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences cooperative program gives MNU students an accelerated pathway to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) while earning an undergraduate degree from MNU.  Students spend 3 years at MNU completing all the general education courses as well as prerequisite science courses and then transfer to KCU for 4 years to complete the requirements to become a D.O.

The MNU & K-State Cooperative Program gives MNU students the opportunity to earn up to 9 credit hours toward their bachelor’s degree by taking advanced science courses at K-State Olathe.  These courses also count as graduate credit toward an M.S. in Veterinary Biomedical Science or a Professional Science Master’s degree in Applied Biosciences.  This allows MNU students the opportunity to access courses not offered at MNU with the potential for an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree.

Cost & Value

A degree from MNU is a competitively priced, affordable option designed for students with a busy schedule. We’re here to help you find the best options to assist you as you work toward earning your degree.

Credit Hours:

General Education: 42-50

Major Requirements: 58

Electives: 20-26

Total: 126

Financial Aid Available

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program is an additional payment option. MNU School Code: 007032. Information and applications may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Services Office at 913.971.3298 or finaid@mnu.edu.

Pioneer Pledge

Concern about paying back student loans is common. That’s why we provide the Pioneer Pledge, our loan repayment assistance program. If your income is modest after graduation, Pioneer Pledge assists with your educational loan repayments. Learn more on our financial aid pages.

MNU Scholarships

Your education is one of the most important investments you will ever make. At MNU nearly 100% of new students qualify for financial assistance that greatly reduces the actual cost of an MNU education.

The biology program offers many named scholarships and awards. Students may apply each year and a faculty committee selects the recipients.

  • Denny Apple Memorial Scholarship
  • Charles Morrow Memorial Scholarship
  • Division of Science and Mathematics Scholarship
  • Elsie O’Connell Scholarship [pre-med females]
  • Sterling House Scholarship
  • Earl Thomas Memorial Scholarship
  • Evelyn Yoesel Memorial Scholarship
  • Mattix Family Named Scholarship Fund
  • Ed and Ruth Range Scholarship
  • Stephen L. Cole Scholarship [for incoming freshmen]
  • Highest Performance on the Biology Comprehensive
Payment Options

Your degree is an investment in your future. We have a variety of different payment options available, so you can choose the option or combination of options, that best fits your situation. The total cost will be calculated based on your program and can be divided into multiple payments.

Application Process

Fall 2025 Start

Now accepting applications from seniors in high school or college transfers who are interested in starting at MNU in Fall of 2025.

Fall 2026 Start

Now accepting early action application from juniors in high school! Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 (weighted or unweighted) will be considered for provisional admission with priority consideration for our honors program and performing arts scholarships.

*Some exceptions made on case by case basis.

Navigate Your STEM Journey

Find the program that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

  • Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
  • Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
  • Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
  • The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

  • Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 28
  • Participate in community service
  • Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
  • Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

  • Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
  • Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
  • Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
  • Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
  • Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
    • Biological Sciences 12 hours
    • Chemistry 13 hours
    • Biochemistry 3 hours
    • Physics 8 hours
    • English Composition 6 hours

 

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & K-State Cooperative Program:

  • Exposure to graduate-level courses not offered at MNU
  • Opportunity for an accelerated pathway for a master’s degree from K-State Olathe
  • Access to additional professional development resources offered through K-State

To qualify for program entry at MNU students must:

  • Be a junior or senior at MidAmerica Nazarene University
  • Be majoring in biology or similar field
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Have the recommendation of MNU faculty

To qualify for program entry at K-State students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 75 hours of undergraduate degree prior to applying for program
  • Complete a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate degree prior to attending K-State classes
  • Provide a short essay detailing why the student wants to participate in the advanced sciences program
  • Complete the application process

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.  For more information visit https://olathe.k-state.edu

For additional information, contact Jill Speicher at jspeicher@mnu.edu